Name: Easy Crustless Chicken Pot Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 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 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup flour, or more; 2 tsp salt, divided; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning; 1/4 tsp dried thyme; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream, or half and half; For the Topping: 1 cup Panko; For the Topping: 2 tbsp butter; For the Topping: 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Oh, I know the feeling! Sometimes you just need that warm, savory hug of a classic dish, but you absolutely don’t have the time (or the patience!) for rolling out pie dough. That’s why discovering this EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie was such a game-changer for my weeknight rotation. When I decided to simplify some of my favorite comfort foods, I wanted all the creamy, veggie-packed goodness without the heavy pastry lid getting in the way. For me, cooking is about feeling nourished, not sluggish afterwards, so cutting the crust lets the incredible filling shine through. This recipe proves that Comfort Food Classics can totally fit into a balanced lifestyle without adding extra work. It’s fast, it’s hearty, and genuinely satisfying!

Why This EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Is Your New Go-To Comfort Food Classics

If you’re anything like me, you crave that cozy feeling without the commitment of a heavy pastry. This version is perfect because we get straight to the heart of the dish: the creamy, deeply savory filling. It’s one of my favorite Easy Dinner Recipes for that exact reason!

Why you’ll keep coming back to this dish:

Lighter, Not Lacking: We ditch the crust, making it a substantially lighter meal that still feels incredibly hearty.
True One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in one solid skillet, meaning cleanup is a breeze. That’s always a huge win on a busy night!
Ultimate Comfort Food Classics: It delivers all those nostalgic, comforting flavors you expect from pot pie, just made simpler and quicker.

Gathering Ingredients for Your EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

Getting started is always the simplest part when everything is laid out! Trust me, having your ingredients prepped before you heat that skillet is the key to making this feel truly easy. We’re keeping the ingredient list straightforward so you can whip this up fast, even on a hectic Tuesday night. Everything you need is listed here, broken down so you know exactly where it goes.

For the Creamy Filling and Chicken

This is the rich heart of our pot pie. Make sure that chicken is cubed evenly so it cooks through nicely!

1.5 pounds chicken breast, cubed into 1/2 inch pieces
1 onion, diced
12 ounces mixed vegetables, frozen
1 cup sliced celery
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour, or more for thickening
2 tsp salt, divided
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/4 tsp dried thyme
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream, or half and half

For the Crunchy Panko Topping

We are skipping the crust, but we aren’t skipping the texture! These simple components create the perfect golden crunch right at the end.

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions for EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

Okay, let’s get cooking! Since this is a one-pan meal, the order matters so we don’t dirty a ton of dishes. We start with the topping because we need to get those Panko crumbs golden and set them aside before we touch the main filling ingredients. This keeps them perfectly crunchy later! For those looking for quick budget-friendly dinners, following the steps exactly is crucial for speed.

Preparing the Golden Panko Topping

First things first, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in your big, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your Panko breadcrumbs and that half teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir constantly! These little guys turn from golden brown to burnt charcoal in about three seconds flat. You’re looking for about 3 or 4 minutes until they smell nutty and gorgeous. Scoop them out immediately and set them aside on a small plate. That crunchy crown waits for its glorious finale!

Cooking the Chicken and Sautéing Aromatics

Now, reduce the heat slightly. Add 1 tablespoon of butter back into that same skillet. Take your cubed chicken, season it up beautifully with the poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and half of your salt, and spread it in the pan in a single layer. Cook this for just about 2 minutes per side; we want some color, but we aren’t cooking it through yet! Remove the chicken and keep it warm. Next, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and toss in your diced onion and celery. Stir these until they look soft and translucent, usually 4 to 5 minutes.

A bowl of EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie featuring shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Building the Creamy Sauce Base

This is where the creaminess comes from! Sprinkle your 1/4 cup of flour right over the softened vegetables and butter. Stir it all up and cook for a minute—we are making a little roux here, so let it turn slightly golden. Then, slowly whisk in the 2 cups of chicken broth until everything is smooth. Now pour in the heavy cream, the final bit of salt, and the thyme. Keep whisking gently until the sauce starts to bubble and officially simmers. It should look like it’s starting to coat the back of a spoon!

Simmering the EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Filling

Turn that heat right down to low—we don’t want a rolling boil now! Gently stir the lightly cooked chicken back into the sauce, along with your frozen mixed vegetables. Let this whole lovely mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This final simmer ensures that chicken finishes cooking perfectly, and crucially, the sauce thickens up beautifully. If, after those 5 minutes, it still seems a little thin for your liking, just make a tiny slurry—that’s 1 teaspoon of flour mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water—and stir that in until it thickens up just right, as described in my notes. Once it’s thick and bubbly, turn the heat off and throw that reserved Panko right on top. You’re ready to dig in!

A bowl of EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie topped with crispy breadcrumbs, featuring chicken, peas, and carrots in a creamy sauce.

Expert Tips for the Perfect EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

Getting that creamy sauce texture right is honestly the most important part of this dish since we don’t have a crust to hide behind. Remember what I mentioned in the instructions? If you taste it after the 5-minute simmer and you think it needs more body, don’t panic! Just mix up that little slurry—a teaspoon of flour with a tablespoon of ice-cold water—and stir it in slowly on low heat. That little trick always saves the sauce for me.

