Welcome to the ultimate guide for a truly delightful and healthier take on a classic comfort food: Lightened Up Chicken Pot Pie. Forget the heavy, processed versions of your childhood; this recipe focuses on fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, ensuring every bite is both satisfying and guilt-free. Our homemade chicken pot pie recipe features a savory, creamy filling loaded with vibrant vegetables and tender chicken, all crowned with a delicious almond flour crust made from scratch. Whether you’re following a keto-friendly diet or simply seeking a more nutritious meal, this pot pie is designed to be the best of both worlds – quick to prepare and incredibly flavorful. You’ll learn how to craft both the rich filling and the perfectly flaky, low-carb pie dough right on your stovetop, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste. Easily swap chicken for turkey to create a fantastic lightened up turkey pot pie, perfect for using up holiday leftovers or just for a delicious variation.
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Growing up, dishes like classic Bisquick and Pillsbury chicken pot pie were staples, along with cherished Homemade Chicken and Dumplings. While those offered undeniable comfort, they often came with a hefty dose of processed ingredients. This recipe re-imagines that nostalgic warmth with a modern, health-conscious twist. We create a homemade almond flour crust that’s tender, crisp, and completely free from canned biscuits or other pre-made shortcuts. You’ll savor every delicate crumble of this unique crust. For those seeking an even lighter option, this dish can also be prepared crustless, transforming into a hearty and delicious keto chicken stew without the added carbs from the topping.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Dish Lightened Up
The secret to a truly lightened up chicken pot pie lies in ditching the commonly used, often unhealthy, shortcuts and embracing fresh, whole ingredients. Traditional recipes frequently call for canned “cream of chicken soup” as a base for the filling. While convenient, these canned soups are typically packed with unhealthy fats, excessive sodium, and various processed ingredients. For instance, many labels list “modified food starch,” which is an additive used for thickening, alongside “vegetable oil,” “sugar,” and artificial “flavoring.” “Flavoring” is a broad term that often masks a blend of synthetic compounds designed to alter the natural taste, rather than enhancing it with real ingredients. By making our filling from scratch, we have complete control over what goes into our meal, ensuring a cleaner, more nutritious, and ultimately more delicious result.
Similarly, many store-bought pie crusts are laden with processed flours, hydrogenated oils, and added sugars. These ingredients contribute to higher calorie counts and often lack nutritional value. Our commitment to a healthy chicken pot pie extends to the crust, which we prepare with almond flour. This not only makes the dish low-carb and gluten-free, but also adds a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying texture that store-bought crusts simply cannot match. Crafting your own crust and filling allows you to create a dish that is significantly more balanced, wholesome, and tailored to your dietary needs, without sacrificing the rich, comforting essence of a classic chicken pot pie.
Why is it called Pot Pie?
The beloved pot pie has a fascinating history, with its origins tracing back to ancient civilizations. It’s believed that the concept of combining meat and other ingredients within a pastry shell originated in Greece. The ancient Greeks were known for creating “artolaganus,” a dish that involved mixing various meats and vegetables in open pastry shells, forming an early ancestor of what we now call a pie. This practical and delicious method allowed for easy consumption and preservation of food.
The Romans later adopted and evolved this culinary tradition, making a significant contribution by adding a top pastry shell to seal their pies. This upper crust served multiple purposes: it helped to keep the filling moist and flavorful, provided an additional textural element, and also made the dish more portable. Over centuries, this culinary innovation spread across Europe, transforming into the savory, enclosed pie we recognize today. The “pot” in pot pie likely refers to the deep, round container or dish in which these savory pies are traditionally baked, allowing for a generous and comforting serving of filling. This enduring name perfectly encapsulates its humble yet hearty nature as a complete meal baked in one vessel.
How to Make Lightened Up Chicken Pot Pie Crust
Creating a homemade chicken pot pie crust from scratch might seem daunting, but with our lightened-up, almond flour recipe, it’s surprisingly simple and yields a wonderfully tender, flavorful, and low-carb topping. This crust is not only a fantastic alternative to traditional wheat-based crusts but also adds a rich, nutty dimension to your pot pie. Detailed measurements and full instructions are provided in the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a quick overview to guide you through the process:
- Begin by gathering your dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, Italian Seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Ensure they are thoroughly mixed to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasonings, which are crucial for both texture and flavor.
- Next, introduce the wet ingredients. Add the melted butter and the beaten eggs to the dry mixture. Use a silicone non-stick spoon or a sturdy spatula to gently stir everything together. The mixture will start to come together into a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until no dry streaks of flour remain.
