Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust is the cozy classic you didn’t know needed a modern makeover. This irresistible twist on the beloved comfort food swaps out the fussy pastry crust for fluffy, golden biscuits that soak up the creamy filling without going soggy. It’s easier, faster, and arguably more delicious.
Why Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust is the Ultimate Upgrade
The Rise of Biscuit Crust in Classic American Comfort Food
Chicken pot pie has long been a staple of American home cooking. Traditionally made with a flaky pie crust, it’s hearty, comforting, and full of nostalgia. But with the rise of quick meals and craveable textures, many cooks are reaching for biscuit toppings instead—and with good reason.
Biscuit crusts are easier to prepare, bake up faster, and offer a tender, golden-brown finish with just enough crunch. They also pair beautifully with the rich, creamy filling, creating a spoonful that delivers big flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.
Comparing Traditional Crust vs. Biscuit Topping
So what makes biscuit crust so much better than the old-school pie crust? It all comes down to texture, ease, and flavor.
Feature | Traditional Pie Crust | Biscuit Crust |
---|---|---|
Texture | Flaky, crisp | Soft, fluffy, and golden |
Prep Time | Long (roll, chill, shape) | Quick (drop or layer) |
Flavor Profile | Buttery but subtle | Buttermilk-rich, savory |
Ideal Use | Classic presentation | Comfort food with ease |
The biscuit topping adds a rustic charm while cutting your kitchen time in half. No need to fuss with flour-dusted countertops or pie weights—just scoop, bake, and enjoy.
Ingredients That Make Your Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie Irresistible
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Filling
The filling is the heart of your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust—rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor. The right ingredients make all the difference in texture, taste, and consistency. Here’s what you’ll need for a classic, mouthwatering pot pie filling:
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced): Rotisserie chicken works great for quick prep.
- Vegetables: Traditional choices include peas, carrots, celery, corn, and green beans. Use frozen or fresh.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic sautéed in butter set the flavor foundation.
- Fat & Flour: Butter and all-purpose flour create the roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Chicken broth or stock: Rich, savory liquid that binds everything together.
- Milk or heavy cream: Adds the signature creamy texture.
- Herbs & seasonings: Thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for depth.
Pro Tip: For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of white wine.
Check out Hot Honey Chicken Tenders for a spicy protein option that could be used in creative variations of this dish.
Biscuit Crust Ingredients: Types of Biscuit Dough That Work
When it comes to the biscuit crust in your chicken pot pie, you’ve got a few routes to explore—each with its own texture and flavor profile.
1. Homemade Biscuits (Best Flavor)
Making your biscuits from scratch gives you control over every bite.
Basic recipe:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cold butter (cubed)
- Buttermilk or whole milk
Mix until crumbly and drop onto your filling for a rustic, delicious top.
2. Store-Bought Biscuit Dough (Quick & Easy)
Short on time? Pre-made biscuit dough from the can will get the job done. Choose flaky layers for the best rise and texture.
3. Gluten-Free Biscuit Options
For dietary needs, try almond flour or gluten-free baking blends. Add xanthan gum for structure if your mix doesn’t already include it.
4. Drop Biscuits vs. Rolled Biscuits
- Drop biscuits are rustic, quick, and bake with crunchy tops.
- Rolled and cut biscuits give a uniform appearance and more layered texture.
Step-by-Step Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust Recipe
How to Prepare the Creamy Chicken Filling
Making the filling for your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust is where comfort meets flavor. The creamy texture, tender chicken, and savory vegetables are what make this dish the ultimate family dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking until translucent. This base builds the rich flavor every Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust depends on.
- Make the Roux Stir in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour. Cook for 2 minutes to form a thick paste. This roux thickens the sauce and helps keep your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust from turning watery.
- Add Liquid Ingredients Gradually whisk in 1½ cups chicken broth and 1 cup milk or heavy cream. Let it simmer until creamy—about 5 minutes. This gives your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust that signature velvety texture.
- Mix in Protein & Veggies Fold in 3 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup peas, 1 cup diced carrots, and 1 cup corn. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. The hearty filling is the soul of your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust.
- Let It Simmer Simmer for 5–7 minutes until everything is heated through and bubbling. This ensures even flavor distribution across your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust.
Want to mix it up? Use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey in your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust for a faster prep time.
How to Make and Place the Biscuit Topping
Now for the star on top—those fluffy, buttery biscuits. This crust is what elevates your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
If Using Homemade Drop Biscuits
- Make Your Dough Combine 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and ½ cup cold butter. Cut until crumbly. Stir in ¾ cup buttermilk. Avoid overmixing—your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust needs tender biscuits!
- Top the Filling Drop the dough in spoonfuls over the hot filling. Don’t worry about perfection; a rustic look suits any Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust.
If Using Canned Biscuit Dough
- Open your favorite brand of biscuit dough.
- Arrange the biscuits on top of the pot pie, spacing them evenly. These rise and turn golden as your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust bakes.
