The Ultimate Guide to Reheating Frozen Chicken Pot Pie: Get That Perfect Crispy Crust Every Time!

If you want to know how to reheat a chicken pot pie the best way, read these steps. They will help you make a delicious chicken pot pie every time.

Chicken pot pie is a beloved classic comfort food thanks in large part to the buttery, flaky crust. The crispy crust and savory pie filling makes it a favorite. There are many different methods to reheat a chicken pot pie, but the goal is always to maintain that delicious, crispy crust while keeping the center creamy.

Whether reheating leftovers or you made a frozen pie in advance, chicken pot pie is easy to reheat and will taste delicious if you follow these simple steps.

Ever grabbed a frozen chicken pot pie from your freezer and wondered how to bring it back to its delicious glory? You’re not alone! As someone who’s messed up more pot pies than I care to admit, I’ve finally mastered the art of reheating these comfort food classics. Let me share my tried-and-tested methods with you!

Why Proper Reheating Matters

When it comes to frozen chicken pot pies, proper reheating isn’t just about warming them up—it’s about transforming that icy block into a mouthwatering meal with a crispy golden crust and piping hot filling. Nobody wants a soggy crust with cold spots in the middle, right?

Simply find the right balance so that the filling reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust turns flaky and golden. Let’s look at the best ways to make the perfect pot pie!

Three Winning Methods to Reheat Your Frozen Pot Pie

There are three main ways to reheat your frozen chicken pot pie, each with its own pros and cons:

1. Oven Method: The Gold Standard

Pros:

Even heating throughout
Perfectly crispy crust
Retains flavor and texture
Most reliable results

Cons

Takes longer (50-60 minutes)
Uses more energy
Requires planning ahead

2. Microwave Method: For the Impatient

Pros

Super quick (3-5 minutes)
Convenient
Energy efficient

Cons:

Often results in soggy crust
Uneven heating
Can make filling rubbery
Considered a “last resort” by chefs

3. Air Fryer Method: The Promising Alternative

Pros:

Crispy crust (maybe even crispier than oven!)
Faster than oven (20-30 minutes)
Uses less energy
Great texture

Cons:

Limited to smaller pot pies
May need adjustment based on air fryer model
Less predictable results

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s break down each method in detail:

The Oven Method (My Personal Favorite)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
This moderate temperature prevents the crust from burning before the filling heats through.
Prepare your pot pie
Remove from packaging and place in an oven-safe dish or baking tray.
Cover with aluminum foil
This is CRUCIAL! The foil shields the crust from direct heat to prevent burning.
Baking for 50 to 60 minutes is very important. If you rush this step, the middle will be half frozen.
Remove foil for the last 10-15 minutes
This allows the crust to crisp up and achieve that beautiful golden-brown color we all crave.
Check internal temperature
Use a food thermometer to ensure the filling reaches 165°F (74°C). Safety first!
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes
This resting period allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents burns when eating.

The Microwave Method (When You’re Really Hungry)

Remove pot pie from packaging
Place on a microwave-safe plate.
Pierce the crust several times with a fork
This lets steam escape and helps prevent a soggy nightmare.
Microwave on medium power for 3-5 minutes
Using medium power rather than high is the secret to better texture.
Check temperature frequently
The filling should reach 165°F (74°C).
Allow to cool for two to three minutes. Be careful, because the filling may be very hot even if the crust doesn’t look it.

The Air Fryer Method (For Crisp Enthusiasts)

Preheat air fryer to 325°F (163°C)
A slightly lower temp than the oven works best here.
Place pot pie in air fryer basket
Make sure it fits without overcrowding. You might need to trim edges if it’s too large.
Air fry for 20-30 minutes
Check occasionally to prevent excessive browning.
Check internal temperature
As always, aim for 165°F (74°C) in the center.
Rest for 3-5 minutes before serving
This helps stabilize the filling and prevents a molten mess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (I’ve Made Them All!)

Let me tell you about some pitfalls I’ve encountered so you don’t repeat my mistakes:

Using too high temperature
This burns the crust while leaving the center frozen. Low and slow is the way to go!
Skipping the foil cover: I once tried to save 10 seconds by not covering with foil, but the result was a hot center with a burned top.
Microwaving on high power
This creates a hot, rubbery exterior and cold interior. Medium power is your friend.
Not checking internal temperature
Food poisoning isn’t worth saving a few minutes. Use that thermometer!
Trying to rush the process
I know it’s tempting, but patience truly pays off with pot pies.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even the best-laid plans sometimes go awry. Here’s how to fix common pot pie problems:

Soggy Crust Blues

Problem: Your crust is soft and sad instead of crispy
Fix: Increase uncovered baking time in oven or air fryer. For microwave reheating, try placing a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture.

