Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food – the flaky crust, savory filling, and warm aroma evoke feelings of home cooking even when you don’t have time to make it from scratch. But with so many frozen and refrigerated options available, which store-bought pot pies truly deliver on that promise? We put seven contenders to the test in a blind taste test to find the best one.
The Challenge: Finding Comfort in a Box
The goal was simple: identify the chicken pot pie that tasted closest to homemade. Our tasters sampled seven different brands without knowing which was which, evaluating each pie based on crust quality, filling flavor, and overall satisfaction. The results were clear – one pie stood out from the crowd.
What Makes a Great Chicken Pot Pie?
Before diving into the winner, it’s worth understanding what separates a good pot pie from a great one. The ideal pie features:
- A Flaky, Buttery Crust: Whether puff pastry or shortcrust, the crust must be golden-brown, tender, and fully cooked. No soggy bottoms allowed.
- Rich, Savory Filling: Chicken should be tender and flavorful, complemented by well-cooked vegetables like carrots, onions, and peas. The gravy must be thick, seasoned well, and not watery.
- Generous Portions: A satisfying pot pie should feel hearty and filling – not skimpy.
The Winner: Kirkland Signature Chicken Pot Pie with Rotisserie Chicken Breast
The Kirkland Signature Chicken Pot Pie from Costco dominated the taste test. Weighing nearly five pounds, this pie is designed for sharing (or enjoying leftovers). Tasters praised its tender, crumbly shortcrust pastry and generous filling of shredded rotisserie chicken. The gravy was well-seasoned without being overly thick, and flecks of herbs added extra flavor.
While some tasters complained about the inclusion of whole baby carrots (deemed “lazy” by one editor), the overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive. Many ranked it as their favorite, making it the clear winner.
The Runners-Up: Worth Considering
- Blake’s Chicken Pot Pie: This single-serving option earned praise for its crispy, flaky crust, though some wished for a more generous filling.
- Mrs. Budd’s Full Baked White Meat Chicken Pie: The standout feature was its thick, biscuity crust. The filling, while not perfect, was still described as “pretty good”.
- Blount’s Family Kitchen Fully Baked Chicken Pot Pie: Divisive among tasters, but appreciated for its comforting flavor despite its unpolished appearance.
Why Kirkland Wins: A Matter of Fat Content
The Kirkland pot pie stood out not just in taste but also in its composition. Unlike some competitors relying on puff pastry, it uses a shortcrust made with a blend of oils (canola, palm, and palm kernel). These oils have a higher fat content than butter, preventing gluten development and resulting in a more tender crust.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a high-quality, store-bought chicken pot pie that delivers on comfort and flavor, the Kirkland Signature Chicken Pot Pie is the clear choice. Its generous size, tender crust, and savory filling make it a winner for family dinners or cozy weeknights. For single servings, Blake’s Chicken Pot Pie provides a similar comforting experience.
Ultimately, whether you’re craving a classic comfort food fix or simply need a quick and easy meal, these pot pies prove that convenience doesn’t have to compromise on taste.
