Pies keep refrigerated for about 3 days or frozen for 2 months. We recommend reheating most pies before serving (not the “cold” pies like key lime and chocolate mousse). Also, if you want to serve your pie after three days, you should freeze it first and then let it thaw.
Many people love chicken pot pie because it’s a tasty comfort food. It makes a great meal because it has a flaky, golden crust and a hearty chicken filling. Even though homemade or fresh chicken pot pies from the bakery are the best, sometimes a frozen pot pie is all you need for a quick and easy dinner. Still, I have one question: how long does it take to heat up a frozen chicken pot pie so that the outside is golden brown and the inside is hot and flaky?
Defrosting and Baking Times Vary
It varies a lot how long it takes to bake a frozen chicken pot pie. It depends on several factors:
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The pot pie’s size and shape—Smaller pies may bake faster than bigger ones Deep dish chicken pot pies might take longer to make than round pies.
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Oven type – Standard ovens take longer to preheat and bake compared to convection ovens
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Accuracy of the oven—Many home ovens aren’t calibrated correctly, so when they’re opened, they lose a lot of heat. This can impact bake times.
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Frozen or defrosted – Baking straight from the freezer takes longer than defrosting first
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Pie pan vs no pan – Baking directly on a oven rack or pizza stone will be faster than using a metal pie pan.
So while exact bake times can’t be universially recommended, here are some general guidelines for both defrosting and baking frozen chicken pot pies to perfection.
Defrosting Overnight is Recommended
For best results, it’s recommended to defrost frozen chicken pot pies overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the filling to thaw gradually and prevents a soggy bottom crust.
Once thawed, the chicken pie can then be baked as you would a fresh one. Depending on oven variances, baking may take 45-60 minutes at 375°F. The pie is done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. An instant read thermometer should register 165°F in the center when it’s fully cooked.
Defrosting in the fridge overnight leads to a chicken pot pie with a flaky, crispy crust and thickened filling. The gravy has time to reduce down resulting in more concentrated flavors.
Baking Straight from Frozen
Freezing actually helps retain the flakiness of the crust. So if you’re short on time, baking a chicken pot pie straight from the freezer is absolutely doable.
However, it will take significantly longer than defrosting first. Most frozen pot pie directions recommend baking at 350°F for around 80-90 minutes. But check occasionally as times can vary.
Look for a crust that’s entirely browned across the top. The center should register 165°F on a food thermometer. And the filling should bubble steadily, not just around the edges.
The gravy may be looser when baked straight from frozen since there wasn’t time for it to thicken up. But the results will still be tasty.
Helpful Tips for Baked Frozen Pies
Follow these tips for successfully baking frozen chicken pot pies:
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Always bake on a foil lined sheet for easy clean up. Crusts can drip butter or leak filling.
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Cover the edges with foil if the crust browns too quickly while the middle is still cooking.
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Bake at a high temp to start for quicker browning then reduce heat to finish cooking the center without burning.
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Don’t rely on bake times alone. Use visual cues like crust color and filling temp.
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Check often near the end and continue baking if needed for doneness.
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Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for filling to set up.
Reheating Leftover Chicken Pot Pie
Got leftover baked chicken pot pie? Simply cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave until warmed through before serving.
For whole pie leftovers, reheat uncovered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot. Watch that the crust doesn’t burn.
Quick & Delicious Chicken Pot Pies
While homemade chicken pot pie can’t be beat for freshness, keeping some frozen pies on hand for busy nights is a great idea. Just be sure to allow enough time for proper thawing and baking. With the right techniques, you’ll enjoy tender flaky crust and piping hot filling in no time.
So next time you’re wondering “how long does a frozen chicken pot pie take to bake?”, use these guidelines for defrosting and oven tips. With a little patience you’ll be enjoying delicious comfort food pot pie in time for dinner. Enjoy this hearty meal on chilly nights or anytime you get a craving.
How do I reheat a flaky crust pie (or quiche) that has been in the fridge?
If your pie with a flaky crust has been in the fridge, heat it up in a 325-degree oven for 10 to 20 minutes before serving. How long depends on your taste. Generally, quiche are heated up less and denser pies like apple are heated longer. Reheating doesn’t have to be done directly before serving. The pie can stay at room temperature for up to 4 hours after being warmed up and still taste great.
Watch this video:
How do I freeze and reheat a pie?
Most of our pies freeze beautifully. Wrap the pie well with plastic wrap before placing in the freezer. Then wrap the plastic in aluminum foil. Note: Some pies may lend themselves to freezing first and then wrapping and placing back in the freezer. A well wrapped frozen pie will keep in your freezer for up to two months. When you are ready to serve, thaw overnight in your refrigerator. If it is a pie with our flaky crust, please reheat in a 350 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes prior to serving. The purpose of this reheating is to warm the pie through and recrisp the crust. After reheating, the pie will keep at room temperature for several hours, so you don’t need to reheat immediately before serving. However, we do recommend that all flaky crust pies that have been in the fridge or freezer be reheated at some point prior to serving to revive the crust. This promotes a flaky crust and prevents “toughness” that can result when eating a pie crust that is too cold.
Watch this video:
Frozen Pot Pie In Air Fryer
FAQ
How to reheat a frozen fully cooked chicken pot pie?
BAKE STRAIGHT FROM FROZEN “EMERGENCY PIE”Place the pie on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven (or 325 degrees convection) for 80-90 minutes (times may vary). The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
How long do you cook a chicken pot pie from frozen?
For 45 to 60 minutes at 400°F, a frozen chicken pot pie should be cooked in the oven. Q: How long does it take to cook? Jan 27, 2025.
Should you thaw a frozen chicken pot pie before baking?
If you freeze pie(s), do not thaw before baking. Cover the edges with foil and bake in a preheated 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) oven for 30 minutes. Decrease oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue baking until filling is bubbly and crust is golden, 70 to 80 minutes more.
How to reheat a fully cooked frozen pie?
Unwrap pie and place in oven straight from freezer (do not let it thaw). Bake 25 minutes. Let stand for 30 -60 minutes if inside is still cool. Do not overbake as the pie arrives fully baked and overbaking will dry it out.