Pies keep refrigerated for about 3 days or frozen for 2 months. We recommend reheating most pies before serving (not the “cold” pies like key lime and chocolate mousse). In addition, if you plan to serve your pie later than three days, we recommend freezing, then defrosting & reheating.
Chicken pot pie is a delicious comfort food that is loved by many. The flaky, golden crust and hearty chicken filling make it a great meal option. While fresh chicken pot pies from your local bakery or homemade are hard to beat, sometimes using a frozen pot pie can be a quick and easy dinner solution. However, one question remains – how long does it take to properly heat up a frozen chicken pot pie so that it’s hot and flaky on the inside and golden brown on the outside?
Defrosting and Baking Times Vary
It varies a lot how long it takes to bake a frozen chicken pot pie. It depends on several factors:
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The size and shape of the pot pie – Smaller pies may bake faster than larger ones. Deep dish chicken pot pies may need more time than a regular round pie.
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Oven type – Standard ovens take longer to preheat and bake compared to convection ovens
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Oven accuracy – Many home ovens are not properly calibrated and lose significant heat when opened. This can impact bake times
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Frozen or defrosted – Baking straight from the freezer takes longer than defrosting first
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Pie pan vs no pan – Baking directly on a oven rack or pizza stone will be faster than using a metal pie pan.
So while exact bake times can’t be universially recommended, here are some general guidelines for both defrosting and baking frozen chicken pot pies to perfection.
Defrosting Overnight is Recommended
For best results, it’s recommended to defrost frozen chicken pot pies overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the filling to thaw gradually and prevents a soggy bottom crust.
The chicken pie can be baked like a fresh one after it has thawed. At 375°F, baking may take 45 to 60 minutes, depending on how different ovens work. Once the top is golden brown and the filling starts to bubble, the pie is done. When it’s done, an instant read thermometer should read 165°F in the middle.
One night in the fridge makes a chicken pot pie with a flaky, crispy crust and a filling that is thicker. The gravy has time to thicken, which makes the flavors stronger.
Baking Straight from Frozen
Freezing actually helps retain the flakiness of the crust. So if you’re short on time, baking a chicken pot pie straight from the freezer is absolutely doable.
However, it will take significantly longer than defrosting first. Most directions for frozen pot pies say to bake them at 350°F for 80 to 90 minutes. But check occasionally as times can vary.
Look for a crust that’s entirely browned across the top. The center should register 165°F on a food thermometer. And the filling should bubble steadily, not just around the edges.
The gravy may be looser when baked straight from frozen since there wasn’t time for it to thicken up. But the results will still be tasty.
Helpful Tips for Baked Frozen Pies
Follow these tips for successfully baking frozen chicken pot pies:
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Always bake on a foil lined sheet for easy clean up. Crusts can drip butter or leak filling.
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Cover the edges with foil if the crust browns too quickly while the middle is still cooking.
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Bake at a high temp to start for quicker browning then reduce heat to finish cooking the center without burning.
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Don’t rely on bake times alone. Use visual cues like crust color and filling temp.
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Check often near the end and continue baking if needed for doneness.
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Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for filling to set up.
Reheating Leftover Chicken Pot Pie
Got leftover baked chicken pot pie? Simply cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave until warmed through before serving.
For whole pie leftovers, reheat uncovered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot. Watch that the crust doesn’t burn.
Quick & Delicious Chicken Pot Pies
While homemade chicken pot pie can’t be beat for freshness, keeping some frozen pies on hand for busy nights is a great idea. Just be sure to allow enough time for proper thawing and baking. With the right techniques, you’ll enjoy tender flaky crust and piping hot filling in no time.
So next time you’re wondering “how long does a frozen chicken pot pie take to bake?”, use these guidelines for defrosting and oven tips. With a little patience you’ll be enjoying delicious comfort food pot pie in time for dinner. Enjoy this hearty meal on chilly nights or anytime you get a craving.
How do I reheat a flaky crust pie (or quiche) that has been in the fridge?
If your pie with a flaky crust has been in the fridge, heat it up in a 325-degree oven for 10 to 20 minutes before serving. How long depends on your taste. Generally, quiche are heated up less and denser pies like apple are heated longer. Reheating doesn’t have to be done directly before serving. After reheating, the pie can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours and still be super delicious.
Watch this video:
How do I freeze and reheat a pie?
Most of our pies freeze beautifully. Wrap the pie well with plastic wrap before placing in the freezer. Then wrap the plastic in aluminum foil. Note: Some pies may lend themselves to freezing first and then wrapping and placing back in the freezer. A well wrapped frozen pie will keep in your freezer for up to two months. When you are ready to serve, thaw overnight in your refrigerator. If it is a pie with our flaky crust, please reheat in a 350 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes prior to serving. The purpose of this reheating is to warm the pie through and recrisp the crust. After reheating, the pie will keep at room temperature for several hours, so you don’t need to reheat immediately before serving. However, we do recommend that all flaky crust pies that have been in the fridge or freezer be reheated at some point prior to serving to revive the crust. This promotes a flaky crust and prevents “toughness” that can result when eating a pie crust that is too cold.
Watch this video:
Frozen Pot Pie In Air Fryer
FAQ
How to reheat a frozen fully cooked chicken pot pie?
BAKE STRAIGHT FROM FROZEN “EMERGENCY PIE”Place the pie on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven (or 325 degrees convection) for 80-90 minutes (times may vary). The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
How long do you cook a chicken pot pie from frozen?
How long does it take to cook a frozen chicken pot pie? The recommended time to cook a frozen chicken pot pie in the oven is 45-60 minutes at 400°F. Jan 27, 2025.
Should you thaw a frozen chicken pot pie before baking?
If you freeze pie(s), do not thaw before baking. Place the pan in an oven that is already heated to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) and cover the edges with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Decrease oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking until filling is bubbly and crust is golden, 70 to 80 minutes more.
How to reheat a fully cooked frozen pie?
Unwrap pie and place in oven straight from freezer (do not let it thaw). Bake 25 minutes. Let stand for 30 -60 minutes if inside is still cool. Do not overbake as the pie arrives fully baked and overbaking will dry it out.