Nothing says comfort like a chicken pot pie, fresh from the oven with its golden, flaky crust. The creamy filling, packed with tender chicken and colorful veggies, feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of meal that soothes the soul on a chilly evening or a tough day. But making one from scratch can feel like a big project when life’s already hectic. That’s where frozen pot pies save the day, delivering cozy goodness with minimal effort.
Why We Love Pot Pies:
- Nostalgic vibes remind us of family dinners and simpler times.
- Quick prep: Perfect for active nights when cooking seems like a chore.
- Variety of flavor: from classical to creative, one for every taste.
- Affordable: More bang for your buck in a meal.
With so many brands in the freezer aisle, picking the right pie can be tricky. We’ve all faced a soggy crust or bland filling that breaks the comfort-food promise. To help you choose wisely, we taste-tested twelve popular frozen chicken pot pies, baking each per its oven instructions. Our goal? To find the pies that truly capture that homemade magic. Grab a fork and let’s dive into our ranking, from the letdowns to the stars!
1. Atkins: A Low-Carb Comfort Try
For low-carb dieters, a classic pot pie’s crust might seem like a no-go. Atkins’ crustless chicken pot pie aims to fill that gap with 300 calories and 6 grams of carbs. It boasts 24 grams of protein, plus broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and carrots in a herb-sherry sauce. It sounds like a cozy, diet-friendly dream, but does it deliver the pot pie magic? We were eager to find out.
Atkins Highlights:
- Low-carb appeal: The perfect dish for keto or Atkins diet consumers.
- Fancy sauce: Herb-sherry cream gives it that extra oomph.
- Health-related, with low sugar and good fiber content.
- High protein: 24 grams to keep you full and satisfied.
Sadly, this pie didn’t quite hit the mark. The broccoli dominated, overshadowing the chicken, which needed more seasoning. We found just three carrot slivers, making the veggie mix feel unbalanced. While the nutrition stats impress, it tasted more like a veggie side than a hearty pie. More flavor and better veggie distribution could make this a low-carb winner.
2. Banquet: A Retro Miss
Banquet’s been a freezer-aisle stalwart since 1953, providing flannel-priced pies that feel nostalgically homespun. Their variety of chicken pot pies comprises traditional, broccoli, and family-sized, in addition to turkey and beef. It’s the kind of brand that makes one think of childhood dinners. But with so many modern competitors, can Banquet still deliver? We baked their single-serving pie, hoping for cozy comfort.
Banquet Breakdown:
- Budget-friendly: great for quick, inexpensive meals.
- Nostalgic feel: Much like retro family dinner feelings.
- Pies of chicken, turkey, and beef for every taste.
- Small size: Single-serving feels a bit skimpy.
This pie unfortunately disappointed on many levels: filling was sparse and there wasn’t enough chicken and veggies to be satisfying; crust burned even w/foil, edges dry, and the “chicken roll” meat tasted like a budget shortcut. Great for a quick fix on an off financial week, but it just lacked heart and that homemade appeal we were looking for. More filling and a better crust may make this shine.
3. Willow Tree: A Soupy Letdown
We had high hopes for Willow Tree’s pot pie, expecting a thick, cohesive filling to warm our hearts. Instead, it was more like a loose soup, with ingredients scattered rather than blended. The veggies, like uniformly cubed carrots, felt industrially processed, missing that rustic charm. Large chicken chunks were a plus, but they were too sparse. It didn’t deliver the comforting texture we love.
Willow Tree Notes:
- Chunky chicken: Big pieces add some heartiness.
- Flaky crust: Better than some budget brands.
- High sodium: More than 1,000 mg per serving to watch
- Soupy texture: Lacking the thick, warm filling we expect.
Flavor-wise, this pie was bland, lacking the depth to stand out. The crust split during baking, possibly due to missing ventilation instructions, adding to the disappointment. While it’s a step above some budget options, the mushy texture and high sodium were drawbacks. A richer filling and better veggie mix could make this pie more memorable. It’s not bad, but it’s not a star either.
