Freeze ahead and enjoy: can you freeze chicken pot pie after baking?
What To Know
- Chicken pot pie can be frozen after baking, but there are a few things you need to do to ensure that it freezes well and reheats properly.
- You can make a big batch of pot pie and freeze it for later, so you can have a delicious meal ready to go in just minutes.
- By following the tips in this guide, you can freeze chicken pot pie after baking and enjoy it for months to come.
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter day. But what if you want to make a big batch and freeze some for later? Can chicken pot pie be frozen after baking?
The answer is yes! Chicken pot pie can be frozen after baking, but there are a few things you need to do to ensure that it freezes well and reheats properly.
How to Freeze Chicken Pot Pie After Baking
1. Cool the pot pie completely. Before freezing, it is important to let the pot pie cool completely to room temperature. This will help prevent the filling from becoming watery when it is reheated.
2. Cut the pot pie into individual servings. Once the pot pie is cool, cut it into individual servings. This will make it easier to reheat and serve later.
3. Wrap the pot pie servings in plastic wrap. Wrap each individual serving of pot pie in plastic wrap. This will help prevent freezer burn.
4. Place the pot pie servings in a freezer-safe container. Place the wrapped pot pie servings in a freezer-safe container. This could be a freezer-safe bag, a freezer-safe container, or even an aluminum foil pan.
5. Freeze the pot pie for up to 3 months. Frozen chicken pot pie can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Frozen Chicken Pot Pie
When you are ready to reheat the frozen chicken pot pie, there are a few different methods you can use.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the frozen pot pie in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the pot pie is heated through.
- Microwave: Place the frozen pot pie in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the pot pie is heated through.
- Stovetop: Place the frozen pot pie in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat the pot pie, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.
Tips for Freezing Chicken Pot Pie
- Use a good quality pie crust. A good quality pie crust will help prevent the pot pie from becoming soggy when it is reheated.
- Don’t overfill the pot pie. If the pot pie is overfilled, the filling may bubble over and make a mess when it is reheated.
- Let the pot pie cool completely before freezing. This will help prevent the filling from becoming watery when it is reheated.
- Freeze the pot pie for no more than 3 months. After 3 months, the quality of the pot pie will start to decline.
Benefits of Freezing Chicken Pot Pie
There are many benefits to freezing chicken pot pie.
- It saves time. Freezing chicken pot pie can save you a lot of time in the kitchen. You can make a big batch of pot pie and freeze it for later, so you can have a delicious meal ready to go in just minutes.
- It’s convenient. Frozen chicken pot pie is a convenient option for busy families. You can simply reheat the pot pie when you are ready to eat, and you don’t have to worry about cooking a meal from scratch.
- It’s a great way to save money. Chicken pot pie can be expensive to make, especially if you use high-quality ingredients. Freezing chicken pot pie can help you save money by allowing you to buy ingredients in bulk and freeze them for later.
Conclusion
Chicken pot pie is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed all year round. By following the tips in this guide, you can freeze chicken pot pie after baking and enjoy it for months to come.
FAQ
Can I freeze chicken pot pie that has been made with a cream-based sauce?
Yes, you can freeze chicken pot pie that has been made with a cream-based sauce. However, it is important to note that the cream-based sauce may separate when it is reheated. To prevent this, you can add a little bit of cornstarch to the sauce before freezing.
Can I freeze chicken pot pie that has been made with a biscuit topping?
Yes, you can freeze chicken pot pie that has been made with a biscuit topping. However, it is important to note that the biscuit topping may become soggy when it is reheated. To prevent this, you can brush the biscuit topping with melted butter before freezing.
How do I reheat frozen chicken pot pie in a slow cooker?
To reheat frozen chicken pot pie in a slow cooker, place the frozen pot pie in the slow cooker and add 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pot pie is heated through.