- Finally, for an extra touch of savory richness and a slightly crispier finish, fold in the shredded cheese. This adds a delightful depth of flavor and helps achieve that golden-brown, inviting crust. Continue to gently stir until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Once prepared, your versatile, keto-friendly pot pie crust is ready to be spread over your delicious filling and baked to golden perfection. For those seeking an even lighter meal, remember that this pot pie is equally delightful served crustless.
Creating a Flavorful Lightened Up Chicken Pot Pie Filling
The heart of any good pot pie is its rich, savory filling, and our lightened up chicken pot pie filling is no exception. This creamy, vegetable-packed mixture comes together beautifully on the stovetop, making the process straightforward and enjoyable. By using fresh ingredients and building flavors from the ground up, we achieve a depth that canned soups simply cannot replicate. For precise measurements and complete instructions, refer to the detailed recipe card at the end of this post, but here’s how we create this wholesome and delicious filling:
- Start by heating olive oil in your cast iron skillet (a 10-inch skillet works perfectly for this recipe). Once the oil is shimmering, add the cubed chicken and chopped onions. Sauté these together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and no longer pink in the center, and the onions have become translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for building a strong flavor base. Season the chicken and onions with salt, pepper, and your preferred chicken seasoning or rub during this phase to infuse them with taste.
- Next, it’s time to add the vegetables. Incorporate the celery, fresh green beans, cauliflower florets, and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté these vibrant vegetables for several minutes until they begin to soften. This ensures they cook evenly and release their natural sweetness and earthy flavors into the filling. If using frozen cauliflower, steaming it beforehand as suggested in the notes can help achieve the desired tenderness quickly.
- Once the vegetables are tender-crisp, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add a touch more Italian Seasoning and thyme to further enhance the aromatic profile of the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- The final step for the filling is to thicken the sauce to that classic, comforting pot pie consistency. We achieve this by creating a simple slurry, as detailed in the next section, then stirring it back into the pot pie filling. This method ensures a perfectly creamy, luscious sauce that coats every piece of chicken and vegetable without any lumps. Continue to cook on medium-low for 6-8 minutes after thickening until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
This careful layering of ingredients and flavors results in a truly exceptional healthy chicken pot pie filling that’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.
Additional Ideas for Vegetables in Your Low-Carb Pot Pie
While a traditional chicken pot pie often features a medley of carrots, peas, and sometimes potatoes, these vegetables tend to be higher in natural sugars and starches. To keep our recipe truly lightened up and keto-friendly, we intentionally chose to omit them, opting instead for delicious and nutritious alternatives like green beans and cauliflower. However, the beauty of a homemade pot pie is its versatility. You can easily customize the vegetable blend to suit your preferences or what’s fresh and in season. Feel free to experiment with a variety of low-carb, vibrant vegetables to enhance both the nutritional value and the flavor profile of your pot pie. Some excellent choices include:
- Broccoli: Offers a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and a good crunch when cooked. It’s also packed with vitamins.
- Zucchini: A mild-flavored squash that becomes tender and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. It adds moisture without significant carbs.
- Spinach: Wilts down quickly, adding a burst of green and a dose of iron. Stir it in towards the end of cooking the vegetables.
- Kale: Heartier than spinach, kale adds a robust flavor and texture. Massage it first to soften it, then add it to the filling.
- Eggplant: When cubed and sautéed, eggplant becomes tender and meaty, soaking up the flavors of the sauce.
- Green Peppers: Provide a fresh, slightly pungent flavor and a nice pop of color. Red or yellow bell peppers can also be used for a sweeter taste.
Incorporating these alternatives not only keeps your healthy chicken pot pie aligned with a low-carb lifestyle but also allows you to explore new taste combinations and ensure you’re getting a diverse array of nutrients. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect vegetable blend!
Achieving the Perfect Creamy Consistency: How to Thicken The Filling
A truly exceptional chicken pot pie boasts a rich, creamy filling that’s perfectly luscious, not watery or overly thick. To achieve this ideal consistency for our lightened up chicken pot pie filling, we employ a simple yet effective technique: creating a slurry. This method allows you to control the thickness of your sauce, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture without any lumps.
Here’s how to do it:
First, begin by taking a small amount of the hot sauce from your pot pie filling (about 2 tablespoons) and place it into a separate small bowl. Then, add 1-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to this bowl. Whisk the sauce and flour together vigorously until you achieve a smooth paste with no visible clumps. The warm liquid helps the flour dissolve more easily, preventing lumpiness when added back to the main pot.