4. Healthy Choice: Less Heavy
Since 1989, Healthy Choice has tried to make healthy eating delicious. Their Café Steamer line offers chicken, carrots, peas, corn, and dumplings in a rich sauce in their crustless chicken pot pie-a lighter take on the classic, perfect for carb-conscious eaters. Tender veggies and generous chicken wowed us. Could this be a guilt-free comfort win?
Health Choice Benefits:
- Light and tasty-feels indulgent without heavy carbs.
- Steamer method: different preparation gives better flavor.
- Dumpling quirk: Chewing addition may not be for all.
- Tender veggies: Maintain great texture after cooking.
5. Stouffer’s: A Frozen Food Veteran
The dumplings-these were supposed to be the crust, basically-were chewy in a weird way and just didn’t really work for us. Still, we liked this pie more than Atkins’ because of its flavorful filling and steamer prep; it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a lighter pot pie, though you might skip the dumplings. More seasoning could elevate it further, but it’s a great option for health-focused comfort seekers.
Stouffer’s Summary:
- Brand Heritage: Decades of frozen food experience.
- Lacking variety: Only three pot pie options.
- Crusty dry: Burns readily, even under foil.
- The regular pie tasted distinctly processed, missing that homemade depth we craved.
The crust burned and turned dry despite our efforts, dragging down the experience. While Stouffer’s excels in other frozen foods, their pot pie felt lackluster. A fresher recipe and better crust could help it compete. It’s reliable but not a standout in the pot pie world.
6. Chef Ramsay: Flavorful but Flawed
With Chef Gordon Ramsay’s name attached, we expected a pot pie that wowed. Following the oven instructions, though, the crust turned hard like a cracker, far from the flaky pastry we hoped for. Ramsay’s high standards likely wouldn’t approve of this outcome. Still, the filling showed promise, sparking our curiosity. Could it redeem the tough crust?
Ramsay Breakdown:
- Bold filling: Rich, satisfying flavors inside.
- Rustic chicken: rough cuts provide homemade character.
- Hard crust: Major defect in texture.
- Similar packaging like Walmart find to Kardea Brown’s.
The filling was the highlight: rich, cohesive, rustic chicken chunks. One of our favorite fillings, but the crust was rock hard and that’s a dealbreaker. If this had a softer, flakier crust, it’d be a top contender. It’s sort of a paradox: really great taste and flavor, but then you have this shell that’s flawed. Give it a shot if you’re all about the filling.
7. Boston Market: A Hearty Contender
Boston Market’s frozen line brings restaurant quality comfort to your kitchen. Their chicken pot pies have traditional and crustless versions for carb-conscious eaters. The generous size-even the little one-was a happy surprise, promising an actual full meal. Speaking of which, the golden crust and silky filling looked appealing. Is this a freezer-aisle gem?
Boston Market Benefits:
- Generous portions appear to be a full meal.
- Creamy filling: full of veggies and flavor.
- Protein-rich: 24 grams in its crustless version.
- Herb Hints: The Subtle Spices That Elevate Taste
The filling delivered with tender chicken, plentiful veggies, and a rich, herby sauce. The crust, while not super flaky, complemented the hearty filling well. The crustless version’s dumplings were a tasty addition, unlike Healthy Choice’s. High calories and sodium make it an indulgence, but it’s a cut above many competitors. Boston Market’s pie is a solid, satisfying choice.
8. Mrs Budd’s Surprise Homemade
Mrs. Budd’s Pot Pie was a great find – the texture all melded together perfectly. The crust was still intact and golden after baking 10 minutes longer than instructed. It didn’t feel like a labor of love went into making this frozen meal. The generous veggies and chicken promised a homemade taste. Is this a new favorite?
Merits of Mrs. Budd:
- Smooth texture: creamy filling, perfectly combined.
- Flaky Crust: Does extremely well in baking.
