How to Make Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie the Easy Way (One-Pan, No Fuss)

There’s just something magical about a warm chicken pot pie fresh out of the oven, golden crust, creamy filling, and the smell of comfort filling your kitchen. And when it comes to Southern comfort food, nobody does it quite like Paula Deen.

Her chicken pot pie recipe has become a classic, rich, hearty, and full of that down-home flavor that reminds you of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s. But let’s be honest: not everyone has time to make everything from scratch or deal with a pile of dishes afterward.

That’s why we’re bringing you a simplified, one-pan version of the beloved Paula Deen chicken pot pie, with all the flavor, none of the fuss. This easy adaptation is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying without breaking a sweat.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Paula’s Southern classics or new to the pot pie game, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. Ready to dig in?

🥘 Ingredients for Easy Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie

One of the best things about this easy Paula Deen chicken pot pie recipe is that it uses simple, affordable ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry or freezer. No complicated prep, no hard-to-find items, and definitely no need to make pie dough from scratch (unless you want to!).

Here’s everything you’ll need for this one-pan wonder:

🧾 Full Ingredients List

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped; rotisserie works great!)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and green beans)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk (whole milk preferred, but any type works)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 store-bought refrigerated pie crust (or biscuit dough for a fluffier topping)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional – brush on top for golden color)

🛒 Ingredient Tips & Easy Substitutes

• Chicken: Use leftover chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover turkey for a post-holiday twist.
• Vegetables: No need to thaw frozen veggies, just toss them right in. Want extra flavor? Sauté some onions or mushrooms first.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Prefer homemade? Swap in a quick roux with chicken broth, flour, and cream.
• Crust Options: Not a fan of traditional pie crust? Switch things up by topping your pot pie with puff pastry, crescent rolls, or even a batch of your favorite homemade biscuit dough for a delicious twist.
• Dairy-Free? Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and a dairy-free soup alternative.

🧂 Why These Ingredients Work

This combo keeps the dish creamy, hearty, and perfectly balanced. The soup + milk base mimics a classic roux without the effort. The pre-cooked chicken and frozen veggies save time while still delivering a homemade feel. And that golden crust on top? It’s the comfort-food cherry on top, flaky, buttery, and irresistible.

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (One Pan, No Fuss)

This easy Paula Deen chicken pot pie isn’t just comforting, it’s ridiculously simple to make. No complicated prep, no juggling multiple pans. Everything comes together in one oven-safe skillet or baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Let’s get cooking!

🥄 Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready by the time your pie is assembled.

🥘 Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large oven-safe skillet or a mixing bowl:

• Add 2 cups cooked chicken
• Mix in 1 cup frozen vegetables
• Add a can of cream of chicken soup and mix until everything is well combined.
• Pour in ½ cup of milk
• Season with black pepper and a pinch of garlic powder (optional)

Mix well until everything is fully coated in the creamy mixture.

💡 Time-Saver Tip: If using a skillet, you can mix everything right in the pan, no need to dirty a bowl!

🧑‍🍳 Step 3: Add the Crust

Roll out your refrigerated pie crust and lay it over the top of your filling. Tuck in or crimp the edges if you like.

• Cut a few slits in the top with a knife to let steam escape.
• Optional: Brush with melted butter for a golden, glossy finish.

👩‍🍳 Variation: Want a biscuit-style top? Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the filling instead of using pie crust.

🔥 Step 4: Bake

Place the skillet or baking dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is:

• Golden brown
• Crispy on top
• Filling is bubbling around the edges

Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving, the filling will thicken slightly as it sets.

✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Pot Pie

• Use a cast iron skillet for even baking and crispier crust edges.
• Don’t overbake, watch for golden color and bubbling.
• If the crust starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.

🔥 What Makes This Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie So Good?

Let’s be honest, there are a lot of chicken pot pie recipes out there. But Paula Deen’s version has something special that keeps people coming back for seconds (and thirds).

Here’s why this Southern-style classic, especially in this easy, one-pan version, hits all the right notes:

🧈 1. It’s Rich, Creamy, and Full of Flavor

Paula’s recipes are famous for being unapologetically indulgent, and this one is no exception. The creamy filling made with cream of chicken soup, milk, and tender chicken hits that perfect comfort food balance: cozy but not too heavy.