Once your slurry is smooth, gradually pour it back into the main skillet with the simmering pot pie filling. Stir continuously as you add the slurry to ensure it disperses evenly throughout the sauce. Continue to stir gently over medium-low heat. You will notice the filling gradually begin to thicken as it continues to cook. If after a few minutes you desire a thicker consistency, you can repeat the process with another tablespoon of flour and two tablespoons of sauce, making a second slurry and incorporating it in the same manner. This iterative approach allows you to achieve precisely the right thickness for your preference. This careful thickening process ensures your homemade chicken pot pie has that comforting, hearty sauce that truly defines the dish.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie
Our lightened up chicken pot pie is a complete meal in itself, packed with protein and vegetables, but it truly shines when accompanied by a fresh and complementary side dish. Since the pot pie offers a rich, creamy, and savory profile, pairing it with something lighter and crisp can create a beautifully balanced meal. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complete your dining experience:
- Air Fryer Green Beans: These are a superb choice for adding more green to your plate. Crispy, tender, and seasoned to perfection, air-fried green beans offer a lovely textural contrast to the soft pot pie filling and are incredibly easy to prepare.
- Green Goddess Salad: A vibrant, fresh salad with a creamy, herby dressing is always a winning combination. The brightness of mixed greens and various vegetables cuts through the richness of the pot pie, offering a refreshing counterpoint.
- Zucchini Au Gratin: For those who enjoy a heartier vegetable side that still aligns with a low-carb approach, a cheesy zucchini au gratin is a wonderful option. It adds another layer of comforting flavors without being overly heavy.
- Simple Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus spears, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon, provide an elegant and healthy side that highlights the fresh flavors of spring.
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A quick and easy salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can add a burst of freshness and acidity to cleanse the palate.
Choosing any of these sides will ensure your healthy chicken pot pie dinner is a well-rounded and deeply satisfying meal for the whole family.
Nutritional Insights: How Many Carbs in This Lightened Up Pot Pie
One of the most significant advantages of this lightened up chicken pot pie recipe is its vastly improved nutritional profile, especially concerning carbohydrates. Traditional chicken pot pies, particularly those made with store-bought crusts and cream-of-soup bases, can be surprisingly carb-heavy. For instance, a classic Pillsbury Chicken Pot Pie typically contains around 40 net carbs per serving, making it a challenging option for anyone monitoring their carbohydrate intake, especially those on a keto or low-carb diet.
In stark contrast, our homemade version slashes the carb count dramatically. Thanks to the innovative use of an almond flour crust and a filling crafted from fresh, low-carb vegetables like cauliflower and green beans, this recipe delivers an impressive 6 net carbs per serving. This remarkable reduction makes it an ideal choice for maintaining ketosis or simply enjoying a more balanced meal without feeling deprived. Beyond the low-carb benefit, this pot pie also offers a substantial amount of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the almond flour and heavy cream, contributing to satiety and sustained energy. It’s a testament to how minor ingredient swaps can lead to major nutritional improvements, allowing you to indulge in a beloved comfort food without the high carb count.
Storage Tips: How Long Will This Lightened Up Pot Pie Last in the Fridge
One of the many benefits of making a homemade chicken pot pie is that it makes excellent leftovers, offering a convenient and delicious meal for days to come. Properly stored, your lightened up chicken pot pie will maintain its quality and freshness in the refrigerator for a good amount of time, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
After baking and allowing the pot pie to cool completely to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer any remaining portions into an airtight container. This is crucial for preventing spoilage and keeping the flavors intact. When stored correctly in the refrigerator, this chicken pot pie will remain fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. To reheat, you can simply warm individual servings in the microwave, or for a crispier crust, reheat larger portions in the oven at a moderate temperature until heated through. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level (165°F or 74°C) before consuming. Enjoying your healthy chicken pot pie throughout the week makes meal prep a breeze and provides a satisfying, comforting option whenever you need it.
Freezer Friendly: Tips for Freezing Lightened Up Chicken Pot Pie
Our lightened up chicken pot pie is not just delicious fresh; it’s also incredibly freezer-friendly, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or having a comforting, homemade dinner ready on busy weeknights. You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the freezer, providing a convenient solution for future meals. There are two main ways to freeze your pot pie, both yielding fantastic results:
Freezing a Fully Baked Pot Pie:
If you’ve already baked your pot pie, allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn and maintains its fresh quality. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, there’s no need to thaw! Simply place the frozen pot pie (uncovered, or with foil loosely tented if the crust is browning too quickly) in a preheated oven. You’ll need to add an additional 20-30 minutes of cook time compared to reheating from chilled, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly and heated through. Cooking from frozen often results in an even crispier crust.
Freezing an Assembled (Unbaked) Pot Pie:
You can also assemble the entire pot pie – with the filling and crust in place – and freeze it before baking. This is a great option for fresh-baked taste on demand. Again, ensure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, the same notes as above apply: do not thaw. Bake the frozen, unbaked pot pie directly from the freezer. It will require a longer baking time (approximately 60-90 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly), but the convenience of having a ready-to-bake meal is invaluable. Enjoy the flexibility of this versatile healthy chicken pot pie, perfect for any occasion!
