Paleo Pot Pie Recipe: Grain-Free Crust With Hearty Herb Filling

Comprehensive paleo pot pie recipe visual reference

This paleo pot pie delivers all the comfort of the classic without the grains or dairy. The secret lies in a flaky almond flour crust that bakes to golden perfection, encasing a rich filling of tender chicken and vegetables in a velvety herb sauce.

Every bite offers hearty satisfaction with clean, whole-food ingredients. The filling comes together in one skillet, while the crust requires just minutes of prep before baking to a beautiful finish.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Poultry
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Total Time
30 min
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Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Paleo Pot Pie

Clean, whole-food ingredients create this comforting classic with a grain-free twist.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Almond Flour 🌰 2 ½ cups Blanched, fine for best texture
Tapioca Starch 🌾 ¼ cup For crust binding and crispness
Coconut Oil 🥥 ½ cup Solid, unrefined for flavor
Large Egg 🥚 1 whole For crust binding
Chicken Breast 🍗 1 ½ lb Boneless, skinless, cubed
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 sauce
Coconut Milk 🥥 1 cup Full-fat, canned for creaminess
Chicken Broth 🍲 1 ½ cups Low-sodium preferred
Fresh Thyme 🌿 1 tbsp Chopped, or 1 tsp dried
Fresh Rosemary 🌿 1 tbsp Chopped, or 1 tsp dried
Frozen Peas 🌱 ¾ cup Thawed before using
Salt 🧂 1 tsp Sea salt or kosher
Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Freshly ground preferred

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The almond flour is the foundation here. Bob’s Red Mill makes a consistently fine, blanched version that’s perfect for a flaky crust. For the coconut oil, unrefined adds a subtle sweetness that complements the filling. Most natural food stores carry both. If you’re making multiple pies, Costco sells almond flour in bulk at a good price. Look for a bright white color in the flour—any grayish tint means it’s gone rancid.

No almond flour? Cassava flour works in a 1:1 swap but the texture will be denser. Out of coconut oil? Ghee or palm shortening can substitute, though ghee isn’t strictly paleo. Fresh herbs are ideal, but dried at one-third the amount gets the job done. If you can’t find tapioca starch, arrowroot powder works the same way. The chicken can be thighs if you prefer darker meat (it stays juicier).

The filling keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days—just reheat gently on the stove. The crust is best fresh but leftovers still taste great. For freezing, assemble the pie but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Bowl Wonder: I mix the almond flour crust in the same bowl I use for the filling—no extra dishes, just easy cleanup.
  • That Golden Crust: The coconut oil makes the topping flaky and rich, with just the right crunch over the tender chicken.
  • Meal Prep Magic: I bake two at once and freeze one—perfect for those nights I just can’t even.
  • Stretches Farther: One batch feeds us for two meals, and the chicken breast keeps it light on the wallet.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Paleo Pot Pie

Master the technique for a flaky grain-free crust and rich, herb-infused filling that defines this dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Grain-Free Crust

In a food processor, combine the 2.5 cups Almond Flour and 0.25 cup Tapioca Starch. Pulse until evenly mixed. Add the 0.5 cup Coconut Oil (solid but not melted) and process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the 1 whole Large Egg and pulse until a dough forms. The mixture should hold together when pressed between your fingers. If it feels too dry, add 1 teaspoon of cold water. Press the dough into a disc, wrap in parchment paper, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Cook the Filling Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced 1 whole Yellow Onion, 2 whole Carrots, and 2 whole Celery Stalks. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Stir in the minced 3 cloves Garlic Cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cubed 1.5 lb Chicken Breast, 1 tsp Salt, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Herb Sauce

Pour the 1.5 cups Chicken Broth and 1 cup Coconut Milk into the skillet. Stir in the chopped 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme and 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the 0.75 cup Frozen Peas (thawed) and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a rich, aromatic flavor from the herbs.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pot Pie

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Transfer the filling to a 9-inch pie dish or similar baking dish. Roll out the chilled crust between two sheets of parchment paper to fit the top of the dish.

Carefully place the crust over the filling, crimping the edges to seal. Cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

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Pro Tips For Making Paleo Pot Pie

  • Chill the Dough: After mixing almond flour, tapioca starch, coconut oil, and egg, refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes—I learned this the hard way after my first crust crumbled apart when rolling.
  • Pre-Cook the Chicken: Dice the chicken breast into uniform ½-inch pieces and sauté until just done before adding to the filling, or it’ll turn rubbery during baking.
  • Skip the Overmixing: Stir the almond flour and tapioca starch just until combined, as overworking the dough makes it dense and tough.
  • Use Cold Coconut Oil: Keep your coconut oil solid and cold when cutting it into the flour mix—this guarantees a flakier crust, even with gluten-free ingredients.

Perfect Pairings for This paleo pot pie

Side Dish Pairings

Serve this with a crisp kale salad—toss 4 cups chopped kale with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice. The bitterness balances the pie’s richness beautifully. Alternatively, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon add a smoky crunch.

Beverage Options

A dry Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy filling with its citrus notes. For beer lovers, a crisp hard cider like Angry Orchard complements the herbs. I prefer my cider slightly chilled for maximum refreshment. 🍷

Fresh Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chives add a pop of color and brightness. Sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped herbs over each serving just before eating. For extra flair, add toasted almond slivers—they echo the crust’s nuttiness.

Paleo-Friendly Sides

Cauliflower mash makes an excellent paleo alternative to potatoes. Steam 1 head cauliflower, blend with 2 tbsp coconut milk, and season with salt and pepper. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the pie. ✨

Light Contrasts

Pickled vegetables like red onions or cucumbers add a tangy crunch. I quick-pickle ½ cup sliced onions in ¼ cup apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes. The acidity refreshes your palate between rich bites.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 580kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 38g49%
Saturated Fat 24g120%
Cholesterol 105mg35%
Sodium 680mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 22g8%
Dietary Fiber 6g21%
Sugars 6g
Protein 42g84%
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 a different flour for the crust?

Yes! Cassava flour works in a 1:1 swap but yields a denser texture. Tigernut flour is another option, though it may require extra binding. Avoid coconut flour—it absorbs too much moisture.

2

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Pre-bake the crust for 8-10 minutes before adding filling. Also, let the filling cool slightly to reduce steam. A hot oven at 375°F helps crisp it up.

3

Can I make this ahead of time?

Assemble the pie (unbaked) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Or freeze for 3 months—just bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes.

4

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Warm individual servings in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the crust soggy.

★★★★★4.6(4 reviews)
Patrick Lewis