Burnt Crust Disaster

Problem: The top is burnt while the filling isn’t hot yet
Fix: Lower the oven temperature slightly and keep the pot pie covered with foil longer.

Lukewarm Filling Disappointment

Problem: The crust looks great but the filling is barely warm
Fix: Make sure your oven is properly preheated and extend cooking time while checking temperature regularly.

Dry, Sad Filling

Problem: The filling is hot but seems dry
Fix: Try adding a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or cream before reheating.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q: Can I reheat a frozen chicken pot pie directly from the freezer without thawing?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s recommended to reheat directly from frozen to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth. Skip the thawing step.

Q: How long does a reheated pot pie stay good in the fridge?
A: A reheated chicken pot pie will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.

Q: Can I refreeze a chicken pot pie after reheating it?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it. Refreezing after reheating can compromise texture and increase the risk of bacterial growth.

Q: Can I use a toaster oven instead?
A: Yes! Follow the oven instructions but monitor closely as toaster ovens heat up faster. It’s a great option for smaller individual pies.

Q: My pot pie is bubbling over during reheating. Help!
A: Place a baking sheet lined with foil beneath your pot pie to catch drips. This has saved my oven from numerous cleaning sessions!

Q: What about convection ovens?
A: Lower the temperature by 25°F (14°C) and check for doneness earlier since convection ovens cook faster.

Q: My chicken pot pie doesn’t have reheating instructions. What should I do?
A: Follow the oven method outlined above. It’s the safest bet, and always prioritize checking the internal temperature.

Special Tips for Different Types of Pot Pies

Different pot pies may require slight adjustments:

Store-bought pot pies: These often have thinner crusts, so you might need to reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
Homemade pot pies: These typically have thicker crusts and might need a full hour in the oven.
Individual pot pies: These smaller versions heat faster—check after 30-35 minutes in the oven.
Family-sized pot pies: These larger pies may need up to 60-90 minutes to heat properly, especially from frozen.

The Secret to Amazing Reheated Pot Pie

If you want to take your reheated pot pie to the next level, try this pro tip: brush the crust with a little melted butter or egg wash before the final 10 minutes of baking. This creates an even more golden, shiny finish that’ll make your pot pie look like it came straight from a bakery!

Final Thoughts: Which Method is Best?

While I’ve given you three solid methods for reheating frozen chicken pot pies, I gotta be honest—the oven method is king. Yes, it takes longer, but the results are consistently amazing. The microwave is great in a pinch, but the texture sacrifice is real. The air fryer is an excellent compromise if you have one and are reheating smaller pies.

Whichever method you choose, remember that the key to success is monitoring that internal temperature and not rushing the process. Good things come to those who wait—especially when it comes to chicken pot pie!

Now go forth and enjoy your perfectly reheated pot pie! Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you.

how to reheat frozen chicken pot pie

How to Reheat Frozen Chicken Pot Pie in the Oven

As I prepare dinner, keep this in mind: reheating a frozen chicken pot pie in the oven is easy and my favorite way to do it, but it can take a while.

The rule of thumb is “low and slow,” so keep the temperature moderate and plan for a cook time of at least half an hour or longer if frozen when using the oven method.

Oven reheating will preserve the flavor of a pie and will keep the crust flaky and delicious. It’s the best method for reheating a whole pie or larger pieces at once.

Since every oven is different, these are just general steps that should help you start reheating your pot pie. But remember to keep an eye on it!

Check every so often to make sure the crust isn’t cooking faster than the filling. If it is, change the cook time, temperature, or aluminum foil covering.

Set the oven to 325°F and take the pot pie out of any plastic wrap or other wrapping. You can leave your pot pie in a tin or aluminum dish if you made it and put it away that way. If you want to reheat food from a pan, put it in a dish that can go in the oven.
Wrap the pie’s edges in foil to keep them from drying out or getting burned. Because you want heat to move around, leave some space in the middle of the pie. There will be more flaky middle crust because of the steam rising from the hot filling. To avoid a soggy mess, watch how fast your pie is browning and how fast the filling is heating up. If needed, make changes to your oven.
Place your pot pie on a baking sheet and heat it up in a preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes for a pie that has been frozen or 45 minutes or more for a pie that has been refrigerated.
When reheating more than one pie, do it a few minutes at a time so that they are all hot and fresh when it’s time to serve.

For reheating a pot pie in a toaster oven, follow all of the aforementioned steps for reheating in a conventional oven but set the heat to 375-400°F.

Make a few small cuts in the crust so steam can escape, and check on the pie regularly to avoid burning or rapidly overcooking your crust.