So you’re standing in your kitchen, looking at the frozen pot pies in your hand and thinking to yourself, “Can I microwave this? And if so, how?”
You remembered your friend telling you about a time when they tried to cook a frozen pot pie in the microwave and it ended up being a disaster.
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cooking frozen pot pies in the microwave.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken Pot Pies In The Microwave?
Yes, you can. All store-bought frozen pot pies nowadays can be cooked in the microwave. Whether it’s Costco, Marie Callender’s, or any other brand, all you have to do is follow the instructions on the back of the package.
If you can’t find the package, or if it doesn’t have any instructions, don’t worry. I’ll give you a general guide on how long to cook frozen pot pies in the microwave later in this article.
Although the result may not be as good as if you had baked it in the oven, in my opinion, it’s still pretty darn good. The microwave method is also a lot quicker and easier. Perfect for those mornings when you’re running late and don’t have time to cook breakfast for yourself or your family.
Is It Safe To Microwave Frozen Pot Pies?
Yes, it is safe to microwave frozen pot pies as long as they are stored properly before microwaving.
Improper storage of frozen pot pies can lead to food poisoning. So it’s important to make sure that you follow the storage instructions on the package. The best way to store frozen pot pies is in the freezer.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the internal temperature of the pot pie should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you eat it. This is to make sure that any bacteria present in the pot pie has been killed.
How Long Should I Microwave A Frozen Pot Pie For?
The general rule is to cook frozen pot pies in the microwave for 5-10 minutes. But this will vary depending on the size, brand of the pot pie, and your microwave.
So it’s always best to check the package for specific instructions or the manufacturer’s website.
If there are no instructions, start by microwaving the pot pie on high power for 5 minutes. Then check if the pot pie is cooked by inserting a knife into the center.
You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pot pie. If it’s not at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, microwave it for a few more minutes.
How To Cook A Frozen Pot Pie In The Microwave
Now that you know the basics of cooking frozen pot pies in the microwave, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Remove the pot pie from the package and place it on a microwave-safe plate.
- For softer crust, slit the top crust.
- Microwave the pot pie on high power for 5 minutes.
- Check if the pot pie is cooked by inserting the tip of a knife into the center and feel if the filling is warm. If it’s not, microwave it for a few more minutes.
- Let the pot pie sit for 1-2 minutes to cool before serving.
It’s recommended to thaw the pot pie before microwaving it to avoid uneven cooking. You can do this by leaving the pot pie out in the fridge overnight.
I don’t recommend thawing the pot pie in the microwave because it can generate too much moisture and make the crust more soggy.
It’s also best to cook only one pot pie at a time in the microwave. If you need to cook many pot pies, oven baking is a better option.
The Pros and Cons of Cooking Pot Pies In The Microwave
Cooking pot pies in the microwave have several advantages and disadvantages.
On the plus side, microwaving is a quick and convenient way to cook pot pies. There’s no need to preheat the oven or wait for the pies to bake; simply pop them in the microwave and wait a few minutes for them to be ready.
Additionally, microwaving doesn’t require any additional energy beyond what’s needed to run the appliance itself, so it’s an efficient way to cook.
However, there are some drawbacks to microwaving pot pies. One of the biggest is that the crust may not be as flaky and the filling may not be as hot and bubbly.
To fix this, some people use a microwave crisper pan when cooking their pot pies, which helps to crisp up the crust.
How To Store and Reheat Microwave Chicken Pot Pies
If you have any leftover pot pies, you can store them in the fridge for up to five days.
To reheat, simply microwave the pot pie for a few minutes until it’s warmed through. You can also reheat pot pies in the oven, but this will take longer.
What To Serve With Chicken Pot Pies
Chicken pot pies are the perfect comfort food. They’re warm, creamy, and full of delicious chunks of chicken and vegetables. But what goes best with chicken pot pies?
Here are some of my favorite side dishes to serve with chicken pot pies:
1. Roasted Veggies
Roasted vegetables, of course! The two complement each other perfectly. The pot pies are rich and savory, while the roasted vegetables add a touch of sweetness and brightness.
Plus, they look beautiful when arranged on a plate. So next time you’re serving chicken pot pies, be sure to include a healthy helping of roasted vegetables. Your guests will thank you!
2. Potato Salad
Potato salad is another great side dish for chicken pot pies. The potatoes add a nice starchy element, and the mayonnaise-based dressing ties everything together.
I like to add a few hard-boiled eggs to my potato salad for some extra protein. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can throw in some chopped bacon or crumbled blue cheese.
3. Crudite Platter
For a lighter option, you can’t go wrong with a crudite platter. It’s the perfect way to round out a meal of chicken pot pies.
The platter can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. I usually include a mix of raw vegetables, like carrots, celery, and radishes. I also like to add some dipping sauces on the side, like ranch or honey mustard.
Conclusion
So, can you cook frozen chicken pot pies in the microwave? Yes, you can. But there are some things to keep in mind, like thawing the pot pie first.
And don’t forget to serve it with some delicious side dishes. I’ve listed a few of my favorites above but feel free to go with whatever you like best.
Thanks for reading!
