Who Makes The Best Chicken Pot Pies?
In the midst of winter, there’s nothing quite as cozy as a chicken pot pie. Despite the notion that pies are sweet, some of the best ones are savory.
Most chicken pot pies start with a pie crust, similar to what you’d use for any other pie. Then, you fill it with a hearty stew mix, featuring chicken, carrots, celery, and a creamy sauce.
Some variations may include broccoli or mushrooms, and we even tried one with potatoes from Blake’s variety.
Preparing this ultimate comfort food can take a bit of time, especially if you make your own pie dough.
Fortunately, many frozen food brands offer easy-to-cook versions. While the oven is the best choice, microwave directions are often included. For consistency, we followed the box instructions for at least one pie from each brand.
Though it’s hard to go wrong with this comfort food, we did have our favorites. If you prefer homemade but want something simpler, try our Instant Pot chicken pot pie soup for a tasty twist.
The Best Frozen Pot Pie Brands, Ranked
We went through the icy wilderness, sampled many pies, and compiled the best of the best to make your decision easier.
Our quest for the perfect frozen meal covered everything from chicken and turkey to beef and vegetarian options. Join us on a food adventure with fun conversations, mouthwatering descriptions, and loads of deliciousness.
We’ll be uncovering both well-known favorites and some surprising treasures in the world of frozen pot pies. So, let’s start exploring!
1. Marie Callender’s
Marie Callender’s frozen dessert pie tops our list, but we were equally impressed by their chicken pot pie.
We share Marie Callender’s belief in savoring life’s moments, taking it easy, and indulging in ultimate comfort food like chicken pot pie with loved ones.
The chicken pot pie we tasted was exceptional, and Marie Callender’s offers a variety of chicken pot pies, including ones with cauliflower crust, rich parmesan chicken, mushrooms, and even a bacon-infused option.
They’ve partnered with Gardein for a plant-based version, which we found to be everything we desire in a chicken pot pie.
The golden, flakey crust, abundant and flavorful filling, and straightforward cooking instructions make it a winner.
We appreciate the plant-based option, expanding the joy to more people. With various twists on the classic, Marie Callender’s stands out as the hero of frozen pot pies.
2. Centerville Pie Co.
Get ready to be impressed by Centerville Pie Co.’s frozen pot pies, surpassing the competition in both looks and taste.
The pie’s crust is a delightful surprise, combining a slight doughiness with just the right amount of flakiness, providing a satisfying texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Centerville nails the gravy, achieving the perfect balance — not too thin, not too thick, but just right. The flavorful gravy complements the star ingredient, the chicken, creating a rich backdrop.
Speaking of chicken, Centerville excels here. Each bite reveals real, unprocessed chicken chunks, showcasing a commitment to quality. The juiciness in every morsel makes for an unforgettable eating experience.
While predominantly featuring white meat, the inclusion of a few dark pieces signifies the use of a whole bird, adding depth to the flavor.
Nutrition-wise, just under 1 cup of pie amounts to only 410 calories with 460 milligrams of sodium. This comfort classic is not just flavorful; it’s a nutritional winner.
Centerville Pie Co.’s frozen pot pies not only look good but also deliver exceptional flavors, earning them the top spot.
From the sweet and doughy crust to the perfectly balanced gravy, every element is thoughtfully crafted for a memorable dining experience.
With real chicken, Centerville outshines the competition. Don’t miss out on this must-try frozen pot pie!
3. Blake’s
In 1970, Blake’s journey with meat pies began when Charlie Blake started experimenting with his grandmother Clara’s recipes.
Starting with turkey pot pies, Charlie had the clever idea to sell them in town, and they became a hit. The success story began then and there.
Blake’s commitment to providing well-made, fresh meals continues today. Their chicken pot pie selection includes traditional, organic, and gluten-free options.
The brand also offers a turkey pot pie, the original favorite. For a different and hearty choice, check out their shepherd’s pie.
What sets Blake’s pies apart is the noticeable difference in the crust. Instead of surrounding the whole pie, the crust sits atop the filling, resembling a large biscuit.
While you might initially think you miss the surrounding crust, it turns out that leaving more room for the comforting filling is a delightful choice.
The top crust, flakey and delicious, distinguishes Blake’s pies. If it covered the entire pie, it might have been our favorite. Despite missing that extra bit of crust around the sides, we highly recommend this one.
4. Willow Tree
If you’re not familiar with Willow Tree, you’re missing out on top-notch pot pies. This freezer classic prioritizes antibiotic-free ingredients, making it a trusted option for those with discerning tastes.
It’s readily available in most store freezer sections, making it convenient for a quick pickup any day of the week.
Willow Tree’s crust may not overwhelm with bold flavors, but its delightful flakiness is a winner. The exterior provides a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains soft and comforting.
While the gravy leans towards the thinner side, it doesn’t compromise on the vibrant flavor you crave. However, it’s worth noting that this pot pie option takes the lead in being the least healthy, with 900 milligrams of sodium.
But fear not, as the shredded chicken steals the show with its juicy and flavorful goodness.