Brush the biscuit tops with butter or egg wash for a golden crust that complements the creamy filling beneath.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the biscuits are golden and fully baked. Let your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust rest 5 minutes before serving—it thickens and becomes even more flavorful.
Cooking Methods and Tips for Best Results
Oven Baking vs. Skillet Method: Which is Better?
When it comes to preparing Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust, the method you choose can influence everything—from crust texture to how evenly the filling heats. Let’s compare the most popular options so you can decide what’s best for your kitchen setup.
Oven Baking (Most Traditional & Consistent)
The oven method is ideal if you want golden biscuits with a crisp top and fully set filling.
Pros:
- Biscuits bake evenly and rise beautifully
- Filling gets that slow-cooked, infused flavor
- Easy to prep in a casserole or baking dish
How to Do It Right:
- Use a 9×13-inch baking dish or a deep pie dish.
- Spoon in the hot filling, then top with biscuits.
- Bake uncovered at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.
Tip: Always place your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling over. That way, your oven stays mess-free.
Skillet Method (Great for One-Pan Meals)
A cast-iron or oven-safe skillet lets you cook the filling and bake the pie in the same pan.
Pros:
- Fewer dishes to wash
- Excellent heat retention for crispy edges
- Rustic presentation perfect for serving at the table
How to Do It Right:
- Sauté filling ingredients directly in the skillet.
- Top with biscuit dough and transfer to a preheated oven.
- Bake until biscuits are golden and cooked through.
Adjusting Temperature and Cook Time for a Golden Biscuit Crust
Achieving that perfect crust for your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust means mastering two things: oven temperature and cook time. Here’s how to avoid burnt biscuits or undercooked dough.
Best Temperature for Even Baking
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the sweet spot—hot enough to crisp up the biscuits while gently cooking the filling beneath.
Lower temperatures (350°F) may cause soggy biscuits. Higher temps (425°F+) risk browning the tops too quickly.
Watch for These Doneness Signs:
- Biscuits should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch.
- The filling should bubble up around the edges—this means it’s fully heated through.
- Use a toothpick to check biscuit centers—if it comes out clean, they’re cooked.
If the tops brown too fast but the inside is still raw, loosely cover with foil and extend the baking time by 5–10 minutes.
Avoiding a Soggy Crust: Pro Tips and Fixes
How to Keep the Filling from Soaking the Bottom
One of the biggest disappointments when making Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust is a soggy bottom or undercooked biscuit centers. Luckily, this is totally avoidable with a few smart kitchen hacks. Your goal is to balance moisture while preserving that golden, fluffy crust.
1. Use a Thick Filling
A watery filling is the enemy of crisp biscuits. Be sure your sauce is thick before adding it to the baking dish. Simmer the roux-based sauce until it coats the back of a spoon.
Bonus Tip: Add a tablespoon of cornstarch or reduce your sauce slightly longer on the stove if it seems too runny.
2. Preheat the Dish
Before dropping the biscuit dough on top, ensure your chicken and vegetable mixture is hot. Hot filling kickstarts the bottom biscuit bake, reducing sogginess.
3. Avoid Overcrowding Biscuits
Spacing is key. Whether using homemade dough or store-bought biscuits, give each one breathing room. This allows hot air to circulate for even cooking.
4. Use the Right Dish
Shallow, wide dishes (like a cast-iron skillet or 9×13 pan) help the crust bake evenly. Deep dishes trap steam, which increases the risk of sogginess in your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust.
Should You Prebake the Crust? What Experts Say
This question comes up often: “Should I prebake the bottom crust for chicken pot pie?” The answer depends on the kind of crust you’re using. Since Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust doesn’t have a bottom dough layer (unlike double-crust pies), there’s no need to prebake. But there are techniques to ensure biscuit tops bake perfectly.
For Biscuit Toppings:
- Don’t prebake. Biscuit dough goes on raw over the hot filling.
- Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F to quickly set the biscuit bottoms.
- Optionally, bake on a lower oven rack to promote browning underneath.
For Traditional Pie Crust Bottoms (If Used):
- If you’re layering pie dough beneath the filling (less common in biscuit versions), par-bake the crust at 375°F for 10–12 minutes with pie weights. Then fill and top with biscuits.
Reminder: In the biscuit version, there’s usually no bottom crust, just a rich, bubbly filling underneath a biscuit topping.
What’s the Difference Between Chicken Pie and Chicken Pot Pie?
Ingredient and Texture Differences Explained
It’s easy to confuse chicken pie with chicken pot pie, especially when both feature savory chicken fillings encased in some form of crust. However, they differ in both composition and texture—and your choice may depend on what kind of comfort you’re craving.
Chicken Pie
- Often has a firmer crust on both top and bottom—like a traditional meat pie.
- The filling is usually thicker, almost solid, and may contain less sauce.
- Many Southern versions are crust-heavy with minimal vegetables.
