Let’s be honest – chicken pot pie is practically perfect on its own. That golden, flaky crust hiding a creamy, savory filling packed with tender chicken and veggies? Chef’s kiss. But sometimes you wanna take dinner up a notch, especially when company’s coming over or you just feel like treating yourself to something special.
I’ve been making chicken pot pies for my family for years and I’ve experimented with all kinds of sides to complement this classic comfort food. Today I’m sharing my absolute favorite pairings that’ll transform your pot pie from a simple meal into a memorable feast.
Finding the Perfect Balance with Chicken Pot Pie
The secret to serving chicken pot pie isn’t just picking random side dishes – it’s about creating balance. Think about it pot pie is rich, creamy and warm. So what complements that?
- Contrasting textures – Something crisp or crunchy to balance the soft, creamy pie
- Fresh flavors – Bright, acidic elements to cut through the richness
- Temperature variations – Cool sides to contrast with the hot pie
- Seasonal ingredients – Produce at its peak for maximum flavor
Let me walk you through some winning combinations that’ll make your pot pie dinner absolutely irresistible
Fresh, Crisp Salads That Cut Through Richness
Nothing balances a hearty chicken pot pie better than a bright, fresh salad. The crisp textures and tangy dressings provide the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy filling.
1. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
The peppery bite of arugula paired with a bright lemon dressing cuts through the richness of pot pie beautifully. I like to add some shaved parmesan and toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
2. Apple Walnut Salad
This salad combines sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and blue cheese over mixed greens with an apple cider dressing. The sweet-tart flavor profile works wonderfully alongside the savory pot pie.
3. Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta cheese dressed in red wine vinaigrette brings Mediterranean brightness to your comfort food.
4. Spinach Salad
Baby spinach tossed with strawberries, red onion, almonds, and a poppyseed dressing adds a hint of sweetness that plays well with the savory notes in your pot pie.
5. Kale and Quinoa Salad
For something heartier, try chopped kale with quinoa, chickpeas, avocado, and feta or goat cheese, dressed with a zesty citrus vinaigrette.
Veggie Sides That Complement Your Pot Pie
Vegetables are a natural pairing for chicken pot pie, offering nutritional balance and fresh flavors.
6. Garlic Sautéed Greens
A quick sauté of spinach, kale, or Swiss chard with olive oil and garlic makes for an easy, nutritious side that’s ready in minutes.
7. Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender carrots glazed with honey and roasted until caramelized provide a beautiful color contrast and complementary flavor.
8. Sautéed Green Beans
Blanched green beans finished with a quick sauté in olive oil and your favorite seasonings offer the perfect crisp-tender texture.
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts roasted until caramelized work wonderfully with pot pie, especially in fall and winter. The slight bitterness complements the creamy filling.
10. Crisp Cucumber and Radishes with Fresh Dill
For a super-refreshing side, try thinly sliced cucumber and radishes tossed with fresh dill, a little vinegar, and a pinch of salt.
Seasonal Roasted Vegetables
One of my favorite approaches is picking vegetables that are in season and roasting them to bring out their natural sweetness. Roast at 400°F-450°F with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
11. Spring Vegetables
Asparagus, green beans, and fresh peas roasted just until tender-crisp.
12. Summer Vegetables
Zucchini, summer squash, corn, and tomatoes for a colorful summer side.
13. Fall Vegetables
Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, and beets make a hearty autumn accompaniment.
14. Winter Root Vegetables
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, and celery root for a cozy winter pairing.
Starchy Sides for the Ultimate Comfort Food Combo
Sometimes you just want to double down on comfort food, and these starchy sides deliver.
15. Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, smooth mashed potatoes make an indulgent pairing. Add roasted garlic or fresh herbs like chives or dill for extra flavor.
16. Scalloped or Au Gratin Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce with cheese on top takes your comfort food game to the next level.
17. Mac and Cheese
I know what you’re thinking – two comfort foods on one plate? But trust me, a small side of cheesy baked mac and cheese alongside pot pie is heaven.
18. Roasted Potatoes
Cube potatoes, toss in oil, salt, and rosemary, then roast at 450°F for 15-20 minutes for a simpler potato option.
Whole Grains for Nutty Texture
Whole grains add nutritional value and a pleasant chewy texture that contrasts nicely with pot pie.
19. Brown or Wild Rice
Fluffy, nutty rice makes a great foundation for soaking up pot pie gravy. Mix in herbs or toasted nuts for added flavor.
20. Quinoa
Cook quinoa in chicken broth for extra richness, then stir in vegetables, herbs, or a sprinkle of cheese.
21. Barley
Pearled barley cooked in chicken or vegetable broth provides a pleasing chewy contrast to the pie.
22. Farro or Wheat Berry Salad
Cook wheat berries or farro, then toss with veggies, nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette while still warm.
Bread and Biscuits: Perfect for Sopping Up Gravy
No pot pie meal is complete without something to soak up that delicious gravy!
23. Fluffy Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft rolls are a must-have for soaking up every last bit of pot pie filling. Brush with melted butter right before serving.
24. Fresh Biscuits
Flaky, homemade biscuits straight from the oven complete the down-home feel. Serve them warm with butter.
