There’s something magical about comfort food—it wraps you up in warmth and nostalgia with every bite. One of the ultimate comfort food dishes? Chicken pot pie. But what if we took that classic filling and gave it a light, crispy, and airy twist? Enter Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers, a dish that combines the hearty, creamy filling of a traditional pot pie with the flaky, hollow goodness of popovers.
If you’re looking for a unique, fun, and mouthwatering take on chicken pot pie, you’re in the right place. This recipe swaps out the usual buttery pie crust for golden, airy popovers, creating a contrast between crispy on the outside and rich, savory filling on the inside. Ready to learn how to make it? Let’s dive in!
If you’re a fan of comforting, easy-to-make meals, you might also enjoy this Quick Busy Day Soup Recipe—a perfect pairing with Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Table of Contents
What Is Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers?
If you love chicken pot pie, you know the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and veggies baked inside a golden crust is pure comfort food perfection. However, traditional pot pies can be heavy, time-consuming, and require rolling out dough—not exactly a quick fix for weeknight cravings.
By swapping out the pie crust for popovers, you create a dish that is:
- Lighter yet still indulgent – Popovers are crisp and hollow, allowing you to enjoy the richness of the filling without the heaviness of a full crust.
- Easier to make – No rolling or chilling dough—just mix, pour, and bake!
- Perfect for meal prep – Make the filling ahead of time, and simply bake fresh popovers when ready to serve.
- Customizable – Want to add a little spice? Prefer turkey over chicken? The possibilities are endless!
“Think of it as the lovechild of a traditional chicken pot pie and a Yorkshire pudding—crispy, airy, and absolutely delicious!” 🍗🥄
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers
Before we get started, let’s round up everything you need to make this delicious dish.
Best Ingredients for a Flavorful Chicken Filling
The filling is what makes this dish rich, hearty, and satisfying. You’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) 🍗
- 1 cup chicken broth – For a rich, flavorful base.
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk – Adds that signature creamy texture. 🥛
- ½ cup diced carrots – Sweet and tender. 🥕
- ½ cup frozen peas – Classic pot pie flavor!
- ½ cup diced celery – Adds a slight crunch.
- ½ cup diced onions – For depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp butter – Everything’s better with butter, right? 🧈
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper – For just the right amount of spice.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better. 🧄
Pro Tip: “If you want to add even more flavor, try tossing in a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary!” 🌿
Choosing the Right Popover Batter for a Perfect Texture
Popovers are light, airy, and have a beautiful rise, making them perfect for holding creamy fillings. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Gives the batter structure.
- 1 cup whole milk – The secret to a soft interior.
- 2 eggs – Helps with the rise. 🥚
- 1 tbsp melted butter – Adds richness. 🧈
- ½ tsp salt – Just a little to enhance flavor.
Using high-quality chicken is essential for flavor. If you love chicken-based meals, check out this 4-Ingredient Chicken Salad—a quick and fresh way to enjoy shredded chicken leftovers!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers
Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s get cooking! The process is simple, and I’ll break it down into two main parts: making the filling and baking the popovers.
Preparing the Chicken Filling
The filling needs to be creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. Here’s how to make it:
- Sauté the Veggies – In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Make the Roux – Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids – Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once it’s smooth, stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Chicken & Peas – Toss in the shredded chicken and peas, then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Cool & Set Aside – Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the popover batter.
Chef’s Note: “The filling should be creamy but not too thick—it should coat the back of a spoon without being overly runny.” 🥄
How to Make the Perfect Popover Shells
Popovers rise beautifully when made correctly, giving you a light, hollow shell perfect for holding the filling. Follow these steps:
- Preheat Your Oven – Set it to 425°F (220°C). Place a greased muffin tin or popover pan inside to heat up—this helps create a crisp crust.
- Mix the Batter – In a bowl, whisk together flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, and salt until smooth. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Fill the Hot Pan – Carefully remove the hot muffin tin and immediately pour the batter into each cup, filling them about ⅔ full.
- Bake Without Peeking! – Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Cool Slightly – Once golden and puffed up, remove the popovers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before filling them.
For more baked comfort food recipes, don’t miss this Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche—a sweet and fluffy treat that pairs beautifully with savory dishes like popovers.
“Resist the urge to open the oven door! Popovers need steam to rise, and opening the door too soon can cause them to deflate.”
Assembling and Baking the Chicken Pot Pie Popovers
Now that we have our crispy popovers and creamy chicken pot pie filling, it’s time to bring everything together for the ultimate comfort food experience!
How to Fill the Popovers Without Making Them Soggy
You don’t want your beautiful, airy popovers to become soggy when you add the filling. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut a Small Opening – Use a sharp knife to gently cut a small slit or create a pocket on the top of each popover. Be careful not to slice all the way through!
- Spoon in the Filling – Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each popover with 2–3 tablespoons of the warm chicken pot pie filling. Don’t overfill—it should still be light and airy inside.
- Optional – Bake for a Few Extra Minutes – For an extra crispy touch, place the filled popovers back in the oven for 3–5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to slightly crisp up the tops.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, or cracked black pepper for a finishing touch.