Explore More Convenient One-Pot Meals
If you loved the ease and minimal cleanup of this one-pot chicken pot pie, you’ll be thrilled to discover more recipes that bring maximum flavor with minimum fuss. One-pot meals are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, offering delicious and satisfying dishes without leaving you with a mountain of dishes. Explore these other fantastic one-pot creations:
- Taco Pasta: A delicious fusion of flavors, this one-pot taco pasta delivers all the zesty taste of tacos in a comforting pasta dish.
- Lasagna Soup: Enjoy all the rich, hearty flavors of traditional lasagna in a much quicker and easier soup format, all cooked in a single pot.
- Chicken Spaghetti: This creamy, savory chicken spaghetti is a family favorite that comes together in one pot, perfect for a comforting and effortless meal.
These recipes are designed to simplify your cooking routine while delivering big on taste, proving that delicious meals don’t always require extensive preparation or cleanup.
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Lightened Up Chicken Pot Pie
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Ingredients
- 2 cups blanched almond flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ⅓ cup melted butter measured solid
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Filling
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 1 pound skinless chicken breast, Cut into ½-1 inch cubes.
- salt and pepper to taste
- Chicken Seasoning or chicken rub to taste
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- 1 cup fresh, chopped green beans
- 1 cup chopped cauliflower florets I used the frozen steamable cauliflower and steamed it first.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1-2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Chicken Pot Pie Crust
- Combine almond flour, baking powder,Italian Seasoning, and salt in alarge mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Add in the melted butter and beaten eggs. Stir with a silicone non-stick spoon until a soft dough forms.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheese until evenly distributed. Set aside.
Chicken Pot Pie Filling
- Add olive oil to the cast iron skillet (a 10-inch skillet is recommended) along with the chopped onions. Cook for about 2 minutes over medium heat until the onions are fragrant and translucent.
- Add the cubed chicken breast to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and chicken seasoning to taste.
- Stir in the chopped celery, green beans, cauliflower florets, and minced garlic. Continue to sauté for several minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add Italian Seasoning and thyme. Stir everything together and adjust the heat to medium-low, allowing the mixture to gently simmer.
- To thicken the filling, create a slurry: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of the hot sauce mixture from the skillet. Whisk until smooth and no clumps remain. Add this slurry back to the skillet and stir well.
If a thicker sauce is desired, repeat with an additional tablespoon of flour and 2 tablespoons of sauce mixture.
- Allow the filling to cook on medium-low for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Carefully spoon or spread the prepared almond flour crust mixture evenly over the hot chicken pot pie filling in the skillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
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Notes
- I highly recommend using a cast iron skillet for this recipe. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to cook the filling on the stovetop and then transfer it directly to the oven for baking the crust, making this a true one-pot chicken pot pie. Cast iron also produces an incredibly nice, crisp, and golden-brown crust. However, feel free to use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish you prefer.
- If you’re not strictly following a low-carb diet and aren’t interested in making a homemade almond flour crust, you can certainly use a store-bought pie crust for convenience. Simply follow the baking directions on the package for your chosen crust.
- This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Chicken can be easily substituted with an equal amount of cooked turkey, making this a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday turkey for a delicious lightened up turkey pot pie.
- While heavy cream contributes significantly to the rich, creamy, and thick texture of the sauce, you can substitute it with half-and-half or milk if preferred. Be aware that using lighter dairy options may result in a slightly thinner filling, altering the texture somewhat.
- To save on prep time, consider using pre-cooked chicken. A rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed, works perfectly. Alternatively, many grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s, offer pre-cooked chicken strips (“Just Chicken”) that can be easily cubed and added to the filling. This makes the recipe even quicker to assemble for a busy weeknight.
Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
In conclusion, this Lightened Up Chicken Pot Pie offers a truly transformative culinary experience, proving that classic comfort food can indeed be both indulgent and incredibly wholesome. By embracing homemade ingredients like our tender almond flour crust and a vibrant, from-scratch vegetable filling, you’re not only creating a meal that’s bursting with fresh flavor but also one that aligns perfectly with a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Say goodbye to processed additives and excess sodium, and hello to a pot pie that’s rich in nutrients, lower in carbs, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep solution, or a show-stopping dish to impress your family, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and fantastic flavor make it an instant favorite. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite low-carb vegetables or make it ahead for a convenient freezer meal. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delicious difference of a truly healthy and homemade chicken pot pie. Enjoy every comforting bite!