Add in some black pepper, a touch of garlic, and the natural sweetness of mixed veggies, and you’ve got a filling that tastes like it simmered for hours (even though it didn’t).

🥧 2. That Golden, Flaky Crust

Whether you use a buttery pie crust or go with fluffy biscuit dough, the topping is everything. It soaks up just enough of the creamy filling without getting soggy, creating that crave-worthy contrast of crisp and creamy.

Pro tip: brushing the top with melted butter or an egg wash gives it that irresistible golden-brown color and adds just the right amount of richness.

🕐 3. It’s Fast, Fuss-Free, and Family-Approved

This isn’t just a shortcut recipe, it’s a smarter way to get dinner on the table. Using rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables means no cooking raw meat, no chopping, and minimal prep time.

And the best part? Since it all comes together in a single dish, you’ll have way less cleanup to worry about.It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even bringing to potlucks.

👪 4. It Feels Homemade (Even If You Took Shortcuts)

This recipe proves that easy doesn’t mean boring. Even with a few store-bought ingredients, it still tastes like something your grandma would make on a Sunday afternoon. It’s comfort food with zero guilt and all the heart.

💡 Tips for Success (And Easy Shortcuts)

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just trying to get dinner on the table without a mess, these practical tips will help your Paula Deen chicken pot pie turn out perfectly, every time.

⏱️ 1. Use Rotisserie Chicken to Save Time

Hands down, the easiest shortcut. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is flavorful, tender, and ready to go, no boiling, baking, or dicing raw meat. Just shred and toss it in.

🔄 Tip: Use leftovers from roast chicken or turkey to cut down food waste.

🧊 2. No Need to Thaw Frozen Veggies

Seriously, skip that extra step. Just stir in your frozen mixed vegetables directly into the filling. They’ll cook perfectly in the oven as the pot pie bakes.

✅ This also helps maintain that slightly firm, fresh texture.

🍞 3. Choose Your Topping Wisely

Want flaky and crisp? Go with a refrigerated pie crust.
Prefer something soft and fluffy? Canned biscuit dough is your best friend.

🥄 Pro Move: Use puff pastry for a gourmet feel with no extra work.

🍳 4. Use an Oven-Safe Skillet or Dish

This is where the one-pan magic happens. A cast iron skillet is perfect, it goes from stovetop to oven, distributes heat evenly, and gives your crust those perfect crispy edges.

🧼 Plus: One dish = less cleanup = happy you.

🔁 5. Make It Ahead (And Freeze It!)

Want to meal prep? You can assemble the entire pot pie ahead of time, cover it tightly, and freeze it unbaked.

When you’re ready:

• Bake straight from frozen at 375°F
• Add 15–20 minutes to bake time
• Loosely tent with foil if the crust starts browning too quickly

🧂 6. Don’t Skip the Seasoning

Even though the cream of chicken soup adds flavor, give your filling a taste before baking. Add:

• Extra pepper
• A pinch of salt (if needed)
• Garlic or onion powder
• Fresh thyme or parsley for bonus freshness

👃 Little flavor touches = big homemade payoff.

By using these simple shortcuts and smart tweaks, you’ll turn a classic comfort food into a go-to favorite that’s doable even on a Tuesday night, with no compromise on taste or texture.

🧂 Easy Variations to Try

The beauty of this easy Paula Deen chicken pot pie is how flexible it is. With just a few tweaks, you can make it fit different tastes, diets, or whatever you’ve got in the fridge.

Here are some simple and delicious ways to switch it up:

🦃 1. Make It a Turkey Pot Pie

Leftover Thanksgiving turkey? No problem. Just swap the chicken for cooked turkey, and the rest stays the same. The creamy filling pairs perfectly with roasted turkey flavor.

🍂 Great for fall dinners or holiday leftovers.

🥦 2. Go Veggie-Heavy (Or Meat-Free)

Want to skip the meat? Load up on:

• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Sweet potatoes

Toss them with the soup and milk base, and boom, a vegetarian Southern pot pie that’s just as satisfying.

