Store-bought chicken pot pie?

[JDeereman]

Theo,

Marie Callenders makes a few different flavors of frozen pot pies that we buy in any/all of our local supermarkets. All of the flavors are satisfactory IMO but we prefer the creamy chicken flavors. We haven't found any other brands (frozen in the supermarket) that we thought were better. I prefer to ignore the fat/salt/calorie content on all frozen convenience foods. We usually keep a couple of these in the freezer for those times that the convenience is worth the artery clogs. They TASTE great tho.

We've eaten in Marie's restaurants and if cooked right these frozen ones are almost as good. The "key" is cooking right. By directions, usually the bottom crust is underdone. I put them on a preheated pizza stone and cook a little longer on a slightly lower setting (seat of the pants thing so I can't give specifics). The directions mention putting an aluminum foil strip on the crust edge to keep it from getting too dark... you might want to do that. We usually don't but pull them out before the edges are too done. If you are cooking many you may want to experiment some beforehand.

We like to catch them on sale for under $3 each.

on edit: I'm talking about the 16.5oz pies, thanks Dan for the link. Never tried the smaller ones.

Phil

Based on dan's recommendation above I did go out and find the frozen marie callender pies but in the 10 ounce size only. that was all i could find real quick. probably not a fair test cause i had to eat two just to get a bare minimum taste, but i don't think they were measurably better than the mrs budd pies that caused so much trouble for me other than they were full top and bottom crust. don't get me wrong - they are just fine for a quick snack, but i need something really special to redeem my damaged reputation.

Theo

 

[skipro3]

Check on Z-Pies. They are a chain resurant that does only Pot Pies. They will freeze and mail order or take-out if one is close to you. None finer but don't get the fish pot pie!!! Well, get it if you want, I didn't care for it myself.
Z-Pies - Review | PLACERVILLE . INFO

 

[jdbower]

Marie Callender's are good emergency meals (don't look at the fat content, they're around to 50% each and sodium is through the roof) but a frozen dinner as a real meal probably isn't happening. Pepperidge Farm has one with a flakier crust, but MC's filling is better IMO and it's still not going to cut it. One of the major chains (perhaps Ruby Tuesday?) has a gourmet chicken pot pie which is the closest thing to fast food that may suffice. But local flavor is probably best so that place Tig mentioned would be my choice. Also remember that tastes vary, my wife likes the flaky crust where I like mine more solid, creamy flavor vs. peppery, chicken to veggie ratio, etc. are all personal tastes so "best" becomes irrelevant after a point.

Any reason why it has to be chicken pot pie?

 

[JDeereman]

Check on Z-Pies. They are a chain resurant that does only Pot Pies. They will freeze and mail order or take-out if one is close to you. None finer but don't get the fish pot pie!!! Well, get it if you want, I didn't care for it myself.
Z-Pies - Review | PLACERVILLE . INFO

They look awful darn good but california is a long distance from maine. thanks for the suggestion but i think i better keep trying to find something closer.

Theo

 

[JDeereman]

Marie Callender's are good emergency meals (don't look at the fat content, they're around to 50% each and sodium is through the roof) but a frozen dinner as a real meal probably isn't happening. Pepperidge Farm has one with a flakier crust, but MC's filling is better IMO and it's still not going to cut it. One of the major chains (perhaps Ruby Tuesday?) has a gourmet chicken pot pie which is the closest thing to fast food that may suffice. But local flavor is probably best so that place Tig mentioned would be my choice. Also remember that tastes vary, my wife likes the flaky crust where I like mine more solid, creamy flavor vs. peppery, chicken to veggie ratio, etc. are all personal tastes so "best" becomes irrelevant after a point.

Any reason why it has to be chicken pot pie?

Yes. that's what I was assigned to bring. far different than my usual assignment (salads or desserts) and i guess i really blew it. but i do agree with your analysis. frozen is unlikely to ever match fresh. that's why i had gone with mrs budd in the first place. but still, a very bad choice on my part. i should have known better.

Theo

 

[jdbower]

There are some quick and easy recipes for chicken pot pie, even something like a pre-made pie crust with a canned filling and some puff pastry on top may suffice (add a touch of pepper or some local fresh veggies if you're ambitious). I wouldn't be surprised if one of the supermarket checkout line "5-minute recipe" books that are popular around here had something quick and simple. I know MC has some chicken pot pie soup, perhaps there was a recipe on the label? Some of it also depends on where the frozen dishes failed you, flavor or crust or overall quality.

 

[JDeereman]

There are some quick and easy recipes for chicken pot pie, even something like a pre-made pie crust with a canned filling and some puff pastry on top may suffice (add a touch of pepper or some local fresh veggies if you're ambitious). I wouldn't be surprised if one of the supermarket checkout line "5-minute recipe" books that are popular around here had something quick and simple. I know MC has some chicken pot pie soup, perhaps there was a recipe on the label? Some of it also depends on where the frozen dishes failed you, flavor or crust or overall quality.

All of the above. it was a disaster. i am no cook. i'm lucky i can boil water, open a can of sardines and make a halfway decent pot of coffee.

Theo

 

[curly]

My wife makes a darn good chicken pot pie...but KFC has a real good one too. Surely ya'll got KFC up in Maine

 

[skipro3]

They look awful darn good but california is a long distance from maine. thanks for the suggestion but i think i better keep trying to find something closer.

Theo

Well, you didn't say you needed it quick...

I bet they would ship it to you frozen. Tell you what, I'll go get the pies, I drive by the place every day, and send them to you, say 10 pounds worth, and you send me Maine Lobster, 10 pounds worth. Even Steven. Wadda ya say?

 

[Amontilado]

Please don't ask me why i need to know this, but i need to know this. what is considered the very best store-bought chicken pot pie available, preferably one with a full crust? large or family or small size doesn't matter. someone must know. doesn't matter if it is fresh or refrigerated or frozen, restaurant or supermarket or wholesale store as long as it is a brand likely to be available in or around portland, maine. come on folks. someone out there in tractorland must know. everyone out there can't be married to a gourmet home-cookin' chef!

Theo

Chicken pot-pie is one of those things that doesn't take a gourmet cook to make. The store-bought crusts(Pilsbury) are hard to improve upon. Some left-over roasted chick, a can(10.5oz) of mixed veges and some chicken gravy(good chicken stock thickened with a roux of flour and butter). Very easy to make from scratch using the Sandra Lee philophy (semi-homemade). Can also be done using ground beef/beef gravy. Haven't bought a store bought one in ages.

Steve