25. Garlic Bread
Crusty garlic bread adds wonderful flavor and texture. You can even make it in the air fryer for extra convenience!
26. Cornbread
Slightly sweet cornbread muffins or squares with honey butter provide a delicious contrast.
27. Rosemary Roasted Garlic Bread
For a fancier bread option, try this aromatic combination that elevates the entire meal.
Quick Sides When You’re Short on Time
Sometimes you need something that comes together in minutes. These fast, fuss-free sides can be prepped in just 10 minutes or less:
- Quick pickles – Thinly slice cucumbers, carrots, radishes, or onions and pickle in a simple vinegar brine
- Buttered corn – Frozen corn sautéed with butter and a pinch of salt
- Store-bought rolls – Warmed in the oven for a few minutes
- Pre-washed salad mix – Tossed with your favorite dressing
Desserts to Round Out Your Pot Pie Meal
End your comfort food feast with something sweet. These desserts pair beautifully with chicken pot pie:
Seasonal Dessert Pairings
- Summer: Warm Berry Cobbler
- Fall: Maple Pumpkin Pudding or Apple Crisp
- Winter: Spiced Poached Pears or Vanilla Ice Cream
- Spring: Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp or Lemon Lavender Mini Cakes
How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie – Presentation Tips
Now that we’ve covered what to serve with chicken pot pie, let’s talk about how to serve it:
- Individual ramekins – For dinner parties, individual pot pies look elegant and portion control is built in
- Family style – A large pot pie at the center of the table creates a homey, sharing atmosphere
- Plating – Serve a wedge of pot pie with sides arranged attractively around it
- Temperature – Make sure the pot pie is hot through but has rested 5-10 minutes so it doesn’t collapse when served
FAQ: Common Questions About Serving Chicken Pot Pie
What is the best way to warm up chicken pot pie?
For reheating, you’ve got options:
- Microwave: The quickest method – 1-2 minutes for a thawed slice
- Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes for the best crust texture
- Toaster oven: Great for single servings, 350°F for about 10-15 minutes
What is the correct way to eat a pot pie?
There’s no wrong way! But here’s how I like to do it:
- Remove the top crust
- Eat the filling and bottom crust
- Save the crispy top crust for last (it’s the best part!)
Some people prefer each bite to have a balance of soft filling, bottom crust, and flaky top crust.
What dessert should I serve with chicken pot pie?
The best desserts complement the seasons:
- Summer: Berry cobblers or ice cream
- Fall/Winter: Apple crisp, pumpkin pudding, or poached pears
- Spring: Strawberry-rhubarb crisp or lemon desserts
Final Thoughts
Chicken pot pie is one of those dishes that’s practically a complete meal on its own, but adding thoughtfully chosen sides can transform it into a truly special dining experience. Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh or doubling down on comfort food vibes, these sides will help you create a memorable meal.
Remember the key principles: contrast textures, include something fresh, vary temperatures, and use seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll create chicken pot pie dinners that your family and friends will rave about!
What’s your favorite side to serve with chicken pot pie? I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
Serve Chicken Pot Pie with Vegetables
Vegetables make some of the most delicious side dishes and are an opportunity for your taste buds to experience a little variety.
- Asparagus. Asparagus pairs well with chicken, as seen in our lemon chicken asparagus sheet pan dinner recipe. Opt for the freshest asparagus by seeking stalks that are rich in a bright green color that softly fades to white at the base. If the stalks appear limp or wilted, avoid.
- Corn. Corn on the cob is an easy and delicious side for chicken pot pie because it compliments the vegetables already in the dish. It’s simple to prepare and usually very inexpensive when in season.
- Green beans. You can use various methods to easily prepare fresh green beans as a side to chicken pot pie! Green beans, like corn, perfectly match the vegetables already in the pot pie, and are an added source of nutrients and fiber.
- Onion rings. Onion rings are a great side because, like a caramelized onion topping, they bring out the pot pie flavors without taking anything away. You can even make them gluten-free! Choose these instead of a bread or potato side.
- Broccoli and carrots. Roasted broccoli and carrots are another healthy option that add a lot of flavor and nutrients to your plate!
- Garden salad. A garden salad is the classic side dish that goes with just about anything. Make your own fresh salad dressing at home and customize your dish to suit your preferences! Cherry tomatoes are a great addition to basically any green salad, and you could also experiment with feta cheese or goat cheese on top.
- Squash. You can keep it on the sweeter side with a dish of vanilla-roasted butternut squash with pecans as a side that contrasts the rich, buttery flavor of your chicken pot pie, or you can lean into the heavy, comfort food feeling by breading and frying yellow squash. You can grill squash, too. Yum!
- Brussels sprouts. This seemingly simple side dish works wonderfully with a classic chicken pot pie and its buttery crust. It’s one of our favorite fresh vegetables and the best side dishes around because Brussels sprouts can be roasted in the oven along with your pie. To take it up a notch, consider adding pancetta to Brussels sprouts.
Serve Chicken Pot Pie with Filling Starches
Starches go naturally with your homemade pot pie. Here are some top choices:
