marie callender’s chicken pot pie cooking instructions

Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie is a classic that is worth slowing down for. Enjoy the home-cooked taste of this classic pot pie tonight.

Microwave Cooking

For a quick and easy meal, you can cook Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie in the microwave. Here’s how⁚

1. Tear off the top⁚ Before microwaving, completely tear off the top of the carton. Open the carton at the push tab, peel back along the perforations, and tear off the top.
2. Microwave⁚ Place the pot pie in the microwave, with the top removed. Cook on high for 5 to 6-1/2 minutes. For a softer crust, slit the top crust before cooking.
3. Let stand⁚ After microwaving, let the pot pie stand for 5 minutes to complete cooking.
4. Check for doneness⁚ Ensure the pot pie is cooked thoroughly by checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.

Remember to only microwave one pot pie at a time and use caution when removing the hot pot pie from the microwave.

Oven Cooking from Frozen

For a crispy crust and a perfectly cooked filling, bake your Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie from frozen in the oven. Follow these instructions for a delicious and satisfying meal⁚

1. Preheat oven⁚ Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Prepare the pot pie⁚ Remove the pot pie from the outer carton, but leave it in the paper tray. Wrap the crust edge with a strip of aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
3. Bake⁚ Place the pot pie on a baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes.
4. Let stand⁚ After baking, carefully remove the pot pie from the oven. It will be hot! Let it stand for 5 minutes to complete cooking.
5. Check for doneness⁚ Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pot pie. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F to ensure it is cooked thoroughly.

Enjoy your warm and delicious Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie!

Oven Cooking from Thawed

For a slightly faster cooking time and a tender crust, thaw your Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie before baking. Follow these simple steps for a delightful and convenient meal⁚

1. Thaw⁚ Thaw the pot pie for 5 minutes at room temperature. This allows the crust to soften slightly and helps ensure even cooking.
2. Vent⁚ Gently pierce the center crust 4 to 5 times with a fork to vent steam during baking; This helps prevent the crust from puffing up too much and ensures the filling cooks evenly.
3. Preheat oven⁚ Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4. Bake⁚ Place the pot pie on a baking sheet in the center of the oven and bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
5. Handle with care⁚ Once baked, remove the pot pie carefully from the oven. It will be hot! Let it stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to settle and cool slightly.

Enjoy your warm and delicious Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie!

Cooking Tips

Elevate your Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie experience with these handy cooking tips for a more flavorful and enjoyable meal⁚

• For a Softer Crust⁚ If you prefer a softer, more tender crust, try slitting the top crust before cooking. This allows steam to escape during baking, resulting in a less crispy but still delicious crust.
• Wrap the Crust Edge⁚ To ensure even browning and prevent the crust from burning, wrap the edge of the pot pie with a strip of aluminum foil. This helps protect the edge from direct heat while the rest of the crust bakes beautifully.
• Check for Doneness⁚ To ensure the pot pie is cooked thoroughly, insert a food thermometer into the filling. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Let it Stand⁚ After removing the pot pie from the oven, let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to settle and the flavors to meld, resulting in a more satisfying meal.
• Enjoy with Sides⁚ Pair your Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie with a side salad, a simple vegetable, or a scoop of mashed potatoes for a complete and comforting meal.

Following these tips will enhance your Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie experience and ensure a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

Safety Precautions

While Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie offers a convenient and delicious meal, it’s important to prioritize safety when preparing and enjoying it. Here are some essential safety precautions to keep in mind⁚

• Handle with Care⁚ Always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling the hot pot pie, as the carton and the filling will be very hot after cooking.
• Avoid Overcrowding⁚ When cooking multiple pot pies, make sure to leave adequate space between them on the baking sheet to allow for proper airflow and even cooking.
• Check for Doneness⁚ Before serving, ensure the pot pie is cooked thoroughly by inserting a food thermometer into the filling. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) to ensure food safety.
• Proper Storage⁚ Store any leftover pot pie in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Follow Instructions⁚ Always carefully read and follow the cooking instructions provided on the pot pie’s packaging. This ensures optimal cooking and food safety.

By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy your Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie with peace of mind, knowing that it’s been prepared and consumed safely.

Internal Temperature

Ensuring the internal temperature of your Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie reaches the proper level is crucial for food safety. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) for cooked poultry products. This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria present in the chicken filling have been eliminated.

To check the internal temperature, use a food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the filling, making sure it doesn’t touch any bones. Leave the thermometer in place for a few seconds to get an accurate reading.

It’s important to note that the pot pie’s crust may be golden brown and appear cooked, but the filling may not have reached the recommended temperature. Therefore, using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm doneness.

If the internal temperature is below 165 degrees F, continue cooking the pot pie until it reaches the safe temperature.

By checking the internal temperature, you can be confident that your Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie is safe to eat and will provide a delicious and satisfying meal.

Checking for Doneness

While the internal temperature is the most reliable way to check if your Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie is fully cooked, there are other visual cues you can look for to ensure it’s ready to eat.

First, the crust should be golden brown and slightly crispy. This indicates that the pastry has been baked through and has achieved a nice texture.

Second, the filling should be bubbling and hot. This means that the filling has reached a high enough temperature to kill any harmful bacteria and is ready to be enjoyed.

Third, the steam rising from the pot pie is a good indicator of doneness. If you see steam escaping from the pot pie, it means that the filling is hot and has reached the appropriate temperature.

If you’re unsure about the doneness of your pot pie, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and cook it for a few more minutes. You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the filling, which is the most accurate way to determine if it’s fully cooked.

By checking for these visual cues and using a food thermometer, you can be confident that your Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie is cooked thoroughly and safe to eat.

Troubleshooting

While Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie is designed for easy preparation, there are a few common issues that may arise during cooking. Understanding these potential problems and their solutions can help you troubleshoot any issues and ensure a delicious and satisfying meal.

One common issue is a crust that doesn’t brown properly. This can happen if the oven temperature is too low or if the pot pie is placed too close to the bottom of the oven. To remedy this, try increasing the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit or placing the pot pie on a higher rack in the oven.

Another issue is a filling that is too watery. This can occur if the pot pie is overcooked or if the lid of the pot pie isn’t properly sealed. To prevent this, make sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully and ensure that the lid is properly sealed before baking.

Finally, you may encounter a filling that is too thick. This can occur if the pot pie is undercooked or if the filling has been over-reduced during preparation. To address this, try cooking the pot pie for a few more minutes or adding a small amount of water to the filling.

By understanding these common troubleshooting tips, you can ensure that your Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie is cooked to perfection and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from a simple weeknight dinner to a more elaborate meal. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your culinary creativity⁚

For a classic presentation, serve the pot pie hot, straight from the oven. The flaky crust and warm, savory filling will be a comforting and satisfying meal on their own.

To elevate your meal, consider pairing the pot pie with a side salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or a more complex salad with grilled vegetables and a creamy dressing will complement the rich flavors of the pot pie.

For a more substantial meal, serve the pot pie alongside a side of mashed potatoes or rice. These starchy accompaniments will absorb the flavorful gravy and provide a hearty and satisfying meal.

To add a touch of indulgence, consider serving the pot pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, savory filling and cool, creamy ice cream create a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

No matter how you choose to serve it, Marie Callender’s Chicken Pot Pie is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.