If you’re craving a cozy dinner that feels as elegant as it is comforting, this French-Inspired Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender shredded rotisserie chicken with a luxuriously creamy filling enriched by dry white wine and fresh tarragon, this dish elevates the classic pot pie into something truly special. Wrapped in golden, flaky puff pastry, every bite offers the perfect harmony of rich flavors, luscious textures, and a touch of sophisticated French flair that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in achieving the depth of flavor, texture, and beautiful color that make this French-Inspired Chicken Pot Pie Recipe stand out. The freshness of the shallots, carrots, and celery offers brightness, while the cream and butter enrich the sauce, and the wine and tarragon lend that unmistakable French touch.
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded: Provides tender, juicy protein ready to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity undertone and is perfect for sautéing the vegetables.
- 2 large shallots, thinly sliced: Brings a mild oniony sweetness that enhances the base flavor.
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced on the diagonal: Offers natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced: Adds aromatic crunch and balances out the sweetness of the carrots.
- 3 Tbs. butter: Creates that rich, velvety texture essential in classic French cooking.
- 3 Tbs. flour: Essential to thicken the creamy filling just right.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Imparts bright acidity and complex layers of flavor.
- 1 Tbs. freshly chopped tarragon, plus extra sprigs for garnish: Introduces a delicate anise-like flavor that makes this recipe uniquely French.
- 2 cups chicken stock: Provides a savory base that infuses the filling with warmth and depth.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgent creaminess and softens the savory edges.
- 1 Tbs. freshly chopped parsley: Brings a touch of fresh herbal brightness to the mix.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: Pops of sweet green surprise adding texture and color.
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed and cut into rectangles: The golden, flaky crust that crowns this pot pie with French elegance.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten: For an irresistible golden glossy finish on the pastry.
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper: To season perfectly and balance every bite.
How to Make French-Inspired Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced shallots, carrots, and celery, sautéing them gently until they become tender and fragrant. These veggies act as your flavor base, giving the filling its vibrant taste and subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the tender chicken.
Step 2: Make the Roux and Deglaze
Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan and melt the butter in the center. Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes to form a light roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency. Then slowly add the dry white wine, deglazing the pan to loosen any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom — this step is where the magic starts to happen, layering in depth and richness.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Filling
Next, pour in the chicken stock gradually while stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Add the freshly chopped tarragon, cream, and parsley, stirring until the mixture thickens into a luscious sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. The addition of tarragon here is what gives the recipe its unmistakable French charm and aromatic allure.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken and Peas
Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen peas, allowing the heat to warm everything through. This mixture should be creamy but not runny, perfectly coating each ingredient. The chicken brings hearty comfort while peas add a burst of color and sweetness, striking a lovely balance.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Pot Pie
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon the filling into individual ramekins or a large baking dish, then top each with a puff pastry rectangle. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg, sprinkle a bit of coarse salt on top, and bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust is puffed and golden brown. The flaky, buttery pastry provides an irresistible contrast to the creamy filling beneath.
How to Serve French-Inspired Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprig of fresh tarragon on top after baking not only adds a beautiful pop of green but also reinforces that lovely anise-like aroma. For an extra touch of elegance, you might also sprinkle finely chopped parsley around the edges. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and hint at the fresh flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This pot pie pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to balance its richness. A crisp mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creamy filling beautifully. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans tossed with a touch of butter and cracked pepper also make for simple yet elegant accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the pot pie in individual puff pastry cups or mini cast-iron skillets—perfect for dinner parties where presentation counts. You can also use puff pastry cutouts to create decorative shapes on top, like leaves or fleur-de-lis, giving the dish a personalized French touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The pot pie will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day meal that tastes just as indulgent.
Freezing
This French-Inspired Chicken Pot Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble and bake the pie until just golden, then let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven to keep the puff pastry crisp. Place the pot pie on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes or until the filling bubbles and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using homemade cooked chicken is a great option. Just be sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded before incorporating it into the filling to ensure the texture remains tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Is puff pastry necessary or can I use pie crust instead?
Puff pastry is recommended to achieve that light, flaky texture with buttery layers that complement the creamy filling. However, a classic pie crust can also work if you prefer a more traditional pot pie feel—just expect a denser crust.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, and potatoes, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. The wine and herbs will still provide that wonderful French flavor profile.
What kind of white wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully here, lending acidity and subtle fruit notes without overpowering the dish. Avoid sweet wines to keep the balance savory.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the roux and swap out the puff pastry for a gluten-free pastry option. Just be mindful that the texture may vary slightly but the flavors will remain delightful.
Final Thoughts
This French-Inspired Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is truly a special dish that brings together the comfort of a classic favorite with the sophistication of French cooking. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it’s sure to become one of your cherished recipes. Give it a try, and enjoy every buttery, creamy, flavorful bite—you won’t be disappointed!
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French-Inspired Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
This French-Inspired Chicken Pot Pie is a decadent twist on the classic comfort food, featuring tender shredded rotisserie chicken and a medley of sautéed vegetables in a creamy tarragon-infused sauce, all encased in flaky golden puff pastry. The use of dry white wine and fresh herbs like tarragon and parsley adds a bright, aromatic depth that elevates the dish to a sophisticated meal perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 individual pot pies
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced on the diagonal
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped tarragon, plus extra sprigs for garnish
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Pastry and Finishing
- 2 puff pastry sheets, thawed and cut into rectangles
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Thinly slice the shallots, carrots, and celery to ensure even cooking and a tender texture in the filling.
- Sauté Shallots and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, carrots, and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are translucent and the vegetables have begun to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Add the butter to the skillet with the vegetables and allow it to melt. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir continuously to combine, cooking for about 2 minutes until it forms a light roux and loses its raw flour taste.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine slowly while stirring, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
- Add Stock and Simmer: Gradually whisk in the chicken stock to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, freshly chopped tarragon, and parsley. Season the sauce generously with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper. Add the shredded chicken and frozen peas, stirring to combine and warm through for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Pot Pies: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place the puff pastry rectangles. Spoon the chicken and vegetable filling onto one half of each pastry rectangle, leaving a border. Fold over the other half and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the puff pastry thoroughly with the beaten egg to ensure a golden, shiny crust.
- Bake: Place the assembled pot pies in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and deep golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with extra sprigs of fresh tarragon before serving to enhance the fresh herbal aroma.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but you can cook your own chicken breasts or thighs if preferred.
- To ensure the puff pastry remains flaky, keep it cold until just before assembling the pies.
- For a richer sauce, use full-fat heavy cream and fresh chicken stock instead of broth.
- Puff pastry can be substituted with pie dough, but baking times and texture will vary.
- Make sure to vent the pastries slightly by cutting small slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
