Skinny Chicken Pot Pie: Guilt-Free Comfort Food
When the cold winter wind blows, nothing beats a warm, comforting dish that feels like home. For many, that dish is chicken pot pie. But the traditional version can be quite high in calories. That’s why this skinny chicken pot pie recipe is a game-changer.
This version uses healthier ingredients to keep the flavor without the guilt. It has just 266 calories and 6 grams of fat per serving. So, you can enjoy your comfort food without worrying about your weight-loss friendly meal and lean protein dish goals.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- A typical chicken pot pie can have up to 680 calories and 48 grams of fat, but this skinny chicken pot pie recipe has only 266 calories and 6 grams of fat.
- The recipe uses skinless chicken breasts, reduced-fat milk, low-sodium broth, and plenty of vegetables to create a guilt-free indulgence.
- This lightened up classic provides a creamy, comforting experience without sacrificing your health goals.
- The low-calorie comfort food is perfect for satisfying your cravings while staying on track with your nutrition plan.
- Enjoy this healthy pot pie recipe as a creamy chicken casserole that’s both delicious and good for you.
What is a Skinny Chicken Pot Pie?
A Healthier Take on a Classic Comfort Food
A skinny chicken pot pie is a lighter, healthier version of a classic comfort food. It doesn’t use heavy cream, full-fat dairy, or a thick double pie crust. Instead, it uses smart swaps for a low-calorie chicken pot pie that’s still very tasty.
At its core, this healthier comfort food dish uses lean chicken breasts for protein. The creamy sauce is made with reduced-fat milk and a bit of flour. This avoids the high-calorie cream found in traditional recipes. The dish also has a flaky biscuit topping, giving you the texture you love without extra calories.
This guilt-free pot pie lets you enjoy a comforting classic while staying healthy. Try a big serving of this low-calorie chicken pot pie. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a healthier comfort food favorite.
Skinny Chicken Pot Pie Ingredients
Making a low-calorie chicken pot pie recipe that’s both healthy and comforting is the goal. The filling starts with reduced-sodium chicken broth, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and fresh veggies. Onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and celery are used. Frozen peas add color and texture.
Reduced-fat milk and a bit of all-purpose flour thicken the sauce. Fresh thyme, salt, and pepper add flavor to this healthy pot pie filling. A package of Pillsbury Golden Layer Flaky Biscuits is used as a lighter topping instead of a traditional pie crust.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Reduced-sodium chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 lb, shredded or cubed |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Potatoes, peeled and diced | 2 medium |
| Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced | 2 medium |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 2 medium |
| Celery, sliced | 2 stalks |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Reduced-fat milk | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh thyme | 2 tsp, chopped |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Pillsbury Golden Layer Flaky Biscuits | 1 package |
This nutrient-dense comfort food recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients. It creates a delicious and guilt-free chicken pot pie.
Nutritional Benefits
Why This Guilt-Free Indulgence is Good for You
The nutritional value of skinny pot pie is impressive. It’s lower in calories and fat than traditional pot pies. The lean protein from chicken breasts, complex carbs from potatoes and veggies, and fiber from peas and whole wheat flour make it balanced and filling.
The reduced-sodium broth and less dairy mean it’s also low in sodium and saturated fat. This makes it a great low-calorie comfort food choice for those watching their diet.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 286 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
This healthier take on chicken pot pie offers a good mix of nutrients without too many calories or fat. The fresh veggies like carrots, peas, celery, mushrooms, onions, and broccoli add flavor and nutrients, boosting the health benefits of chicken pot pie.
Choosing lean protein sources and a whole grain crust makes this low-calorie comfort food both satisfying and nutritious. It’s perfect for those looking for a healthy meal that still feels indulgent.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Making a quick and healthy pot pie is easy. This skinny chicken pot pie recipe is great for busy weeknights. Follow these steps to make a delicious, guilt-free version of this classic dish:
- Start by simmering reduced-sodium chicken broth in a large pot. Add chopped onions, diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and celery. Let the vegetables cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
- Next, add the bite-sized pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breast to the pot. Allow the chicken to cook through, then stir in frozen peas.
- Strain the cooked chicken and vegetables from the broth, reserving the broth. In a separate saucepan, make a quick roux by whisking the all-purpose flour and skim milk into the broth until thickened.
- Combine the strained chicken and vegetables back into the thickened broth sauce. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Transfer the filling into a baking dish. Top with Pillsbury reduced-fat crescent roll dough, pressing the dough to the edges to create a crust.
- Bake the easy skinny chicken pot pie in the oven at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
This quick and healthy pot pie recipe is perfect for a satisfying yet nutritious dinner. Enjoy your homemade simple comfort food creation!
| Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 301 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 91mg |
| Sodium | 1190mg |
| Potassium | 902mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Vitamin A | 5995 IU |
| Vitamin C | 21mg |
| Calcium | 113mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
This easy skinny chicken pot pie recipe yields 8 servings. It has 9 Weight Watchers (WW) points on the green plan and 7 points on the blue and purple plans.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
After making your skinny chicken pot pie, it’s time to enjoy it. This recipe makes eight servings, great for family meals or prep. Just spoon the filling into bowls and top with a Pillsbury biscuit.
Leftovers? No worries. Store the skinny chicken pot pie in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze individual portions for longer storage. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
The freezing and reheating instructions make this skinny chicken pot pie perfect for meal prep. Prepare ahead for easy, healthy dinners.
To freeze, divide cooled filling into portions and use airtight containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave for 25-30 minutes at 425°F.
These serving and storing suggestions let you enjoy this skinny chicken pot pie anytime. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Conclusion
This skinny chicken pot pie recipe is a tasty, guilt-free way to enjoy a comfort food reinvented. It uses lean proteins, reduced-fat dairy, and lots of fresh veggies. This makes it a healthier version of the classic dish, with fewer calories and fat.
The flaky biscuit topping adds a nice contrast to the creamy filling. It makes the dish both satisfying and nourishing.
If you want to cut calories, eat more veggies, or just enjoy a healthier chicken pot pie, try this recipe. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that lets you enjoy the comforting taste of a classic dish without feeling guilty. It’s a nutritious and delicious twist on a beloved favorite.
This recipe is a healthier choice than traditional chicken pot pie. It keeps the flavor and satisfaction but adds lean proteins, reduced-fat dairy, and lots of fresh veggies. Enjoy the cozy, creamy taste of this comfort food reinvented while feeding your body with a balanced meal.
FAQ
What is a skinny chicken pot pie?
A skinny chicken pot pie is a healthier version of the classic dish. It uses lean chicken, reduced-fat milk, and a broth-based sauce. This makes it lighter than the traditional version with full-fat dairy and a thick pie crust.
How does the skinny chicken pot pie recipe differ from the traditional version?
The skinny version uses lean protein, reduced-fat dairy, and lots of fresh veggies. This cuts down on calories and fat. It also uses a flaky biscuit topping instead of a heavy pie crust.
What are the main ingredients in a skinny chicken pot pie?
The main ingredients are reduced-sodium chicken broth, lean chicken breasts, and fresh veggies like onions and carrots. It also includes frozen peas, reduced-fat milk, and a bit of flour for thickening. Fresh thyme, salt, and pepper add flavor, and Pillsbury Golden Layer Flaky Biscuits top it off.
What are the nutritional benefits of a skinny chicken pot pie?
This recipe is full of nutrients but lower in calories and fat. It has lean protein, complex carbs, and fiber. The use of reduced-sodium broth and less dairy also keeps it healthy.
How do you make a skinny chicken pot pie?
Start by simmering chicken broth with chopped veggies. Add chicken and peas later. Strain the cooked ingredients from the broth and make a roux with flour and milk.
Combine the chicken, veggies, and sauce. Pour into a dish and top with Pillsbury biscuits. Bake until the biscuits are golden.
How do you serve and store a skinny chicken pot pie?
Serve by spooning the filling into bowls and topping with a biscuit. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage. Reheat by microwaving or baking.
