When the chill of fall settles in, nothing wraps me in cozy comfort quite like a hearty pot pie. Enter the Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie—a dish that delivers pure love in every bite. This recipe was born out of my quest to create a meal that not only hugs the soul but also wows at the dinner table. Picture juicy, seasoned chicken enveloped in a creamy gravy, with bursts of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach mingling harmoniously, all topped with a decadent Cheddar Bay Biscuit crust.
The delightful sizzle of the ingredients coming together in the pan fills my home with an irresistible aroma, making it impossible to resist. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or simply seeking solace after a long day, this dish brings people together. Plus, it’s as comforting and satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into the ultimate comfort food experience that might just make your loved one say, “I do!”
Why is Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie the best?
Ultimate Comfort Food: Embrace the heartwarming essence of home-cooked magic with each bite!
Rich, Flavorful Filling: Tender chicken and creamy gravy create a decadent blend everyone will adore.
Unique Topping: The Cheddar Bay Biscuit crust adds a delightful twist, elevating the pot pie experience.
Versatile Ingredients: Easy substitutions let you customize the recipe for seasonal ingredients or dietary preferences.
Quick Prep Time: With simple steps, you’ll have a show-stopping meal on the table in no time—perfect for busy nights!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This dish is sure to impress your family or guests, turning any dinner into a special occasion.
Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie Ingredients
• A delightful variety of ingredients awaits you to create this comforting dish!
For the Filling
- Chicken Thighs or Breast – Primary protein source, providing heartiness and moisture; turkey or rotisserie chicken can also work well.
- Potatoes – Adds texture and heartiness; Yukon Gold or other waxy potatoes are perfect choices.
- Onion – Enhances flavor and depth in the gravy; shallots can substitute for a milder taste.
- Oil from Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Infuses flavor and moisture into the chicken; olive oil can replace it for sautéing.
- Seasonings (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper) – These provide essential flavor; adjust according to your preferences.
- Chicken Broth – Serves as the base for the gravy, contributing to the overall taste; low-sodium options are great for health-conscious cooks.
- White Wine (Chardonnay) – Adds acidity and depth to the gravy; replace with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Fresh Spinach – Incorporates color and nutrition; fresh kale or other greens can be used as a substitute.
- Heavy Cream – Introduces richness to the gravy; half-and-half is a lighter alternative.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Provides a touch of sweetness and tang; roasted red peppers offer a different flavor profile.
For the Biscuit Topping
- Butter – Essential for making the roux and brushing on biscuits; margarine can serve as a substitute.
- Flour – Thickens the gravy and contributes to the biscuit dough; use cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
- Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix – The key to creating that signature biscuit topping; any biscuit mix can work, but flavor will vary.
- Milk – Hydrates the biscuit mix; non-dairy milk is a fantastic alternative.
- Mild Cheddar Cheese – Adds cheesy goodness to the biscuits; feel free to substitute with your favorite melting cheese.
- Garlic Herb Seasoning – Enhances the flavor of the garlic herb butter; you can mix dried herbs for a homemade version if needed.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie
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Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a hot pan. Sear the chicken until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
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Sauté Vegetables: Using the same pan, add chopped onions and diced potatoes. Sauté until the onions are translucent and potatoes are caramelized, about 8–10 minutes.
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Make the Gravy: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, scraping up any browned bits. In a small bowl, mix butter and flour to create a roux. Gradually stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, followed by the cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Let it simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
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Make Biscuit Dough: In a separate bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; lumps are okay!
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Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the chicken filling to ramekins or a baking dish. Spoon the biscuit dough on top in mounds. Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown. Brush with garlic herb butter right after pulling them out of the oven.
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Serve: Enjoy this comforting meal hot from the oven, letting the incredible aromas fill your kitchen.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful finishing touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture.
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Freezer: Freeze unbaked pot pie tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
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Reheating: For baked pies, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot. Microwaving is quicker but may affect the biscuit texture.
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Assembly Ahead of Time: You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before combining with biscuit dough for a quick bake when you’re ready to enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie.
Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie Variations
Feel free to make this delicious recipe your own by exploring these tasty twists and substitutes!
- Turkey-Centric: Swap out the chicken for turkey to create a flavorful variation that’s perfect for post-holiday meals.
- Cauliflower Swap: Use riced cauliflower in place of potatoes for a lighter, lower-carb option. It adds a lovely texture too!
