Costco’s delicious chicken pot pies are a fan favorite for good reason – they’re filled with tender chunks of chicken, carrots, peas, and potatoes in a creamy sauce, all wrapped up in a flaky, golden brown crust. But how long should you cook these hearty pies to achieve maximum flavor and texture?
What are the cooking instructions on the Costco chicken pot pie?
The cooking instructions on the Costco chicken pot pie package recommend cooking the pies directly from frozen. The instructions say to:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Remove pie from packaging and foil tray
- Place pie on baking sheet or pizza pan
- Bake for 50-55 minutes
So according to the package, you should bake the Costco chicken pot pies for 50-55 minutes in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven.
Does cooking time vary based on pie size?
Yes, the cooking time can vary slightly depending on whether you purchased the smaller single-serve pot pies or the large family-size pot pie from Costco.
Here are the approximate cooking times based on pie size:
| Pie Size | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Single-serve (7 oz) | 45-50 minutes |
| Family-size (48 oz) | 55-60 minutes |
As you can see, the smaller single-serve pot pies take about 45-50 minutes to fully cook through, while the larger family-size pie may need 55-60 minutes due to the increased volume.
Does the recipe vary by flavor?
Costco offers their chicken pot pie in a few different flavor varieties including:
- Classic Chicken
- Buffalo Style Chicken
- Chicken Broccoli Cheddar
While the fillings differ slightly among these flavors, the cooking instructions and times do not change. All varieties of Costco’s chicken pot pie should be baked at 400°F for 50-60 minutes depending on pie size.
What are some tips for cooking Costco chicken pot pie?
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Costco chicken pot pie turns out perfectly cooked:
- Always bake the pot pie directly from frozen – do not thaw first.
- Use a baking sheet or pizza pan to prevent spillovers.
- Tent the edges of the crust with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Rotate the pie halfway through for even baking.
- Check for doneness at the minimum cook time listed.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
How can you tell when the pot pie is fully cooked?
Here are some signs your Costco chicken pot pie is fully cooked and ready to eat:
- The crust is evenly golden brown.
- The filling is bubbling throughout.
- A knife inserted in the center emerges clean.
- The internal temperature reads 165°F.
Checking for these visual cues and using a food thermometer are the best ways to confirm your pot pie is thoroughly cooked through after baking.
What happens if you undercook the chicken pot pie?
If the pot pie is undercooked, you may notice:
- Pale, soggy, doughy crust
- Runny filling that isn’t bubbling
- Raw-tasting chicken and vegetables
For food safety reasons, it’s important the filling reaches 165°F to ensure any bacteria is killed. Undercooked chicken poses a health risk.
Can you overcook Costco chicken pot pie?
It is possible to overcook a chicken pot pie if baked for too long. Signs of overcooking include:
- Burnt, dry crust
- Dried out, rubbery chicken
- Filling that has reduced too much
Try to avoid cooking longer than the recommended time, and check the pot pie at the minimum baking time listed. If needed, continue cooking in 5 minute increments, checking frequently to prevent burning.
Should the pie filling be saucy or thick?
The ideal consistency for a chicken pot pie filling is a thick, gravy-like sauce. When properly cooked, the filling should be:
- Moderately thick, not watery
- Coats the chicken and vegetables
- Doesn’t run off your fork when served
The sauce thickens up as the pie bakes. A runny, thin filling likely indicates undercooking. Overcooked fillings become too dry.
Can you cook the pot pie from thawed?
Costco recommends baking their chicken pot pies directly from frozen to best maintain the texture of the filling and crust. However, if needed, you can thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
When cooking from thawed, follow these guidelines:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, not at room temperature
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Bake at 375°F for 40-50 minutes
- Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if still slightly frozen
The slightly lower oven temp prevents over-browning when starting with a thawed pie. Check often for doneness when baking from thawed.
Can you reheat leftover Costco chicken pot pie?
Yes, leftover Costco chicken pot pies can be safely reheated and enjoyed. To reheat, you can either:
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake leftover pie for 10-15 minutes until hot throughout.
- Microwave: Microwave individual slices on High for 30-60 seconds. Check for hot spots and stir.
Avoid overheating or the crust and filling will dry out. Reheat only until warmed through.
Conclusion
When cooking Costco’s convenient chicken pot pies according to package instructions, allow 50-60 minutes bake time for a perfect golden crust and bubbling hot filling. Smaller pies may be done in 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness at the minimum recommended time. Allowing the pot pie to fully cook and thicken up ensures delicious results! Be careful not to over-bake or the pie will be dried out. Follow these tips for crust that’s flaky on the outside and filling that’s creamy on the inside.