Pro Tip: “To keep popovers crispy, always let them cool slightly before adding the filling. If they’re too hot, steam inside can make them collapse!”
Common Problems and Solutions
Even the best home chefs run into a few hiccups. Here are common problems and how to fix them when making Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers.
Why Did My Popovers Not Rise?
Nothing is more frustrating than flat popovers! Here’s why this might happen:
Problem: Batter was too cold.
Solution: Use room-temperature ingredients (especially eggs and milk) for the best rise.
Problem: Oven door was opened too early.
Solution: Popovers rely on steam to puff up—opening the door lets the steam escape and can cause them to deflate.
Problem: Not enough air incorporated into the batter.
Solution: Whisk the batter thoroughly to incorporate some air bubbles. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before baking.
“Think of popovers like soufflés—they need high heat, steam, and patience to rise beautifully!”
How to Prevent a Soggy Popover Base
If your popovers feel too wet or dense at the bottom, here’s how to fix it:
Problem: The filling was added while the popovers were too hot.
Solution: Allow popovers to cool slightly before filling.
Problem: Too much filling was added.
Solution: Stick to 2–3 tablespoons of filling per popover—too much can weigh them down.
Problem: The popovers weren’t baked long enough.
Solution: Make sure you bake them for 30 minutes total (20 minutes at high heat, 10 minutes at a lower temperature).
“Popovers are delicate—treat them like little pastry shells and they’ll stay crisp and airy!”
What If My Chicken Filling Is Too Runny or Thick?
Problem: The filling is too thin and leaks out of the popovers.
Solution: Add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux or let the filling simmer longer to thicken.
Problem: The filling is too thick and doesn’t spoon in easily.
Solution: Add a splash of milk or chicken broth and stir to loosen it up.
Pro Tip: “Your filling should be creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still easy to scoop into the popovers.”
Tips for the Best Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers
Want to make sure your dish turns out perfect every time? Here are some pro tips to take your Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers to the next level!
How to Get a Crispy and Puffy Popover
- Preheat Your Muffin Tin or Popover Pan – A hot pan ensures a crispy crust.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps with even baking and a good rise.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter – You want it smooth but not overworked to maintain airiness.
The Best Way to Reheat Leftovers Without Losing Texture
Popovers are best fresh, but you can reheat them and still keep that crispiness!
🔥 In the Oven – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up again.
❄ In the Air Fryer – Set to 325°F (160°C) and warm for 3–5 minutes.
🚫 Avoid the Microwave – It will make the popovers soggy.
“Want them extra crispy? Brush a little melted butter on the tops before reheating!”
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe? It’s super versatile! Whether you want a healthier version, a spicy twist, or mini-sized popovers, these variations will help you customize the dish to your liking.
Making a Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free Version
Want to make your Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers gluten-free or dairy-free? Here’s how:
🥛 Dairy-Free Swap:
- Replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter.
- Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk.
- Try dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
🌾 Gluten-Free Swap:
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for the popovers.
- Substitute cornstarch for flour when thickening the filling.
✅ Results? You’ll still get airy, crispy popovers and a creamy, flavorful filling—without gluten or dairy!
Looking for more creative chicken recipes? This Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken adds a bold, flavorful twist to your weekly menu!
Pro Tip: “Let gluten-free batter rest for 15 minutes before baking—this helps with texture!”
Adding Extra Flavors with Herbs and Spices
Want to elevate the flavor profile? Here are some delicious ways to enhance your popovers:
🌿 Herb Lovers: Add chopped fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary to the filling.
🌶 Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños for heat.
🧀 Cheesy Twist: Stir in grated Parmesan, Gruyère, or sharp cheddar to the batter for extra depth.
“A pinch of smoked paprika adds a beautiful, slightly smoky depth to the filling!” 🔥
Turning It into a Mini Popover Appetizer
Hosting a party? Turn this dish into bite-sized popover appetizers!
🧁 How to Make Mini Popovers:
- Use a mini muffin tin instead of a regular popover pan.
- Fill each cup halfway with batter and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Spoon in just 1 tbsp of filling per mini popover and serve as an appetizer.
“Perfect for holiday parties or brunch gatherings—these mini popovers are bite-sized comfort food!”
What to Serve with Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers
These popovers are already a complete meal, but pairing them with the right side dishes and beverages makes them even better!
Best Side Dishes for a Complete Meal
🥗 Fresh Green Salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
🥕 Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for extra nutrients.
🍞 Garlic Bread: If you want an even heartier meal, a slice of warm garlic bread pairs beautifully.
🥣 Light Soup: A small bowl of broccoli cheddar or tomato basil soup is a perfect side!
Pro Tip: “A crunchy side salad adds freshness and contrast to the creamy filling!”
Beverage Pairings That Complement the Dish
🍷 White Wine: A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy chicken filling.
☕ Herbal Tea: A cup of chamomile or green tea is a light, refreshing option.
🥂 Sparkling Water: Infused with lemon or cucumber for a fresh, palate-cleansing sip.
🥛 Classic Milk or Creamy Latte: Perfect for a cozy comfort food experience.
