Name: Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cubed into 1/2 inch pieces; 1 onion, diced; 12 ounces mixed vegetables, frozen; 1 cup sliced celery; 2 tablespoons butter, divided; 1/4 cup flour (or more as needed); 2 teaspoons salt, divided; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 84 reviews

If you are craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers all the rich flavors and comforting creaminess of a traditional pot pie, but without the fuss of baking a crust. The tender chicken, vibrant mixed veggies, and golden buttery panko topping come together in under 30 minutes to create a meal that’s deliciously hearty and perfect for any night of the week. You’ll want to keep this recipe handy for those times you want a classic dish with a simpler, lighter twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cast iron pan holds three sections of food against a white marbled textured surface. One section is filled with small pieces of cooked light beige chicken breast, seasoned lightly and piled loosely on the left side. The bottom section contains bright, mixed vegetables including orange carrot cubes, green beans, yellow corn, and green peas, all appearing fresh and vibrant. The right side of the pan is filled with a creamy, off-white sauce that looks thick and smooth, covering the bottom part of the pan. The pan’s handles are visible at the top and bottom edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to bring this Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe to life. Each item plays a vital role, from the tender chicken adding protein to the creamy broth blending everything together, and the toasted panko topping providing that satisfying crunch.

Chicken Breast, 1.5 pounds cubed: The star protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy within the creamy filling.
Onion, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth as it softens in butter.
Frozen mixed vegetables, 12 ounces: Convenience meets color and nutrition, balancing the dish perfectly.
Celery, 1 cup sliced: Offers a mild crunch and fresh flavor that complements the savory filling.
Butter, 2 tablespoons: Essential for richness both in the filling and the topping.
Flour, 1/4 cup: The thickening agent that turns broth and cream into a luscious sauce.
Salt, 2 teaspoons divided: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoon: A subtle kick of warmth and aroma.
Poultry Seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon: Gives the chicken that classic pot pie flavor.
Dried Thyme, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds an earthy note that rounds out the herbs.
Chicken Broth, 2 cups: Provides the savory base of the filling’s sauce.
Heavy Cream or Half and Half, 1/2 cup: Creates the creamy texture that comforts every bite.
Panko Breadcrumbs, 1 cup: Toasted with butter and garlic powder to form a crispy topping that makes this dish sing.

How to Make Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Panko Topping

Start your pot pie by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and melting butter to coat the pan. Toss in the panko breadcrumbs along with garlic powder, stirring regularly until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This careful toasting brings a nutty crunch that’ll top off your dish with perfect texture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season the cubed chicken breast generously with poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Place it in the hot skillet in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about two minutes per side, allowing a nice sear to form. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later, ensuring it stays tender and juicy.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium and add more butter to the skillet. Toss in diced onion and sliced celery, cooking until they turn translucent and soft around four to five minutes. The gentle cooking lets their natural sweetness develop, building a flavorful base.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir well for about a minute until it has a light golden color. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking to dissolve the flour completely, then slowly add the cream. Stir in the remaining salt and thyme, bringing everything to a simmer. This process transforms the liquid into a silky, thickened sauce that wraps everything in luscious comfort.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the partially cooked chicken and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and let it cook for about five minutes. This is where the flavors meld beautifully, the sauce thickens further, and the chicken finishes cooking to tender perfection.

Step 6: Finish with the Panko

Once the filling is hot and thickened, turn off the heat and sprinkle the toasted panko topping evenly over the surface. Serve your Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe warm—whether straight from the skillet or ladled into bowls—and enjoy each comforting, creamy spoonful with a satisfying crunch on top.

How to Serve Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

A round black cast iron pan is filled with a creamy casserole that has visible pieces of orange carrots, yellow corn, and green beans mixed throughout. The casserole is topped with a thick, golden brown crumb layer sprinkled with small green herb leaves, giving a textured crunchy look. The pan rests on a white marbled surface, and the scene is viewed from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme make an excellent bright, fresh garnish that visually lifts the dish and adds a subtle herbaceous note. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce can also add a little extra zing for those who enjoy a mild kick.

Side Dishes

This crustless pot pie shines on its own, but when paired with a crisp green side salad or steamed greens, it balances the meal beautifully. Creamy mashed potatoes or flaky biscuits are also lovely companions that turn this into a truly indulgent dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the filling inside hollowed-out baked potatoes or atop warm rice for variety. You can also portion the filling into small, oven-safe ramekins, sprinkle with panko topping, and broil briefly for an elegant, bubbly presentation perfect for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe has cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better.

Freezing

You can freeze the filling without the panko topping safely for up to 2 months. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, and leave some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh toasted panko on top.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heat. For best texture, add freshly toasted panko breadcrumbs before serving to regain that delightful crunch.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and can even save you time. Just add it directly to the simmering sauce to warm through without overcooking.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like margarine and coconut cream or cashew cream. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I add other vegetables to this pot pie?

Definitely! Feel free to include veggies like mushrooms, carrots, peas, or green beans according to your preference. Just adjust cooking time so all veggies are tender before serving.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work for the topping, though panko gives the dish its signature light crunch.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon yet still spoonable. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash more broth or cream before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is a simple but deeply satisfying dish that brings the comforts of home cooking to your table with less fuss and in less time. Whether you’re cooking for family or whipping up a cozy solo meal, it’s a winner that’s sure to become a go-to favorite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do!