- Veggie Medley: Toss in a colorful mix of vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a delightful heat that elevates the dish.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the gravy for an aromatic boost.
- Creamy Vegan Style: Replace chicken and cream with coconut milk and chickpeas for a hearty, plant-based version.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in some extra cheese into the biscuit dough for an indulgent, cheesy twist. The more, the merrier!
- Savory Gravy Upgrade: For a richer flavor, substitute beef broth for chicken broth in the gravy. It adds a unique depth that’s hard to resist.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie
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Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly and seared until golden for maximum flavor. This will elevate your Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie!
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Avoid Overmixing: When making the biscuit dough, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits—aim for fluffy and tender!
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Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add veggies like carrots or peas for extra texture. This lets you play around with flavors in your chicken pot pie.
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Individual Ramekins: Baking in ramekins not only speeds up cooking time but also makes for a wonderful presentation—perfect for impressing guests!
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Fresh Herbs Finish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving adds a pop of color and brightness, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.
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Store for Later: Leftovers can be stored easily; they taste even better the next day! Just reheat in the oven or microwave to enjoy this comforting meal again.
Make Ahead Options
These Marry Me Chicken Pot Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling—sautéing the chicken, vegetables, and gravy—up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its rich flavors. The biscuit dough can also be made and refrigerated overnight; just keep it covered to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the filling in a saucepan until hot, transfer it to ramekins, and top with the chilled biscuit dough before baking in a preheated oven for about 14-16 minutes. This way, you’ll have a comforting meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie?
Warm your hearts and plates with delightful sides that complement the comforting essence of this hearty dish.
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Simple Side Salad: A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch, balancing the creaminess of the pot pie.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, roasted to perfection, deliver sweetness and a lovely char that contrasts the rich filling.
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Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in garlic and olive oil provide a zesty pop that cuts through the comfort.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Indulgently smooth mashed potatoes enhance the overall heartiness, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
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Crispy Potato Wedges: These seasoned potato wedges introduce a fun, crispy element that pairs wonderfully with the soft biscuit topping.
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Herbed Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf with fresh herbs offers a light, fluffy texture that complements the rich gravy splendidly.
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Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay echoes the wine in the dish, enhancing the flavors while providing a touch of elegance.
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Apple Crisp: Round off the meal with a warm apple crisp. The sweet and tart flavors contrast the savory pot pie beautifully, making for a delightful ending.
Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for my Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie?
Absolutely! For your chicken, look for fresh, firm thighs or breasts with no discoloration. When selecting potatoes, choose those without dark spots or soft patches—Yukon Golds are a fantastic choice! Fresh spinach should be vibrant green and crisp, while sun-dried tomatoes should have a rich color without signs of excessive dryness or mold.
What’s the best way to store leftover pot pie?
Very! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm—this keeps the biscuit topping nice and fluffy. Alternatively, if you prefer the microwave, 1-2 minutes should suffice, but keep in mind the texture may be a bit affected.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie?
Oh, for sure! You can freeze the unbaked pot pie tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it straight from the freezer, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time at 425°F (220°C) to ensure it heats thoroughly and gets that gorgeous golden crust.
What should I do if my gravy turns out too thin?
No worries! If you find the gravy is too thin, you can create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Stir this into the gravy while it simmers; it’ll help thicken it up perfectly! If needed, let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, make sure to check the labels on your biscuit mix and other ingredients for potential allergens like gluten or dairy. To make this dish dairy-free, simply swap the heavy cream and cheddar with non-dairy alternatives, such as coconut cream and non-dairy cheese. For a gluten-free option, opt for a gluten-free biscuit mix and substitute flour with cornstarch in the gravy.
Can I make this pot pie ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before you plan to make your Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie. This makes assembly a breeze! Just combine the filling with your biscuit dough when you’re ready and pop it in the oven for a fresh, warm dinner!
Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pot Pie Your New Favorite Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken thighs or breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat oil from sun-dried tomatoes in a hot pan. Sear the chicken until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Using the same pan, add chopped onions and diced potatoes. Sauté until the onions are translucent and potatoes are caramelized, about 8–10 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, scraping up any browned bits. In a small bowl, mix butter and flour to create a roux. Gradually stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, followed by the cooked chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Let it simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk until a shaggy dough forms.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Transfer the chicken filling to ramekins or a baking dish. Spoon the biscuit dough on top in mounds. Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.
- Enjoy this comforting meal hot from the oven, letting the incredible aromas fill your kitchen.