Want to add a side dish? Serve your popovers with Mexican Macaroni Salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
“Wine or tea? Your choice! Both work beautifully to balance the richness of the dish.” 🍷☕
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Keep Popovers from Deflating?
🚫 Don’t open the oven door early! This is the #1 reason popovers collapse.
📏 Bake them long enough – Ensure they’re golden and crisp before removing them.
🌬 Let them cool in the oven – Turn the oven off, crack the door, and leave them inside for 5 minutes.
“Patience is key—let your popovers fully bake and cool properly for the best results!”
What Is the Trick to Popovers?
Popovers are famous for their light, airy texture—but they can be tricky to get right! Follow these golden rules:
🔥 Preheat your muffin tin – A hot pan helps create steam instantly.
🥚 Use room-temperature ingredients – Cold eggs or milk can slow down the rise.
🚪 Never open the oven door early! – Steam is key to puffing up popovers, and opening the door can deflate them.
⏳ Bake long enough – They need at least 30 minutes to fully rise and crisp up.
“Think of popovers like little soufflés—they need heat, steam, and patience to rise beautifully!”
➡️ Related Recipe: For another baked treat, check out this Braided Chocolate Chip Brioche—a fluffy, indulgent bread perfect for pairing with popovers!
What Is the Difference Between a Chicken Pie and a Chicken Pot Pie?
These two dishes sound similar but have key differences:
🥧 Chicken Pie – A classic meat pie with a flaky pastry crust on the top and bottom, often without vegetables or creamy filling.
🍲 Chicken Pot Pie – A creamy, rich chicken dish baked with a top crust only (or in this case, inside popovers!).
➡️ Related Recipe: If you love classic chicken dishes, try this Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken for a bold flavor twist!
Why Did My Chicken Pot Pie Come Out Watery?
If your filling is too runny, here’s why:
🚫 Not enough thickening agent – Always cook your flour and butter (roux) for at least 1-2 minutes before adding liquid.
🔥 Didn’t simmer long enough – Let the filling thicken on low heat before using.
💧 Too much liquid – Be precise with broth and cream measurements.
How to Fix It?
✔️ Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) and simmer.
✔️ Let it cool slightly before adding to your popovers to prevent sogginess.
“The perfect chicken pot pie filling should coat the back of a spoon—thick but creamy!”
➡️ Related Recipe: Want more cozy meal ideas? Try this Quick Busy Day Soup—a warm, comforting side to serve with your popovers!
Should You Prebake the Bottom Crust of a Chicken Pot Pie?
No, traditional chicken pot pies do not require prebaking the bottom crust because the filling is added warm, and the pie is baked long enough to cook the crust through. However, if you often end up with a soggy bottom crust, here are a few tricks:
✅ Use a metal or glass pie dish – This helps conduct heat evenly.
✅ Brush the crust with egg wash – A thin layer of egg helps seal the crust.
✅ Bake on the lower oven rack – This ensures better heat distribution.
“Prebaking is optional, but these small tweaks can help prevent a soggy crust!”
Since we’re making Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers, there’s no bottom crust to worry about—just a crisp, airy shell that holds the creamy filling perfectly.
➡️ Related Recipe: Want a lighter take on chicken dishes? Try this 4-Ingredient Chicken Salad for a refreshing meal!
Conclusion: Enjoy a New Twist on a Classic Dish!
And there you have it—Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers, a creative, fun, and delicious spin on the beloved classic. This dish combines the flaky, airy magic of popovers with the rich, creamy goodness of chicken pot pie filling, creating the perfect balance of comfort and texture.
Recap: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – No pie crust hassle!
- Crispy & creamy contrast – The best of both worlds.
- Customizable – Dairy-free, gluten-free, or even mini versions!
- Great for meal prep – Make the filling ahead and bake fresh popovers anytime.
“If you love chicken pot pie but want a new twist, this recipe is a game-changer!” 🍗🥄
Now it’s your turn—will you try this recipe for dinner, brunch, or a cozy weekend meal? Let me know in the comments! 😊🔥
Chicken Pot Pie in Popovers
Equipment
- Muffin Tin or Popover Pan – Creates the classic popover shape
- Mixing Bowls – For preparing the batter and filling
- Whisk – Ensures a smooth popover batter
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the chicken filling
- Saucepan or Skillet – To cook the creamy chicken filling
- Ladle or Spoon – For filling the popovers evenly
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – To chop vegetables and chicken
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient measurements
- Baking Sheet (Optional) – Placing the muffin tin on a baking sheet can help with even baking
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onions
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for popover batter)
- 1 cup whole milk (for popover batter)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp salt (for popover batter)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a greased muffin tin inside to heat up.
- Prepare the filling: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, then whisk in chicken broth and cream.
- Add shredded chicken, peas, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Prepare the popover batter: In a bowl, whisk flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, and salt until smooth.
- Carefully remove the hot muffin tin, and fill each cup ⅔ full with batter.
- Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Cut a small opening in each popover and spoon in the prepared chicken filling.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Popovers should be baked immediately after preparing the batter to ensure they rise properly.
- Avoid opening the oven door while baking to prevent deflation.
nice work