Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Mini Chicken Pot Pies?
They are individual-sized portions of a classic comfort dish featuring chicken, vegetables, and a flaky crescent dough crust.
What are the main ingredients in the filling?
The filling consists of cooked chicken, frozen peas and carrots, diced cooked potatoes, milk, and condensed cream of chicken soup.
What kind of crust is used for these mini pies?
This recipe uses refrigerated crescent dinner rolls to create a quick and flaky golden-brown topping.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the pot pies.
How long do the mini chicken pot pies need to bake?
Bake them for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and puffed up.
How do I prepare the filling mixture?
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine vegetables, chicken, potatoes, milk, thyme, and soup, then heat until the mixture reaches a boil.
What size containers should I use for individual servings?
The recipe recommends using four ungreased 10-ounce custard cups or foil tart pans.
Do I need to grease the baking cups?
No, the recipe specifies using ungreased custard cups.
How do I make the crust look golden and professional?
Brush a mixture of whisked egg and water over the dough before baking to achieve a golden finish.
Can I use fresh chicken?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cooked chicken cubed into 1/2 inch pieces; ensure your chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the filling.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using refrigerated potatoes with onion that have been cooked and diced.
How is the thyme used in this recipe?
Thyme is used twice: 1/2 teaspoon is mixed into the filling, and a pinch (about 1/3 teaspoon) is sprinkled over the crust.
What type of soup is required?
Use one 10 3/4 ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make four individual mini pot pies.
Can I substitute the frozen peas and carrots?
Yes, you can use other frozen or pre-cooked vegetable blends, though peas and carrots are traditional for pot pie.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
The egg wash (egg and water mixture) helps the crust brown and allows the dried thyme to stick to the top.
How much milk is needed for the filling?
You will need 1/4 cup of milk to help thin the condensed soup into a creamy sauce.
Is this recipe considered easy for weeknights?
Yes, it is described as a fantastic option for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly using many pre-prepared ingredients.
Can I use a different type of dough?
While the recipe calls for crescent rolls, you could use puff pastry or pie crust, though baking times may need adjustment.
Should I boil the mixture before putting it in the cups?
Yes, heating the filling to a boil on the stove ensures the ingredients are hot and the sauce is thickened before baking.
How do I know when the pot pies are finished cooking?
They are ready when the crescent dough crust is puffed and has turned a golden brown color.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, cooked turkey is a great substitute for cooked chicken in this recipe.
How do I prepare the egg wash?
Whisk together one egg and one tablespoon of water in a small bowl.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients: peas/carrots, chicken, potatoes/onion, milk, thyme, soup, crescent rolls, egg, and water.
Are these pot pies freezer-friendly?
Yes, according to the recipe tags, these are freezer-friendly.
How should I let them cool?
Let the mini pies cool for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven to allow the filling to set slightly.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add corn or green beans, but keep the total volume consistent to fit into the four custard cups.
What should I do if the crust browns too quickly?
If the crust is golden before the 11-minute mark, you can lightly cover them with foil to prevent over-browning.
Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely, using rotisserie chicken is an excellent way to save time on the cooked chicken requirement.
Can I make these in a standard muffin tin?
You can, but since muffin tins are smaller than 10-ounce cups, you will need to reduce the filling per portion and check for a shorter bake time.