What To Know
- Remove the chicken pot pie from the plastic wrap and place it in a baking dish.
- Remove the chicken pot pie from the plastic wrap and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- Chicken pot pie with a cream base, such as a Bechamel sauce, requires slightly different freezing and reheating methods.
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed year-round. But what if you have leftovers or want to prepare it ahead of time? Can you freeze chicken pot pie after baking? The answer is yes, and this blog post will provide you with a comprehensive guide to freezing chicken pot pie after baking for optimal preservation.
Benefits of Freezing Chicken Pot Pie
Freezing chicken pot pie offers several benefits:
- Extended shelf life: Freezing extends the shelf life of chicken pot pie, allowing you to enjoy it for up to 3 months.
- Convenience: Preparing chicken pot pie in advance and freezing it saves time and effort when you’re short on time.
- Portion control: Freezing individual portions of chicken pot pie allows you to control your serving size and avoid overeating.
How to Freeze Chicken Pot Pie After Baking
Freezing chicken pot pie after baking is a simple process that requires the following steps:
1. Cool the pie: Allow the chicken pot pie to cool completely to room temperature.
2. Cut into portions: If desired, cut the pie into individual portions for easier freezing and reheating.
3. Wrap in plastic wrap: Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
4. Place in freezer-safe container: Transfer the wrapped portions to a freezer-safe container, such as a freezer bag or airtight container.
5. Label and freeze: Label the container with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thawing and Reheating Chicken Pot Pie
To thaw and reheat frozen chicken pot pie:
- Thaw overnight: Place the frozen chicken pot pie in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.
- Reheat in oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chicken pot pie from the plastic wrap and place it in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- Reheat in microwave: Remove the chicken pot pie from the plastic wrap and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes per serving, or until heated through.
Tips for Freezing Chicken Pot Pie
- Use a high-quality pie crust: A flaky, buttery pie crust will hold up better to freezing and reheating.
- Don’t overfill the pie: Leave about 1 inch of space around the edges of the pie to prevent the filling from expanding and cracking the crust.
- Cool the pie completely: This prevents condensation from forming in the pie crust, which can make it soggy.
- Wrap the pie tightly: Air exposure can cause freezer burn, so make sure the pie is wrapped securely.
- Label the container: This helps you keep track of the contents and the date it was frozen.
Freezing Chicken Pot Pie with a Cream Base
Chicken pot pie with a cream base, such as a Bechamel sauce, requires slightly different freezing and reheating methods:
- Freeze without the cream: Prepare the chicken pot pie as usual, but do not add the cream sauce. Freeze the pie as instructed above.
- Thaw and reheat: Thaw the frozen chicken pot pie overnight in the refrigerator. Prepare the cream sauce separately and pour it over the thawed pie. Reheat in the oven or microwave as directed above.
Freezer-Friendly Chicken Pot Pie Recipes
Here are some freezer-friendly chicken pot pie recipes to try:
- [Classic Chicken Pot Pie](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/21407/classic-chicken-pot-pie/)
- [Creamy Chicken Pot Pie with Crescent Roll Crust](https://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/creamy-chicken-pot-pie-with-crescent-roll-crust/d4be1a4e-904d-4919-8397-f1a02538412e)
- [Healthy Chicken Pot Pie with Cauliflower Crust](https://www.skinnytaste.com/healthy-chicken-pot-pie-with-cauliflower-crust/)
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. How long can you freeze chicken pot pie?
Chicken pot pie can be frozen for up to 3 months.
2. Can you freeze chicken pot pie without the crust?
Yes, you can freeze chicken pot pie without the crust. Wrap the filling tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, bake a pie crust separately and top the filling.
3. Can you freeze chicken pot pie with a puff pastry crust?
Puff pastry crusts do not hold up well to freezing and reheating. Consider using a different type of crust, such as a flaky butter crust or a phyllo dough crust.
4. How do you prevent the chicken pot pie crust from getting soggy when reheating?
To prevent the crust from getting soggy, reheat the chicken pot pie in the oven with the foil covering the crust. This will help steam the crust and keep it flaky.
5. Can you freeze chicken pot pie with other fillings?
Yes, you can freeze chicken pot pie with other fillings, such as beef, turkey, or vegetables. Simply follow the same freezing and reheating instructions provided in this blog post.