- Very generous ingredients: large pieces of veggies and chicken.
- Variety: Options for dark or white meat.
Well-seasoned filling and nicely cut veggies that were fresh, not from a canned taste, shone in this flavor. Plentiful chicken made it feel homemade, too, with each satisfying bite. They come in single-serving and larger, with veggie options like broccoli. Mrs. Budd’s feels comfortingly delivered, like from the homemade oven.
9. Boomerang’s: A Tasty Hand-Held Pie
Boomerang’s, inspired by Australian meat pies, brings a unique twist to the pot pie scene. Founded by Jack Fennell, who teamed up with Le Cordon Bleu chefs, they offer classic, chicken-mushroom, and plant-based pies. The hand-held design makes them perfect for quick lunches. We loved the chicken-mushroom variety’s earthy flavor. Could this be a game-changer?
Boomerang Brilliance:
- Source: Australian-influenced with a Texas twist.
- Hand-held ease: great for on-the-go meals.
- Mushroom magic: Adds depth to the classic pie.
- Microwave win: Perfect crust when microwaved.
The crust was a little crisper than oven-baked, but microwaving brought out the perfect flaky texture. The filling was flavorful; the mushroom version stole the show. Widely available across the U.S., Boomerang’s pies are convenient and delicious. They’re ideal for the busy day when comfort needs to come fast. This pie’s microwave magic earns it a standout.
10. Blake’s: Taste of Grandma’s Kitchen
Blake’s was started in 1970 with Charlie Blake’s turkey pot pies, inspired by his grandmother’s recipes. Today, they offer traditional, organic, and gluten-free chicken pot pies, plus shepherd’s pie. Their signature crust sits like a flaky biscuit on top, leaving room for a generous filling. We were excited to try this heritage brand. Would it live up to its homemade promise?
Blake’s Best Bits:
- Flaky crust: Golden and perfectly textured.
- Very filling: full of chicken and vegetables.
- Natural ingredients: Antibiotic-free chicken shines.
- Types: Gluten-free and organic are also available.
11. Marie Callender’s: Comfort Classic
Marie Callender’s is a beloved name for frozen desserts, and their chicken pot pie lives up to the hype. Their philosophy of savoring life’s simple moments shines through in their savory offerings. With varieties like cauliflower crust, parmesan chicken, and plant-based options, they cater to all. The classic pie looked promising. Could it be the ultimate comfort food?
Marie Callender’s Magic:
- Flaky crust: golden, with perfect texture.
- Creamy filling: generous chicken and veggies.
- Wide range: from plant-based to bacon-based.
- Prep Easy: Easy instructions for those busy days.
It came richly filled with a well-seasoned, luscious filling and had a perfect crust. It felt like being embraced in every single bite, just about perfectly balanced, homemade-tasting without over-the-top flavors or sweetness. Options abound for everyone from carb-watchers to vegans. Indulgent-it’s worth it for the quality. Marie Callender’s is a hero of the freezer aisle, for comfort food lovers.
12. Kardea Brown: The Best Option
So far, Walmart had been home to Kardea Brown’s pot pie, boasting similar Ramsay-esque packaging. Burned once by the oven with Ramsay’s crust, we decided to give this one a whirl in the microwave. And holy cow, folks! The soft, puff-pastry-like crust hit every right note. Country-style flavor promised richness-what if this is our freezer-aisle champion?
Kardea Brown’s Charm:
- Perfect Crust: Microwaving does create an ultra-soft, flaky texture.
- Rich filling, peppery country-style goodness.
- Abundant chicken: even pieces in every bite.
- Unique flavor-outstanding in bold seasoning.
The filling was a total delight: it had visible pepper, adding to the cozy, homey, rustic charm. The generous chicken and creamy sauce inside made every bite totally satisfying. Although a little jellied on the edges, this microwave prep was a pie winner. Kardea Brown’s pot pie tastes homemade, with deep flavor; for us, it’s the winner. Ultimate comfort food for any night of the week.