Chicken Pot Pie
- Traditionally includes a creamy, stew-like filling with chicken and vegetables.
- Only has a top crust, often biscuit or puff pastry-based—especially in modern versions.
- Focuses more on comfort-food richness and spoonable texture.
So, your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust isn’t just a tasty upgrade—it’s an entirely different style of dish from a classic chicken pie. The creamy sauce and biscuit topping are what make it so unique and appealing.
Regional Versions Across the U.S.
Chicken pies and pot pies take on different personalities depending on where you are in the country.
Region | Style | Crust Type | Filling |
---|---|---|---|
Southern U.S. | Chicken Pie | Double-crust, firm | Often just chicken and gravy |
Northeast | Chicken Pot Pie | Puff pastry or biscuit | Creamy with peas, carrots, onions |
Midwest | Pot Pie Casserole | Biscuit topping | Rich stew with vegetables |
Pennsylvania Dutch | Pot Pie (No Crust!) | Noodles instead | Chicken stew with square noodles |
As you can see, Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust fits beautifully into American comfort food traditions while carving out its own easy-to-make, craveable identity.
Creative Twists on Classic Biscuit-Topped Pot Pie
Southern-Style Pot Pies with Buttermilk Biscuits
Looking to add more personality to your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust? Start with the biscuit. Southern cuisine has long celebrated rich, fluffy, buttermilk biscuits—and they’re a natural upgrade to your pot pie crust.
Here’s how to add a Southern spin:
- Use buttermilk instead of regular milk in your biscuit dough for extra tang and lift.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar or sharp white cheese into the dough for a cheesy biscuit crust.
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the filling for a subtle kick.
- Finish with a butter-brushed crust and sprinkle with sea salt before baking.
This approach makes your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust taste like Sunday supper at Grandma’s—warm, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Low-Carb or Gluten-Free Biscuit Crust Alternatives
Craving that comfort without the carbs or gluten? No problem. You can still enjoy a satisfying Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust by tweaking your crust recipe to suit your dietary needs.
Low-Carb/Keto Options
Use almond flour or coconut flour as your base. Mix with:
- Baking powder
- Eggs
- Shredded mozzarella or cream cheese for structure
- Herbs like parsley or thyme for flavor
While the texture won’t be identical to traditional biscuits, the result is chewy, golden, and low-carb friendly.
Gluten-Free Biscuit Variations
Use a certified gluten-free baking mix or make your own blend with:
- Brown rice flour
- Tapioca starch
- Potato starch
- Xanthan gum
Be mindful of moisture balance—gluten-free doughs can dry out quickly, so add a little extra buttermilk or oil to keep the dough tender.
For another gluten-free-friendly idea, check out Easy Creamy Ricotta Dessert—light, smooth, and totally indulgent.
Bonus Flavor Ideas to Mix Into Your Pot Pie
- Add Bacon Crumbles: Cooked bacon bits stirred into the filling add smoky depth.
- Go Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the biscuit dough for a kick.
- Make it Mediterranean: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the filling.
The beauty of Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust is how versatile it is—once you’ve mastered the base, the variations are endless.
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust is more than a shortcut—it’s a smart, flavor-packed upgrade to a timeless classic. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting family and friends, this dish delivers comfort, simplicity, and crowd-pleasing appeal.
From creating a rich, hearty filling to mastering that golden biscuit top, you now have everything you need to make this recipe a staple in your kitchen. Customize it, freeze it, reheat it—this is comfort food done right.
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FAQ
Can you use biscuits for chicken pot pie?
Absolutely. Using biscuits instead of a traditional pie crust is not only easier, but also adds a delicious, fluffy texture to your dish. You can use homemade or store-bought biscuit dough to top your Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust. Just make sure the filling is hot before adding biscuits to help them bake evenly.
How do you keep the bottom crust of chicken pot pie from getting soggy?
The best way to avoid sogginess is by making a thick filling and ensuring it’s hot before topping. Also, avoid overcrowding the biscuits. For versions with a bottom pie crust, consider par-baking (blind baking) it before adding the filling. For biscuit-topped pies, sogginess is rarely a problem if baked correctly.
What is the difference between chicken pie and chicken pot pie?
Chicken pie usually refers to a firmer, more structured dish with a double crust (top and bottom), while chicken pot pie—especially Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust—features a creamy filling and a single, fluffy topping. Pot pies also typically include more vegetables and a stew-like interior.
Should I prebake bottom crust for chicken pot pie?
For biscuit-crust versions, you don’t need to prebake since there is no bottom crust. If using traditional pie crust on the bottom, it’s best to blind bake for 10–12 minutes to prevent sogginess before adding the filling and biscuit topping.
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuit Crust
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup corn
- thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper to taste
Biscuit Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, and simmer until creamy.
- Add cooked chicken, peas, carrots, and corn. Season with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly, then stir in buttermilk to form biscuit dough.
- Transfer hot filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Drop biscuit dough by spoonfuls over the filling.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until biscuits are golden and cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.