Who Makes the Best Chicken Pot Pie? A Guide to the Tastiest Options

Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food With its flaky, golden crust and steaming hot filling of tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, and creamy sauce, it’s easy to see why this hearty dish has been a favorite for generations But not all chicken pot pies are created equal. When you’re craving this classic meal, you want one that hits all the right notes – a perfect blend of flavors and textures encased in a delicious pastry shell. So who really makes the best chicken pot pie? Here’s a guide to finding a chicken pot pie that will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Evaluating the Top Contenders

A lot of well-known brands and restaurant chains are known for their chicken pot pie. We tasted a lot of different kinds from well-known frozen food companies like Banquet, Marie Callender’s, and Stouffer’s to make our choice. We also tried pot pies from Boston Market, Cracker Barrel, and KFC, which are all well-known restaurant chains. After baking, microwaving, and tasting each pie a lot, there were a few clear winners.

The Gold Standard: Blake’s Chicken Pot Pie

Blake’s Chicken Pot Pie was the only brand that stood out from the rest. This frozen pot pie has a flaky, soft crust, big chunks of juicy chicken, and a rich gravy with celery, carrots, peas, potatoes, and onions. Some pies had fillings that were too soft or chicken that wasn’t spread out evenly, but Blake’s filling is clearly packed with good ingredients in every bite. The gravy is thick and very salty, and it covers the chicken and vegetables in a delicious sauce. White and dark chicken meat are used at Blake’s to give the food more flavor. The crust on top bakes to a beautiful golden color and has just the right amount of crunch. This pot pie is satisfyingly hearty and indulgent. If you want the best classic chicken pot pie taste and experience, Blake’s is the clear winner.

A Close Second: Marie Callender’s

If Blake’s isn’t open, Marie Callender’s frozen chicken pot pie is also a great option. Their famous pot pie has big pieces of chicken, carrots, peas, and potatoes soaked in a thick cream sauce. The filling tastes like simple, hearty, homemade comfort food. The top crust has the perfect balance of a crisp outside and a soft, flaky inside. Marie Callender’s also has other chicken pot pie flavors, like chicken broccoli and chicken bacon ranch, to satisfy any craving. Marie Callender’s makes a rich, classic chicken pot pie that you can count on to have great flavor and texture.

Best Restaurant Chicken Pot Pie: Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Sometimes restaurants make great chicken pot pies, but Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen got the best reviews. They put juicy roasted chicken, soft vegetables, and a creamy herb sauce in their pot pie. People loved the big chunks of chicken and the great crust that had that signature Cheddar flaky texture. This tastes like homemade comfort food made from scratch. When you order takeout, Cheddar’s chicken pot pie is the best way to get that home-cooked taste. Mimi’s Cafe and Metro Diner are the runner-ups for best restaurant pot pies.

Notable Store Brand and Budget Options

For shoppers on a budget, store brand pot pies can be a affordable way to get your fix. Walmart’s Marketside Buttery Chicken Pot Pie has a cult following for its crispy hashbrown crust topping and quality chicken filling. While not as refined as Blake’s or Marie Callender’s, it’s a tasty bargain option. Aldi’s chicken pot pies are another good value pick. Though crusts can be hit or miss, their fillings are generally flavortown-approved.

How to Choose the Best Chicken Pot Pie

When evaluating chicken pot pies, keep these factors in mind:

• Crust – Flaky, tender, and golden brown. Avoid tough, soggy crusts.

• Filling – Chunky chicken and veggies in rich sauce. No unidentifiable mush.

• Chicken – Abundant, juicy, and well-seasoned. Both white and dark meat is ideal.

• Vegetables – Fresh selections like carrots, peas, celery, potatoes. Not processed slivers.

• Sauce – Thick and creamy gravy that complements, not overpowers.

• Overall Flavor – Well-seasoned and balanced. Chicken and vegetables shine.

Baking Tips for Chicken Pot Pie Perfection

To get the most out of your chicken pot pie, follow these baking tips:

• Preheat oven fully before baking. Bake at temperature stated on packaging.

• Place pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.

• Tent pie with foil to prevent over-browning if needed. Keep tent away from crust.

• Check doneness early and extend bake time if needed. Pies should be fully heated through.

• Allow pie to rest 5-10 minutes before serving so filling can set.

• Serve chicken pot pie piping hot with sides like mashed potatoes or biscuits.

Satisfy Your Comfort Food Craving

When you’re looking for the ultimate chicken pot pie experience, choose a brand that consistently delivers on crust, filling, and flavor. Top contenders like Blake’s, Marie Callender’s, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen will give you the hearty, wholesome comfort that only chicken pot pie can provide. Follow these pro tips to bake up the best version of this beloved dish. Now go enjoy a steaming slice of chicken pot pie perfection!