AIP Chicken Pot Pie Recipe: Nightshade-Free Comfort With Flaky Crust

AIP Chicken Pot Pie Recipe: Nightshade-Free Comfort With Flaky Crust

This AIP-friendly take on classic comfort food proves you don’t need dairy or nightshades for rich, satisfying flavor. The flaky crust, achieved with cassava flour, delivers the perfect texture without compromising dietary needs.

What sets this dish apart is its ability to recreate the creamy filling of traditional pot pie using coconut milk and arrowroot starch. The result is a velvety, savory sauce that clings to tender chicken and vegetables.

Every bite offers the warmth of home-style cooking with a flaky, golden crust and hearty filling. It’s the kind of meal that turns a simple dinner into a cozy, memorable experience.

Ideal for anyone following an autoimmune protocol or simply seeking a nourishing, comfort-filled dish. Here’s how to make it.

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Difficulty
Easy
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Diet
Poultry
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Total Time
30 min
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Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Aip Chicken Pot Pie

AIP-compliant ingredients that deliver classic comfort without compromise.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Chicken Breast 🍗 1 ½ lb Boneless, skinless, diced
Cassava Flour 🌾 2 cups For flaky crust texture
Coconut Oil 🥥 ½ cup Chilled for crust
Coconut Milk 🥛 1 can Full-fat for creaminess
Arrowroot Starch 🌾 2 tbsp Thickening agent for sauce
Carrots 🥕 2 whole Peeled and diced
Celery Stalks 🌿 2 whole Diced for filling
Yellow Onion 🧅 1 whole Finely diced
Garlic Cloves 🧄 3 cloves Minced for flavor
Fresh Thyme 🌿 1 tbsp Chopped for seasoning
Fresh Rosemary 🍃 1 tbsp Chopped for seasoning
Sea Salt 🧂 1 ½ tsp Divided for crust and filling
Water 💧 ¼ cup Ice cold for crust
Olive Oil 🫒 2 tbsp For sautéing vegetables

The cassava flour is non-negotiable for that flaky crust—Otto’s brand at Whole Foods or online has the best texture. Coconut oil must be chilled solid (I keep a jar in the fridge just for baking). For the coconut milk, Native Forest or Thai Kitchen full-fat cans give you that velvety sauce without gum additives. The chicken should be fresh, not frozen, for even cooking.

Arrowroot starch can be swapped for tapioca starch in a pinch, but don’t use cornstarch—it’s not AIP-compliant. No fresh herbs? Dried at one-third the amount works, though fresh really shines here. If celery isn’t your thing, zucchini or mushrooms (AIP-approved varieties) can sub in. The onion can be swapped for leeks if you prefer a milder flavor.

The crust dough can rest in the fridge for up to 2 days before rolling. Leftovers keep 4-5 days refrigerated, though the crust softens slightly. Freeze uncooked pies for 3 months—bake straight from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Pan Magic: The cassava flour crust comes together right in the same pan I use for the filling—no extra bowls, no mess.
  • Creamy Comfort: That coconut milk base with tender chicken? Rich but light, and the arrowroot gives it just the right thickness.
  • Weeknight Hero: I’ve served this for Sunday dinner and reheated slices for lunch—holds up beautifully. Honestly, it’s my new meal prep MVP.
  • Budget Stretcher: Chicken breast and pantry staples like coconut oil make this filling and affordable. I’ll be real: it feeds us twice for the cost of one takeout meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for AIP Chicken Pot Pie

Here’s the method. Straightforward, tested, works every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Flaky Cassava Crust

In a food processor, combine the 2 cups Cassava Flour, 0.5 cup Coconut Oil (chilled and solid), 0.25 cup Water (ice cold), and ½ teaspoon Sea Salt. Pulse until the mixture forms a dough that holds together when pressed. Avoid overmixing—this keeps the crust tender, not tough.

The coconut oil must stay cold to create flaky layers, so work quickly. If the dough feels too dry, add 1 teaspoon of the Water at a time until it just comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into discs, and chill for 20 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Chicken

Heat the 2 tbsp Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced Yellow Onion, Carrots, and Celery Stalks. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Add the minced Garlic Cloves, chopped Fresh Thyme, and chopped Fresh Rosemary. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced 1.5 lb Chicken Breast and cook for 6-7 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the 2 tbsp Arrowroot Starch over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Slowly pour in the 1 can Coconut Milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with the remaining 1 tsp Sea Salt. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly while you roll out the crust.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pot Pie

On a piece of parchment paper, roll out one disc of dough to fit the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough to the dish and press it gently into place. Pour the chicken and vegetable filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.

Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal, then cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

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Pro Tips For Making Aip Chicken Pot Pie

  • Precook the Chicken: Poach or bake the chicken breast first—shredding cooked meat is way easier than trying to dice raw, and it guarantees no dry, overcooked bits in your filling.
  • Chill the Dough: Cassava flour crust is sticky; refrigerate it for at least 20 minutes before rolling to keep it from tearing as you transfer it to the pie dish.
  • Thicken Slowly: Add arrowroot starch in small increments to the coconut milk filling—dump it all at once and you’ll end up with a gluey, lumpy mess.
  • Use Room-Temp Oil: Coconut oil solidifies when cold, so melt it just until liquid and let it cool slightly before mixing into the cassava flour—this prevents a greasy, uneven crust.

Serving Suggestions for This Recipe

Plating Presentation

Serve individual portions in shallow bowls to showcase the flaky crust and creamy filling. I like to place a large spoonful in the center, letting the crust slightly overhang for rustic charm. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for color.

Side Pairings

A simple mixed greens salad with olive oil and lemon dressing balances the richness. For heartier meals, roasted asparagus or green beans add freshness. I often serve with mashed cauliflower for extra comfort.

Sauce Enhancements

Drizzle with 1-2 teaspoons of AIP-compliant garlic aioli for added depth. Alternatively, a sprinkle of coconut aminos enhances the savory notes. Both options keep the dish nightshade-free while boosting flavor.

Family-Style Serving

For gatherings, present the whole pie on a wooden board with a sharp knife for slicing. The golden crust looks stunning and invites sharing. I always let guests serve themselves straight from the dish. 💛

Beverage Pairings

A crisp sparkling water with lime cleanses the palate between bites. For warmth, herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint complement the savory filling. Both options are AIP-friendly and refreshing.

Leftovers Tip

Reheat portions in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crust crispness. The microwave works in a pinch but softens the crust. I always add a splash of water to the dish and cover with a damp paper towel. 🔥

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 580kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 38g49%
Saturated Fat 28g140%
Cholesterol 75mg25%
Sodium 680mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 35g13%
Dietary Fiber 4g14%
Sugars 5g
Protein 32g64%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

No, most store-bought crusts contain wheat or dairy. For AIP compliance, you’ll need to make your own with cassava flour and coconut oil. This ensures it’s nightshade-free and safe for the protocol.

2

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. Also, let the pie rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to thicken. This prevents a soggy texture.

3

Can I substitute the chicken?

Yes! Turkey or even diced pork work well. For a vegetarian option, try mushrooms or hearts of palm. Just ensure all ingredients remain AIP-compliant.

4

What if my filling is too thin?

Simmer it for an extra 2-3 minutes to thicken. If it’s still runny, mix 1 tsp arrowroot starch with water and stir it in. Cook until it reaches your desired consistency.

★★★★★4.6(3 reviews)
Patrick Lewis