Departing from the chunky and processed styles found in many pot pies, Willow Tree’s chicken offers a refreshing taste of real white meat that leaves you wanting more.
The veggies in Willow Tree’s pot pie play a supporting role without overshadowing the overall enjoyment. They complement the chicken, adding color and texture to the entire ensemble.
Willow Tree’s pot pie is a classic choice that upholds its commitment to quality ingredients. The gravy serves as a subtle canvas for the standout shredded chicken.
With a well-balanced mix of veggies and a solid crust, it keeps your taste buds entertained. So, rejoice and savor this classic frozen pot pie that delivers on its promise of genuine chicken goodness.
5. Boomerang’s
Inspired by Australian meat pies, Boomerang’s has a special place for chicken pot pies in its lineup.
After trying a meat pie in Sydney, founder Jack Fennell collaborated with Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts chefs in Austin to bring Americanized meat pies to everyone.
Now widely distributed across the United States, this Texan company aims to provide an incredible and convenient dining experience.
Boomerang’s offers various chicken pot pies, including classic, chicken and mushroom, and a chick’n classic plant-based option. The classic one packs all the expected pot pie ingredients into a handheld delight.
For a tasty twist, the chicken and mushroom variety impressed us even more than the original flavor, thanks to the welcome addition of mushrooms.
While we enjoyed the flavors, we noticed the oven-cooked crust was less flaky and a bit crispy. However, when we microwaved another hand pie, the crust turned out absolutely perfect and delicious.
Boomerang’s pies are convenient for busy days, whether you’re at the office, school, or just relaxing at home. The microwave preparation results in an excellent lunch that’s both fabulous and easy to enjoy.
6. Boston Market
Boston Market, found nationwide, not only has restaurants but also offers the convenience of bringing a holiday feast directly to your door.
In their frozen food section, you’ll discover a variety of frozen meals designed to satisfy a hearty appetite.
For those watching their carbs, Boston Market caters to carbohydrate-conscious diners with both a crustless pot pie and a regular chicken pot pie, similar to Atkins and Healthy Choice.
Despite being the smallest among their offerings, this pot pie provides a satisfying meal with a golden brown crust, abundant vegetables, and wonderfully creamy sauce.
Although we wished for a slightly flakier crust, the filling’s taste more than makes up for it. The crustless version includes traditional filling ingredients along with celery and dumplings, making it a more fulfilling dish.
The dumplings, in particular, stood out positively compared to those in the Healthy Choice variety.
Moreover, with extra space for chicken, the crustless pot pie becomes an excellent protein source at 24 grams. Boston Market, having mastered a great pot pie, could consider introducing flavor variety, including turkey and beef pot pies.
7. Stouffer’s
Stouffer’s, known for its unique lasagna-flavored bloody Mary mix and other dishes, also offers a chicken pot pie. The company’s roots trace back to 1924 in Cleveland, Ohio, expanding to a second restaurant in Detroit, Michigan, by 1926.
By 1954, they entered the frozen food market, and six years later, the Anacapri Inn in Fort Lauderdale, Stouffer’s hotel, opened. In 1992, Stouffer’s shifted its focus solely to the frozen food market, selling its hotels and restaurants.
Despite offering various frozen food options, Stouffer’s has only three pot pie varieties: white meat chicken pot pie, a larger size of the same pot pie, and chicken pot pie bites.
Unfortunately, the bites were a letdown, being small with minimal filling, quite different from the overflowing image on the box.
Regarding the pot pie, it had an industrial taste and feel, resembling a frozen meal more than some other options.
We wished for a more homemade quality as the flavor seemed a bit plain. The crust easily burnt during cooking, even with proper wrapping as per the directions, resulting in a dry outcome.
8. Healthy Choice
Since 1989, Healthy Choice has been a leader in making healthy and delicious food accessible to everyone.
The aim is to make it easy for people to make positive choices for their well-being by offering not just healthy options but also irresistibly tasty ones.
As part of their Café Steamer lineup, Healthy Choice presents a crustless chicken pot pie similar to Atkins.
This includes chicken, carrots, peas, corn, and tender dumplings, all coated in a pot pie sauce that reminds you of a regular chicken pot pie.
We found the veggies tender and the chicken well-flavored in this pot pie, but the dumplings were a bit strange and chewy. Although meant to replace the crust of a traditional chicken pot pie, we weren’t fond of this alternative attempt.
Despite this, we enjoyed it more than the Atkins version, mainly because of the steamer preparation method rather than the actual recipes or contents.
If you’re seeking a crustless pot pie, we suggest choosing this one and simply eating around the dumplings.
9. Banquet
Banquet introduced its first product in 1953: frozen meat pies. The chicken pot pie falls under this category, making it a longstanding and tasty part of Banquet’s history.
As the company expanded over the years, meat pies have remained a crucial part of their offerings. For those preferring chicken pot pies, Banquet provides a traditional option, one with broccoli, and a larger family-sized version.
