Cooking a frozen chicken pot pie isn’t just about tossing it in the oven. It’s about getting that golden crust just right, ensuring the filling is perfectly heated, and turning a simple dish into something that rivals a homemade classic.
I spent years perfecting my own pot pie recipe and now I know some tricks that always make it taste like it came from a restaurant.
This article has everything you need to know about cooking a frozen chicken pot pie in the oven, air fryer, or microwave, how to keep the crust from getting soggy, and even simple tricks to make the flavors better. Can you use a store-bought pot pie or a homemade frozen one?
Many people rely on frozen chicken pies for quick weeknight dinners or easy entertaining because they are easy to make and taste great. But nailing the cooking time can be tricky. If you undercook them, the middle will be soft and gross. If you cook them for too long, the crust will get dry and burnt. This full guide will tell you exactly how long it takes to cook frozen chicken pies until they are soft and golden brown.
Understanding Frozen Chicken Pie Basics
Before diving into specifics on cook times, let’s review some key facts about frozen chicken pies that impact the cooking process:
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Types of crust: Most frozen chicken pies have either a flaky pastry crust or a biscuit-style crust. Pastry crusts tend to cook faster.
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Size matters: Individual pies cook faster than large family-size pies. A good general rule is that larger pies need more time.
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No thawing required Frozen pies can go straight into the oven without thawing first.
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Cooking from frozen Cooking the pies without thawing helps maintain the texture of the crust
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Follow package instructions: Cooking time can vary between brands, so check the package.
Recommended Time and Temperature Guidelines
While the package instructions provide a starting point, some general guidelines apply for most frozen chicken pot pies:
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Oven temperature: Bake at 375°F to 395°F. Higher heat helps the bottom crust brown.
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Total cook time: Most pies take 45 to 75 minutes to fully cook.
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Larger pies: Family-size or jumbo pies may need up to 90 minutes.
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Convection cooking: Reduce time by 25°F if using convection function.
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High altitude: Increase time by 5 to 15 minutes if cooking at over 3000 feet elevation.
Checking Doneness
You can get a sense of how done your pie is by looking at it, but the best way to be sure is to check the internal temperature.
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The filling should reach 165°F as measured in the center.
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The crust will be evenly golden brown when done.
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An instant-read thermometer avoids cutting in too soon.
If undercooked, return to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes until 165°F is reached.
Handy Tips for Pie Perfection
Put these helpful tips and tricks to use to make your frozen chicken pies taste great:
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Place pies on a baking sheet for crispier bottom crust.
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Tent with foil if crust browns too quickly.
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Brush crust with egg wash for glossy sheen and enhanced browning.
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Add veggies like peas and carrots to boost filling.
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Let pie rest 5 minutes before slicing for easier serving.
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Freeze extras after cooking and cooling. Reheat later in oven.
Common Baking Pitfalls to Avoid
With frozen chicken pie baking, mistakes happen. Watch out for these common pitfalls:
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Undercooking: Leads to raw, unsafe chicken. Always check temperature.
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Overcooking: Can dry out the filling and make the crust tough.
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Soggy bottom crust: Ensure oven is preheated and use a baking sheet.
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Bubbling over: Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips.
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Uneven cooking: Rotate pie halfway through baking for even browning.
Storing and Reheating Cooked Pies
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Let pies cool completely before refrigerating in airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze extras for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
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Reheat individual slices in microwave until warmed through.
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For whole pies, reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
Are Frozen Chicken Pies Healthy?
Frozen chicken pies can be high in sodium, fat, and preservatives. Opt for lower sodium brands when possible. Stick to single-serving sizes to control portions. Enjoy as an occasional treat, not an everyday meal.
Mastering the Frozen Chicken Pie
It’s not as hard as you think to make the perfect frozen chicken pie. Follow the baking time and temperature instructions in the recipe, and use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the food is done. Avoid common pitfalls like undercooking or burning the crust. These tips will help you make frozen chicken pies like a pro in no time.
Can I cook a frozen chicken pot pie in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the pot pie for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to check periodically to ensure the crust doesnt overcook.
A. Baking Straight from Frozen
One of the easiest ways to cook a frozen pot pie is directly from the freezer. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Put the pot pie on a baking sheet so that any juices can drip off. This also helps the heat spread out evenly, which makes for a perfectly cooked meal.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes. The exact cooking time for a frozen chicken pot pie will depend on its size and brand, but make sure it reaches 165°F on the inside to be sure it’s done.
- Halfway through baking, cover the crust edges with foil to keep them from getting too brown. This step is very important to keep the filling tender and tasty without making the crust soggy.
For a quicker option, consider using an air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the frozen pot pie in the air fryer basket. Based on the type of air fryer you have, it takes about 25 to 30 minutes to cook a frozen chicken pot pie in it.
- Check the crust periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
The pot pie can be cooked right from the freezer, but letting it thaw in the fridge first can cut the baking time by a little:
- It might only take 30 to 40 minutes to bake a thawed chicken pot pie in the oven.
- Better even cooking of the filling and a perfectly crispy crust can also happen with this method.
- Make sure the pot pie is in the middle of the oven or air fryer to avoid crusts that get tough. This positioning allows for even heat distribution.
- If you brush egg wash on the top crust before baking, it will taste better and look better.
- You can make the meal your own by adding extra frozen vegetables or shredded cheese to the filling. This is a great way to make your frozen pot pie from the store taste better.
Whether you’re enjoying a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a hearty one-dish meal, the right preparation will make all the difference.
Frozen Pot Pie In Air Fryer
FAQ
How long do you cook a frozen chicken pie?
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.
How long do frozen pies take to bake?
Baking InstructionPreheat oven to 400º Fahrenheit. Put frozen pie in oven & bake for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350º F and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until golden brown. For pre-baked pie, follow the above instructions but reduce final baking time by approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
How long do chicken pies take to cook?
Cut a couple of air holes with a knife to allow the steam to escape. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 25-35 minutes. The top should be nicely browned and the filling piping hot.
Are frozen chicken pies pre-cooked?
A: All ingredients in the pie are pre-cooked – the crust isn’t. Some, you can cook in the microwave or oven (it’ll show on the package), others can be cooked in the oven only. I prefer the oven baked. Also, these are quite large – plenty for a meal – all you might want to add, if you’re a big eater, is a salad.