Also, be generous with your seasonings, especially the poultry seasoning and thyme! Since we aren’t relying on salty pastry dough, you need to build that savory flavor right into the sauce. Feel free to taste the sauce before you add the chicken back in; if it tastes a little flat, a tiny dash of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice can bring everything back to vibrant life! It’s all about tasting as you go. For more of my healthy chicken methods, check out my tips on easy healthy chicken dinners.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

Because this is all about making things easy, let’s talk swaps! If you are absolutely slammed for time after a huge day, you can skip cubing and seasoning the raw chicken entirely. Seriously! Just use about 3 cups of leftover, shredded rotisserie chicken instead. Add that already-cooked chicken in during the last 5 minutes when you add the frozen veggies, just to make sure it heats through nicely.

When it comes to the cream, sometimes I don’t have heavy cream on hand, and that’s okay! You can look at using 1 cup of whole milk, but to make sure it thickens up beautifully, grab a tiny bit of cornstarch—maybe a half teaspoon mixed with a little cold water—and stir that in right when you add the broth. That little bit of starch helps compensate for the slightly lower fat content. It’s all about making this recipe work for your pantry!

Making This EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie a Weeknight Dinner Ideas Winner

Honestly, this recipe is the definition of a quick fix when you need something substantial on the table fast. We’re looking at a total time commitment of just 40 minutes—start to finish! That makes it one of those perfect Weeknight Dinner Ideas that feels way more effort than it actually is. It’s a truly Hearty Meal that won’t keep you chained to the stove when you’d rather be relaxing.

A bowl filled with EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie, featuring chicken, peas, carrots, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.

As a developer focused on practical nourishment, I designed this EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie to fit seamlessly into real life. You get the flavor you crave without sacrificing your evening! I love seeing how readers take this simple comfort food and make it their own. For more inspiration on balanced, everyday cooking, you can check out my work over at Sena Recipes.

Serving Suggestions for Your EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

Since this filling is so wonderfully rich and comforting, you definitely want something light to cut through all that creaminess. This dish shines as a centerpiece for any Family Dinner Ideas when paired correctly!

I usually keep it simple. A big, bright green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette is fantastic. It adds that necessary freshness! Alternatively, a side of lightly steamed broccoli or green beans tossed with just a tiny squeeze of lemon brightens up the bowl beautifully. You don’t need heavy sides because the pot pie itself is so satisfying!

A bowl filled with EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie, featuring creamy chicken and vegetables topped with golden breadcrumbs and parsley.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

This is such a fantastic dish for leftovers, which is another reason it’s perfect for families! If you have any of that rich filling left, just scoop it right into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure you skip putting the Panko topping on your leftovers!

When you’re ready to enjoy it again—and trust me, you will be—I strongly recommend reheating it gently on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat. This really brings back that creamy sauce texture. If you must use the microwave, do just short bursts and stir in between so it doesn’t create hot spots. If it’s too thick, splash in a tiny bit of extra broth or water.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Homemade Dinner Recipes Dish

I know when you change a classic recipe, questions always pop up! I try to answer everything here so you feel totally confident making this dish for your family. It’s amazing how simple tweaks can turn this into one of your favorite Homemade Dinner Recipes.

Is this EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie truly healthier than the original?

Absolutely, yes! The whole point of designing this version was to lighten things up while keeping the flavor profile cozy. By skipping that thick pastry crust, you’re eliminating a lot of refined carbs and unnecessary fat. You are focusing purely on the tender chicken and all those delicious, nutrient-rich vegetables swimming in a creamy—but lighter—sauce. It really lets the protein and veggies take center stage!

Can I make this a Cheesy Dinner Recipes option?

Oh, you definitely can! If you need that extra comforting, savory touch, stir in about a half cup of sharp cheddar or grated Parmesan cheese right at the very end, just after you turn the heat off. You want to do it after the heat is off because it melts beautifully without separating the sauce. It turns into a lovely, decadent hug in a bowl. That makes it instantly one of those great Cheesy Dinner Recipes for the family!

How can I make the sauce thicker without using extra flour?

That’s a smart question if you’re trying to keep the flour content down even more! Instead of always relying on that flour slurry I mentioned earlier, try simmering the sauce for longer once the broth and cream are added—maybe an extra 5 to 8 minutes on low, stirring occasionally. If it just won’t thicken enough, the best alternative is using cornstarch. Whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water until it’s perfectly smooth, then stir it into your simmering sauce. It thickens up incredibly fast, usually within a minute or two!

Nutritional Estimate for This Comfort Food Dinners Recipe

I always think it’s important to know what’s going into your body, even with our favorite Comfort Food Dinners! Since we skipped that heavy crust, this recipe stays beautifully balanced, which is why I love serving it to my family. It provides great protein and lots of veggies, making it feel really nourishing.

Here is the general estimate based on the ingredients listed. Remember, because we all use slightly different cuts of chicken or different brands of cream, these numbers are always averages, so take them as a helpful guide!

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Protein: 45 grams (Wow, that’s a lot of staying power!)
Fat: 20 grams
Carbohydrates: 25 grams
Sugar: 5 grams

If you are looking for ways to keep meals light and focused on whole foods, I always recommend checking out my posts on low-calorie foods and weight loss recipes for lighter inspiration during the week. But honestly, this crustless version is a perfect way to enjoy a classic without the guilt!

Share Your Experience Making This EASY Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

I hope that diving into this simple, cozy classic has brought some needed warmth to your kitchen! Since this recipe is all about making comfort food accessible and light, I really want to hear what you thought of it. Did you pair it with a big salad like I suggested, or did you sneak in some cheese?

Please, take a moment to leave a rating and tell me about your cooking experience in the comments below. I read every single one! If you snapped a photo of that beautiful, creamy filling topped with golden Panko, please tag me on social media—I absolutely love seeing my recipes come to life in your family dinners. Enjoy every comforting, crust-free bite!