🌱 Use cream of mushroom or celery soup for a veggie-forward flavor.

🧀 3. Add Cheese (Because Why Not?)

Mix in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to make your filling extra creamy and indulgent.

🧀 Bonus: sprinkle some on top of the crust during the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty finish.

🍄 4. Boost the Umami with Mushrooms

Sautéed mushrooms add depth and richness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Add them right before mixing the filling.

🍠 5. Sweet Potato Crust Twist

For a healthy spin, try topping your pie with mashed sweet potatoes instead of crust. It becomes a cross between a pot pie and a shepherd’s pie, and it’s gluten-free!

💡 Bonus Ideas:

• Add a pinch of cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern twist
• Use crescent roll dough for an ultra-flaky top
• Try a double crust version if you’re feeling bold (top + bottom)

These customizations make the recipe feel fresh and new every time, while still holding on to that comforting, Southern heart that makes it a Paula Deen classic.

🍽️ What to Serve with Paula Deen Chicken Pot Pie

This one-pan Paula Deen chicken pot pie is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying on its own, but the right sides can take it from comforting to unforgettable. Whether you want to keep things traditional or add a fresh twist, here are some perfect pairings.

🥬 1. Simple Side Salad

Balance out the richness of the pie with something crisp and refreshing. Try:

• Baby greens with vinaigrette
• Classic Caesar salad
• Apple walnut salad with honey mustard dressing

🥗 Light, fresh, and easy to throw together while the pie bakes.

🌽 2. Southern-Style Vegetables

Lean into the Southern comfort vibe with warm, seasoned sides:

• Creamed corn
• Fried okra
• Collard greens

🍞 3. Biscuits or Cornbread

Want to soak up every last bit of that creamy filling? Serve with:

• Fluffy buttermilk biscuits
• Sweet cornbread muffins
• Honey butter rolls

🧈 These can even be made ahead and frozen for busy nights.

🍑 5. Easy Desserts to Finish the Meal

Keep dessert simple and Southern:

• Peach cobbler
• Banana pudding
• Pecan pie bars
• Vanilla ice cream with caramel drizzle

🍰 Comfort on comfort, and all easy to prep ahead.

Pro Tip: If you’re hosting or planning a family dinner, consider making your pot pie in a large baking dish and pairing it with a variety of these sides buffet-style. It’s a crowd-pleaser meal that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen (spoiler: you didn’t).

Frequently Asked Questions

🏁 Conclusion: Comfort Food Made Easy (And Delicious)

There’s a reason Paula Deen chicken pot pie is such a beloved classic, it’s rich, hearty, and wrapped in a warm, golden crust that feels like a hug from the South. But with this easy, one-pan version, you don’t need a whole afternoon or a sink full of dishes to enjoy it.

With just a few smart shortcuts and a skillet, you can bring the best of Paula’s famous recipe to your table, faster, simpler, and just as soul-satisfying.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy after a long day, this pot pie delivers. And with all the variations, make-ahead tips, and side dish ideas we’ve covered, you’ll never get bored of making it your own.

🔁 Your Turn:

Made this recipe? Let us know how it turned out!
Have your own Southern twist? Drop it in the comments!
Looking for more comfort food? Explore our favorite [Southern dinner recipes], [Paula Deen-inspired meals], or [quick one-pan dinners] next.

🍗 Love Southern Comfort Food? Try These Next!

If this easy Paula Deen chicken pot pie hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to check out these other down-home favorites from the blog:

• 🥦 Paula Deen Chicken Divan – Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for weeknight dinners
• 🔥 Chicken Wings on the Pellet Grill – Smoky, crispy, and game-day ready
• 🍯 Panda Express Teriyaki Chicken – Sweet and sticky with a homemade twist
• 🍟 Chicken Tenders and Fries – Crispy, golden, and kid-approved comfort
• 🍪 Chick-fil-A Chocolate Chip Cookies – The perfect sweet treat to finish your meal

Craving more? Browse our full collection of Southern-inspired recipes here and cook your way through comfort!