Chicken pot pie is a warm, comforting meal enjoyed by people of all ages. Small chicken pot pies are perfect for individual servings, offering just the right amount of filling, chicken, and vegetables in a single portion. Whether you’re reheating a homemade, store-bought, or frozen pot pie, knowing how long to heat a small chicken pot pie in the oven is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of a warm, creamy filling and a crispy, golden crust.
This article will explore everything you need to know about reheating a small chicken pot pie in the oven. We’ll cover heating times, preparation tips, alternative methods, and ways to prevent common reheating issues like soggy crusts and uneven heating.
1. Why the Oven Is Ideal for Reheating Small Chicken Pot Pies
Using the oven to reheat a small chicken pot pie is a reliable way to bring back its original taste and texture. The oven provides steady, even heating, allowing the pie to warm up gradually from the outside in. Unlike microwaving, which often leads to uneven heating and a soggy crust, the oven preserves the integrity of both the filling and the crust. The slow, consistent heat keeps the creamy filling from becoming too hot too quickly, reducing the chance of it becoming watery or overly dry.
Additionally, the oven helps maintain a crispy, flaky crust by circulating hot air around the entire pie. This dry heat crisps up the crust while warming the filling evenly, achieving the same freshly baked quality you enjoyed initially. Reheating in the oven may take a few extra minutes, but it’s well worth it for the restored flavors, creamy filling, and golden, crispy crust.
2. How Long Does It Take to Heat a Small Chicken Pot Pie in the Oven?
Heating times for small chicken pot pies can vary based on whether the pie is fresh, refrigerated, or frozen. Here’s a breakdown of recommended times and temperatures for each type.
2.1 Fresh or Refrigerated Chicken Pot Pies
If your chicken pot pie is freshly made and at room temperature, or if it has been stored in the refrigerator, you’ll need to reheat it at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 15–25 minutes. Room-temperature pies will typically require around 15 minutes, while refrigerated ones may need closer to 25 minutes.
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pot pie on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
- Cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake for 15–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2.2 Frozen Chicken Pot Pies
For frozen pot pies, set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30–40 minutes. The frozen pie requires more time to thaw and heat through completely.
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove any packaging and place the frozen pie on a baking sheet.
- Cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Accurate oven temperature is essential for even heating. Learn more about how to ensure oven accuracy for consistent baking results.
3. Preparation Tips for Optimal Reheating
If you’re unsure how long to heat a small chicken pot pie in the oven, these tips will guide you to perfect results every time. Following these steps ensures even heating, a warm filling, and a crispy crust.
- Thaw Frozen Pies in the Fridge: For frozen pies, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This gradual thawing reduces the oven time needed and helps the pie heat evenly throughout without drying out parts of the filling or crust.
- Cover the Crust Edges: To prevent the crust edges from over-browning or burning, wrap them in aluminum foil. This will protect the delicate edges while allowing the rest of the pie to heat thoroughly. You can remove the foil in the last few minutes of heating for a perfectly golden crust.
- Use a Baking Sheet: Place the pie on a baking sheet before putting it in the oven. This will catch any filling that might bubble over as it heats, saving your oven from messy spills and helping the pie heat more evenly. A baking sheet also provides stability, especially if you’re handling a smaller, delicate pie.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Heating a Small Chicken Pot Pie in the Oven
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to reheating a small chicken pot pie in the oven:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to the appropriate temperature:
- Fresh or Refrigerated Pie: 350°F (175°C)
- Frozen Pie: 375°F (190°C)
Step 2: Prepare the Pot Pie for Heating
Remove any packaging, place the pie on a baking sheet, and cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the oven and bake according to its type:
- Fresh or Refrigerated Pie: 15–25 minutes
- Frozen Pie: 30–40 minutes
Step 4: Check the Internal Temperature
Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C), indicating that it is fully reheated.
Step 5: Let the Pie Rest Before Serving
Allow the pie to rest for 5 minutes after reheating. This helps the filling settle and prevents burns from overly hot filling.
5. Achieving the Perfect Texture and Flavor
Getting a delicious chicken pot pie with a flaky crust and creamy filling is about more than just heating it up. Here are some additional tips to help you achieve the best flavor and texture:
1. Avoid Overheating the Pie
Heating the pie for too long can dry out the filling or cause the crust to become too hard. Stick to recommended heating times and temperatures to avoid this problem.
2. Brush with Butter for a Golden Crust
For an extra golden, crispy crust, brush the top with a small amount of melted butter before reheating.
3. Keep the Filling Moist
If your filling tends to dry out during reheating, cover the top of the pie lightly with foil to retain moisture. This helps create a juicy filling while keeping the crust flaky.
4. Check the Temperature Partway Through
To ensure even heating, check the internal temperature halfway through reheating. This will reduce the risk of overcooking and help avoid cold spots in the center.
6. Alternative Reheating Methods
While the oven is the best option for reheating a small chicken pot pie, you can use other methods if you’re short on time or don’t have access to an oven.
Microwave Reheating
The microwave heats food faster but can make the crust soggy. If you’re in a hurry, this can be a quick option.
- Microwave on Medium Power: Heat the pie at 50% power for 1–2 minutes in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Air Fryer Reheating
Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens and can provide a crispy crust while reheating the pie.
- Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat the pie for about 8–10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reheating Pot Pie
Avoid these common reheating mistakes to ensure a perfectly heated pot pie:
- Skipping the Thawing Step for Frozen Pies: Thawing frozen pies in the fridge shortens reheating time and promotes even heating.
- Using High Heat to Speed Up Reheating: High temperatures may cause the crust to burn while the filling stays cold. Stick to a consistent, moderate temperature for best results.
- Ignoring Crust Protection: Without covering the edges, the crust can become overly crispy or burn. Aluminum foil on the edges helps protect the crust.
- Reheating Multiple Times: Reheating pot pie multiple times can dry out the filling, so it’s best to reheat only the amount you intend to eat.
8. Conclusion
Reheating a small chicken pot pie in the oven can be simple and effective if done correctly. By following the recommended times and temperatures based on whether your pie is fresh, refrigerated, or frozen, you can achieve that comforting blend of a creamy filling and a crispy crust. The oven’s steady heat helps ensure the pot pie maintains its original taste and texture, making it a preferred method over the microwave.
Using the oven may take a bit longer, but it’s well worth the wait to enjoy the delicious flavors of chicken pot pie as if it were freshly baked. With the right preparation and a few helpful tips, your small chicken pot pie can become a quick and satisfying meal any time you’re craving classic comfort food.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Should I Heat a Small Chicken Pot Pie in the Oven?
For a refrigerated pie, 15–25 minutes at 350°F (175°C) is ideal, while a frozen pie typically needs 30–40 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Can I Reheat a Chicken Pot Pie Multiple Times?
Reheating multiple times can dry out the filling, so it’s best to reheat only the portion you plan to eat.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent a Soggy Crust?
Using the oven instead of the microwave helps maintain a crispy crust. Placing the pie on a baking sheet and covering the edges with foil also helps prevent a soggy crust.
Why Does My Pot Pie Filling Bubble Over?
The filling may bubble over if it’s too thick or the pie is overfilled. To avoid spills, place the pie on a baking sheet.
Is It Better to Thaw Frozen Pies Before Reheating?
Yes, thawing frozen pies in the fridge shortens reheating time and promotes even heating, reducing the risk of cold spots.