Costco-Style Chicken Pot Pie

You might not realize that Costco’s Chicken Pot Pie weighs a whopping 5 pounds, making it a substantial option for feeding a crowd. This beloved dish combines tender rotisserie chicken and fresh vegetables enveloped in a flaky crust, offering a comforting meal perfect for any gathering. But what makes this pot pie so popular among customers, and how can you replicate its savory goodness at home? There’s more to investigate about its history and the recipe that might just inspire your next dinner.

Key Takeaways

• Costco’s Chicken Pot Pie features a blend of rotisserie chicken, mixed vegetables, and a flaky crust, weighing about 5 pounds.
• It is sold under the Kirkland Signature brand and typically costs around $22, making it a family-friendly option.
• The recipe includes ingredients like onions, leeks, butter, flour, and chicken broth, allowing for personal variations.
• Cooking instructions involve simmering vegetables, sautéing aromatics, and baking at 375°F until golden and heated through.
• Nutritional information indicates one cup contains approximately 510 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown favoring fat and carbohydrates.

History

The allure of Costco’s chicken pot pie lies in its rich history and seasonal charm. This beloved dish makes its return each year, typically in the fall, aligning with the comfort food cravings that come with cooler weather. Sold under Costco’s house brand, Kirkland Signature, it features a hearty filling of rotisserie chicken, peas, carrots, and other vegetables, all enveloped in a flaky crust.

Key aspects of its appeal include:

• Size: Weighing around 5 pounds, it’s perfect for family meals.

• Pricing: Usually priced at about $22, it offers good value for the quantity and quality.

• Seasonal Availability: It appears annually, creating anticipation among Costco shoppers.

Despite its popularity, opinions are divided. While many praise its comforting flavors, some customers express concerns about its texture, saltiness, and consistency of the gravy. The pre-cooked filling of high-quality rotisserie chicken and fresh vegetables is often highlighted as a positive feature, making it a popular choice among pre-made meals.

Recipe

Costco-Style Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

This delicious Costco-style chicken pot pie is the perfect comfort food, combining tender chicken or turkey with a medley of mixed vegetables enveloped in a flaky, golden crust. Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe is easy to follow and allows for personal touches with ingredient variations. You can find a similar version of this pie in the Costco pre-made meal area(Chicken Pot Pie located in pre-made meal area of deli section at Costco).

Whether you use leftover rotisserie chicken or prepare your own filling from scratch, this pie is sure to be a hit at the table. To get started, you’ll want to prepare your filling by simmering mixed vegetables until tender and cooking onions and leeks in butter for a flavorful base.

Next, you’ll create a creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together, making for a hearty filling that complements the flaky crust. Once everything is prepared, the pie can be assembled and baked to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting.

Ingredients:
– Chicken or turkey (shredded or cubed)
– Mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, celery)
– Onions and leeks
– Butter
– Flour
– Chicken broth
– Milk
– Seasonings (salt, black pepper, celery seed, onion powder, Italian seasoning)
– Flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
– Shortening
– Canola oil
– Cornstarch
– Dextrose
– Liquid albumen
– Egg yolk
– Salt
– Calcium propionate

Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Begin by simmering the mixed vegetables in a pot of water until tender. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté the onions and leeks until softened.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and seasonings before gradually mixing in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Stir in the cooked chicken or turkey along with the sautéed vegetables.

Roll out the bottom crust and fit it into a pie plate, then pour the filling into the crust and cover with the top crust, sealing the edges. Brush the top with cream or milk, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 50 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Extra Tips:
Make certain to let the pie rest for 15-20 minutes after baking; this will help the filling set and make it easier to slice.

If you’re using gluten-free flour for the crust, confirm it’s a blend designed for baking to achieve the best texture. Additionally, consider experimenting with different vegetables or seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.

Always keep an eye on the pie while it bakes to prevent over-browning, especially if you’re using a darker pie dish.

Final Thoughts

Enjoying a homemade chicken pot pie can be a rewarding experience, especially when it evokes the comforting flavors reminiscent of Costco’s version.

As you prepare and serve this dish, consider the nutritional aspects. A cup of Costco’s chicken pot pie contains approximately 510 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 37% carbohydrates, 53% fat, and 10% protein. Additionally, each slice has a total fat content of 4.5g, which is an important aspect to keep in mind.

When cooking, remember:

• Baking Instructions: Preheat to 375°F. Bake covered for 50 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
• Internal Temperature: Verify it reaches 165°F.
• Resting Time: Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.

While the convenience of this pie is appreciated, some consumers report issues such as a salty filling and inconsistent crust.

Many also wish for more vegetables. However, the quality of the chicken is generally praised, making it an appealing option for a comforting meal.

FAQ

When questions arise about preparing or enjoying your chicken pot pie, it’s helpful to have clear answers. Here are some common queries and their solutions:

• Advance Preparation: You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Additionally, consider using a store-bought pie crust for a quicker assembly.

• Substitutions: If you want to switch things up, use cooked turkey, tofu, or legumes instead of chicken.

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with vegetables or legumes and use vegetable broth.

• Storing Leftovers: Leftover pot pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

• Store-bought Pie Crust: If you prefer convenience, use a store-bought pie crust. Just follow the package instructions for baking.