Your New Favorite Comfort Food: Mini Chicken Pot Pies!
Hey there, friend! Let’s talk about comfort food. You know the feeling—that deep, soul-warming satisfaction that comes from a dish that feels like a hug from the inside. For me, that dish has always been a classic chicken pot pie. That golden, flaky crust giving way to a creamy, savory, veggie-packed filling… it’s pure magic. But let’s be real, between work, life, and everything in between, who always has the time to make a from-scratch pie crust and wait for a giant pie to bake?
That’s exactly why I became obsessed with creating the perfect Mini Chicken Pot Pie. We’re taking all that cozy, nostalgic goodness and packing it into a fun, personal-sized package, baked right in a muffin tin! These little guys are a total game-changer. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights, a huge hit at potlucks, and an absolute dream for getting kids excited about dinner. Plus, they’re just so darn cute! In under 30 minutes, you can have a table full of happy, hungry people. So, tie on your favorite apron (the messy one is always the best), and let’s make some kitchen magic happen!

A Pie for Every Plate: My Grandma’s Kitchen Wisdom
My love for pot pies runs deep, straight back to my grandma’s warm, always-smelling-like-something-delicious kitchen. She didn’t believe in “fancy” for fancy’s sake; she believed in food that made you feel loved and taken care of. Her chicken pot pie was a masterpiece, but it was a full-day affair. I’d sit at her formica table, watching her roll out that buttery crust with her knobby, experienced hands, and I was mesmerized.
One chaotic Sunday, with a house full of cousins, aunts, and uncles, she looked at the single large pie she’d made and then at the dozen eager faces and just laughed. “Well, Emily,” she’d said, winking at me, “sometimes you have to make it work.” She grabbed a jar of biscuits, a muffin tin, and scooped the filling into little biscuit cups. They were a riotous success! Everyone got their own personal pie, and there was no fighting over the crispiest corner piece. That day, she taught me that the heart of comfort food isn’t perfection—it’s joy, ingenuity, and making sure everyone leaves the table with a full belly and a smile. This recipe is a loving nod to her kitchen wisdom.
Gathering Your Cozy Ingredients
Here’s the beautiful part: this recipe is a champion of simplicity. We’re using smart shortcuts without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why!
- 2 tubes (16.3 oz each) Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: This is our brilliant crust hack! It bakes up fluffy and golden, creating the perfect vessel for our filling. Chef’s Insight: I like the “Grands!” flaky layers variety for that extra pull-apart texture, but any classic biscuit dough will work beautifully.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the secret to our creamy, luscious sauce that comes together in a snap. Substitution Tip: No cream of chicken? Cream of mushroom or celery works just as well! For a from-scratch version, you can make a quick roux with 3 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp flour, and 1 ¼ cups chicken broth, but the canned soup is our trusty weeknight hero.
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken, diced: This is where you can get creative! Chef’s Insight: I often use a rotisserie chicken from the store for ultimate ease and flavor. Leftover grilled or baked chicken breast, or even shredded chicken from a slow-cooker works perfectly. It’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste!
- 1 ½ cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans): The classic veggie squad! Pro Tip: No need to thaw them completely. I give them a quick rinse under cool water to break up any ice crystals, which helps the filling not get too watery. Want to level up? Sauté a finely diced small onion and two cloves of minced garlic until soft, then add to the mix for a flavor boost!
- ½ cup Milk or Half-and-Half: This loosens the condensed soup just enough to create a silky, cohesive filling. Half-and-half will give you an extra rich and creamy result.
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder & ½ tsp Onion Powder: Our simple but mighty flavor enhancers. They add a depth of savoriness that makes the whole pie sing.
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper & a pinch of Salt: Always season to taste! The soup and pre-cooked chicken can vary in saltiness, so I recommend tasting the filling before you assemble.
- Optional: 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish: A little pop of green color and fresh flavor to make them look extra chef-y!
Let’s Build These Bite-Sized Beauties! (Step-by-Step)
Ready to see how quickly these come together? Follow these steps, and you’ll be a mini pot pie pro in no time. I’ve tucked my favorite little kitchen hacks right in here with you.
- Preheat and Prep: Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, grab your muffin tin. Chef’s Hack: Give it a really good coat of non-stick cooking spray. I’m talking in every crevice! This ensures your golden little pies pop out effortlessly, without leaving their delicious crust behind.
- Shape Your Crusts: Open your biscuit tubes (that *pop* is so satisfying!). Separate the biscuits. On a clean surface, gently flatten and stretch each biscuit into a roughly 4-5 inch circle. Pro Tip: Don’t roll them too thin in the center, or the filling might leak through. We want a nice, sturdy base with thicker edges to hold all that goodness.
- Form the Cups: Carefully press one stretched biscuit into each greased muffin cup. Make sure it goes all the way down to the bottom and up the sides. It should look like a little doughy bowl waiting for its filling! Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—rustic is part of the charm.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, diced chicken, frozen veggies, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Stir, stir, stir until everything is perfectly coated in that creamy sauce. Chef’s Secret: This is the time to taste it! Adjust the seasoning if needed. Want a little extra zing? A dash of dried thyme is lovely here.
