Chicken pot pie perfection: freeze it before cooking for a time-saving secret

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter night. But what if you don’t have time to make it fresh? Can you freeze chicken pot pie before cooking?

The answer is yes, you can freeze chicken pot pie before cooking. However, there are a few things you need to do to make sure it freezes well and thaws properly.

How to Freeze Chicken Pot Pie Before Cooking

To freeze chicken pot pie before cooking, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the filling. Cook the chicken and vegetables according to your recipe. Do not add the gravy or milk.
2. Transfer the filling to a freezer-safe container. Leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top of the container.
3. Freeze the filling. Freeze the filling for up to 2 months.
4. When ready to cook, thaw the filling. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting.
5. Prepare the crust. Roll out the pie crust and cut it into strips.
6. Assemble the pie. Place the thawed filling in a pie plate and top with the pie crust strips.
7. Bake the pie. Bake the pie at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Tips for Freezing Chicken Pot Pie

Here are a few tips for freezing chicken pot pie:

• Use a freezer-safe container that is airtight and leak-proof.
• Leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
• Label the container with the date and contents.
• Freeze the filling for up to 2 months.
• Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting.
• Do not refreeze the filling once it has been thawed.

Benefits of Freezing Chicken Pot Pie

There are several benefits to freezing chicken pot pie before cooking:

• Save time. Freezing chicken pot pie before cooking can save you time on busy weeknights. Simply thaw the filling and assemble the pie when you’re ready to eat.
• Make ahead. You can make chicken pot pie ahead of time and freeze it for later. This is a great way to have a home-cooked meal on hand without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
• Portion control. Freezing chicken pot pie in individual portions is a great way to control your portions and avoid overeating.

Can You Freeze Chicken Pot Pie with Milk?

No, you should not freeze chicken pot pie with milk. Milk can cause the filling to separate and become watery when it is thawed. If you want to add milk to your chicken pot pie, do so after it has been thawed and reheated.

Can You Freeze Chicken Pot Pie with Cream of Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can freeze chicken pot pie with cream of chicken soup. Cream of chicken soup is a good way to add flavor and creaminess to the filling. Simply add the cream of chicken soup to the filling before freezing.

How to Reheat Frozen Chicken Pot Pie

To reheat frozen chicken pot pie, follow these steps:

1. Thaw the filling. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting.
2. Transfer the filling to a saucepan. Heat the filling over medium heat until it is warmed through.
3. Prepare the crust. Roll out the pie crust and cut it into strips.
4. Assemble the pie. Place the thawed filling in a pie plate and top with the pie crust strips.
5. Bake the pie. Bake the pie at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Can I freeze chicken pot pie without the crust?

Yes, you can freeze chicken pot pie without the crust. Simply freeze the filling in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to cook the pie, thaw the filling and then add the crust.

2. How long can I freeze chicken pot pie?

You can freeze chicken pot pie for up to 2 months.

3. Can I freeze chicken pot pie in a glass dish?

No, you should not freeze chicken pot pie in a glass dish. Glass can crack or break when it is frozen.