If chicken isn’t your preference, they also offer turkey, Salisbury steak, and beef pot pies. Although Banquet offers a broccoli variation, we hope to see more diverse chicken-focused options.
In our taste tests of various chicken pot pies, Banquet’s left us least impressed. While parts of the crust were good, the pot pie seemed too small with insufficient filling.
We appreciated the prominent chicken flavor but wished for more veggies and chicken pieces. While we understand the family-size pie would be more substantial, the smaller version could be a bit larger.
Unfortunately, the crust tends to burn quickly, even with foil wrapping, which doesn’t entirely prevent the dreaded burnt crust. It’s unfortunate because the crust is the best part of this pie.
10. Atkins
If you’re on the Atkins diet, a chicken pot pie might seem like it’s off-limits due to the high carb content in the crust. After all, Atkins focuses on minimizing carbohydrate intake.
However, Atkins has a solution – their own crustless chicken pot pie is available in grocery stores, offering 300 calories, 24 grams of protein, 3 grams of sugar, 6 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of fiber.
Once cooked, you get a dish with chopped chicken, plenty of broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and slivered carrots, all tossed in a herb and sherry cream sauce.
Despite generally positive reviews, it was our least favorite. The chicken lacked flavor, and there were too few carrots in our meal – only three pieces.
On the flip side, there was an abundance of broccoli and cauliflower, making the predominant flavor broccoli, which is unusual for pot pies.
While we appreciate the effort to create a crustless option, it doesn’t compare well to other pot pies we tried. Some extra seasoning could improve it, but the shortage of other veggies is also an issue.
11. Swanson
Swanson’s turkey pot pie, fresh from the oven, caught our attention with its golden, flakey crust, promising a tasty experience. Like a tempting melody, the crust invites you to take a bite and explore the hidden delights within.
Breaking open the crust with anticipation, we discovered a mix of flavors, but not all were well-received. The gravy steals the show, presenting a rich, velvety taste that deserves applause.
However, the turkey in this pot pie raised suspicions. Cubes with an unnatural shape and dark brown coloring, coupled with a rubbery texture, failed to impress. Adding to the disappointment, the crust lacked flavor.
The nutritional profile wasn’t favorable either, with a single-serving turkey pot pie containing 370 calories and 850 milligrams of sodium. Despite the high salt content, the expected goodness of pot pies didn’t materialize.
While there were occasional moments of culinary satisfaction, the drawbacks were too many. We found ourselves saying “thank you, next” to this pot pie. Mystery meat isn’t appealing, especially with better options on the shelves.
12. Mrs. Budd’s
Get ready for an epic pot pie journey with Mrs. Budd’s frozen delight—a whopping 3-pound chicken pot pie that promises to satisfy and induce a cozy food coma.
While smaller servings and a turkey option are available, why not go big or go home? The golden-brown crust of Mrs. Budd’s pot pie captivates with a crunchy exterior and a soft, comforting center, setting the stage for a satisfying experience.
The crust and flavorful gravy create a solid foundation, but we encountered some quirks placing this pot pie in the middle ground.
Unfortunately, the peas and carrots carry the unmistakable taste and appearance of canned produce, reminiscent of simpler times when convenience trumped culinary finesse.
The cubed chicken, while contained within, falls short of reaching new taste heights, resulting in a decent yet unremarkable overall experience.
Nutritional facts reveal that one cup of this pot pie has only 340 calories, but the sodium content ranks among the highest at 770 milligrams.
Despite the impressive crust and gravy, the canned peas, carrots, and cubed chicken evoke nostalgia more than exceptional taste.
It’s a decent pot pie that fills your belly and leaves you content, but it might not be the one you enthusiastically share with others.
13. Amy’s
Venturing into the world of culinary exploration, we decided to try Amy’s frozen pot pies, specifically opting for the unconventional choice of broccoli over the typical chicken or vegetable options.
Our goal was to find a new favorite from a health-conscious brand, setting the stage for a taste test filled with anticipation and caution. Unfortunately, the journey didn’t kick off on a positive note.
Upon opening the box, the crust appeared as bland as cardboard, prompting us to delve deeper in search of the hidden delights within.
Regrettably, the flavor mirrored the uninspiring crust, leaving us desiring something more exciting. However, a burst of cheddar cheese gravy rescued the situation, injecting vitality into an otherwise lackluster experience.
This pot pie is a delight for cheese enthusiasts, resembling more of a broccoli cheddar soup bowl than a traditional pot pie. It boasts a variety of organic vegetables and a modest sodium content of 510 milligrams.
However, the appeal of these positive aspects is offset by the high calorie count of 490 and a substantial 47 grams of carbohydrates, undermining its health-conscious image.
Despite offering a diverse range of textures and flavors, the crust emerged as a significant drawback, difficult to ignore when seeking the perfect pot pie.
If you’re in the mood for a cheesy adventure that skillfully blends the ordinary with bursts of flavor, Amy’s broccoli pot pie might fulfill your cravings.
Embrace its peculiarities and allow the cheddar gravy to lead you through this culinary escapade. However, for us, it falls short of hitting the mark.