- Fill ‘Em Up! Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, divide the chicken mixture evenly among the 12 biscuit cups. Don’t be shy! Go ahead and mound that filling right to the top. They might look super full, but the biscuits will rise up and around the filling as they bake, creating a beautiful, puffy crown.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes. You’re looking for the biscuit edges to be a deep, golden brown and the filling to be bubbly and hot. Your kitchen is going to smell absolutely incredible.
- The Cool-Down (The Hardest Part!): Once out of the oven, resist the urge to immediately dig in! Let the mini pot pies rest in the muffin tin for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes them much easier to remove. Then, gently run a butter knife around the edges and lift them out.
How to Serve Your Mini Masterpieces
Presentation is part of the fun! I love serving these right on a big wooden board or a colorful platter, maybe with a little sprinkle of that fresh parsley on top. They are a complete meal all on their own, but if you want to turn dinner into a real feast, here are a few of my favorite pairings:
- The Cozy Combo: Serve two or three pies alongside a simple, crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette. The cool, fresh salad is the perfect contrast to the rich, warm pies.
- Soup & Pie Night: For the ultimate comfort food experience, pair one or two mini pies with a cup of creamy tomato soup. It’s a classic for a reason!
- Holiday or Party Star: Arrange them on a tiered stand for a party or holiday appetizer. They are the perfect finger food—no plates or forks required!
Make It Your Own! Fun Flavor Twists
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, the world is your oyster… or your chicken pot pie! Here are a few ways to mix things up and keep it exciting.
- Buffalo Chicken Twist: Swap the cream of chicken for a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup. Mix in ¼ cup of buffalo sauce with the chicken and veggies. Top with a little crumbled blue cheese after baking. *Chef’s kiss*!
- Thanksgiving Leftovers Pie: Use diced turkey instead of chicken, and add a handful of frozen corn and a tablespoon of dried cranberries to the mix. It’s like Thanksgiving in a bite, all year round.
- Biscuit-Free “Crust”: For a low-carb option, skip the biscuit dough! Press shredded hash browns (thawed and well-drained) into the greased muffin cups, spray with a little oil, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until starting to crisp. Then, fill and bake as directed.
- From-Scratch Flaky Crust: If you’re feeling ambitious, my homemade pie crust recipe (find it on the blog!) can be used instead of biscuits. Just roll it out and cut circles to fit your muffin tin.
- Cheesy Herb Delight: Stir ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (like an Italian blend) into the filling. For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle a little more on top before baking.
Chef Emily’s Kitchen Notes
This recipe has become such a staple in my home that it’s evolved in the most delightful ways. I once made a double batch for a friend who just had a baby, and she texted me later saying her toddler was running around the house chanting “Pie! Pie! Pie!” That’s the kind of food memory I live for.
I’ve also learned a thing or two through (hilarious) trial and error. The first time I made these, I was so excited I forgot to spray the muffin tin. Let’s just say we had a lot of “deconstructed” pot pie that night—delicious, but not very pretty! Another time, I got carried away with the filling and over-stuffed them. A little bubbled over, but it created these wonderfully crispy, cheesy bits around the edges that my husband now specifically requests. So remember, a happy kitchen is sometimes a messy one. Don’t stress the small stuff!
Your Questions, Answered!
I get so many messages about this recipe, so I’ve compiled the most common questions right here to help you out.
- Q: Can I make these mini chicken pot pies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble them completely, cover the muffin tin tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop them straight from the fridge into the preheated oven. You may need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the bake time since they’ll be starting cold. - Q: My filling is a bit runny. How can I thicken it up?
A: No worries! This can happen if the frozen veggies had a lot of ice. Next time, make sure to thaw and drain them well. To fix a runny filling, you can add a tablespoon of instant mashed potato flakes or a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) to the mixture before assembling. It will soak up that excess moisture perfectly. - Q: Can I freeze these for later?
A: You bet! They freeze like a dream. Let the baked pies cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to “flash freeze” for an hour. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until hot all the way through. - Q: The bottom of my biscuit seems a little doughy. What did I do wrong?
A: This usually means the oven rack was too low or the muffin tin was on a dark pan, which can cause the bottom to cook faster than the top. Try baking on the middle rack. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated! A hot oven is key to getting that biscuit to cook through properly.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
I believe in balance and enjoying the foods you love! Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per mini pot pie, so you can feel good about serving them. Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use.
Per Serving (1 pie):
Calories: ~180 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 480mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g
This is a well-rounded little meal, offering a good source of protein from the chicken and a bit of veggie power in every bite. To lighten it up, you can use a low-fat or low-sodium cream of chicken soup, a reduced-fat biscuit dough, and increase the ratio of vegetables to chicken. But sometimes, you just need that full-comfort version, and that’s more than okay!
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen to Yours
Well, my friend, there you have it! My all-time favorite hack for getting a comforting, home-cooked meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. These Mini Chicken Pot Pies are more than just a recipe; they’re a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about the joy of creating something delicious, the warmth of sharing it with people you love, and maybe, just maybe, creating a few happy food memories of your own.
I truly hope this recipe becomes a trusted go-to in your home, just like it is in mine. If you make them (and I really hope you do!), I’d be absolutely thrilled if you tagged me on social @TastyChow so I can see your beautiful creations! Now, go forth and bake. Your cozy, bite-sized comfort awaits.
With love and a full belly,
Emily
