How To Heat Up A Chicken Pot Pie

How to Heat Up a Chicken Pot Pie: Achieving Perfectly Crispy and Warm Results

Want to enjoy a delicious, comforting chicken pot pie without the hassle of a long cooking time? This guide covers various methods for heating up your leftover chicken pot pie, ensuring it's perfectly heated through with a delightfully crispy crust. Whether you're reheating a store-bought or homemade pie, we've got you covered.

Choosing the Right Reheating Method Depends on Your Preference and Pie Type:

The best way to reheat your chicken pot pie depends largely on whether you prefer a softer or crispier crust. Store-bought pies often have a more delicate crust than homemade versions.

Method 1: Oven Reheating (For the Crispiest Crust)

This method is ideal for achieving a beautifully golden-brown, crispy crust. It's especially effective for homemade pot pies with a thicker, flakier crust.

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the pie: Remove the pot pie from its packaging and place it in an oven-safe dish. If the crust is already browned, you may want to loosely tent it with foil to prevent over-browning.
3. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown and crispy. Check frequently to avoid burning.

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, brush the top of the crust with a little bit of milk or butter before baking.

Method 2: Microwave Reheating (Quick and Easy, but Less Crispy)

The microwave is the fastest way to reheat your chicken pot pie, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. However, this method often results in a softer crust.

1. Prepare the pie: Remove the pot pie from its packaging.
2. Microwave: Place the pot pie on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring gently after each interval. Heating times will vary depending on your microwave's power and the size of your pie. A typical 1-cup serving may take 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as this could result in a soggy crust and scalding filling.

Pro Tip: Cover the pot pie loosely with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel to prevent the crust from drying out.

Method 3: Stovetop Reheating (For even heating, but requires caution)

This method is less common but can work well if you have a small pot pie. It offers even heating but requires careful attention to prevent burning.

1. Prepare the pie: If using a store-bought pie, remove it from its container. You might want to transfer the pie into an oven-safe skillet for easier handling.
2. Heat gently: Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add your pot pie and cook, turning occasionally, until the filling is heated through and the crust is slightly browned. This typically takes around 5-7 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Reheating:

• Let it rest: Once heated, allow the pot pie to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to settle and prevents burns.
• Check for doneness: Always check the internal temperature of the filling to ensure it's reached a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust heating time: The heating times provided are estimates. Always adjust the time according to your appliance's power and the size of your pot pie.
• Leftovers: Store leftover chicken pot pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

No matter which method you choose, enjoy your perfectly reheated chicken pot pie! Remember to prioritize safety and adjust cooking times as needed for the best results.