The Ultimate Guide to Chicken Pot Pie Calories: What You Need to Know

Are you craving that warm, comforting chicken pot pie but worried about the calories? You’re not alone! As someone who absolutely loves this classic comfort food, I’ve spent way too much time researching exactly how many calories are in a chicken pot pie. Let me break it down for you in a way that’s actually useful.

The Short Answer: Chicken Pot Pie Calorie Count

Different sources report different calorie counts for chicken pot pies, but here’s what the data shows:

• Regular serving (1/6 of pie): 287 calories
• Whole pie (homemade): Approximately 1727 calories
• Frozen chicken pot pie (entire pie): About 477 calories

But that’s just scratching the surface! The calories can vary widely depending on the size, ingredients, and whether it’s homemade or store-bought

Calories by Serving Size

Let’s look at some common serving sizes and their calorie counts:

As you can see, the calories add up quick! A single slice might not seem too bad, but who honestly stops at just one piece? I know I don’t!

Nutritional Breakdown: More Than Just Calories

When I’m deciding whether to indulge in a chicken pot pie, I like to look at the complete nutritional picture. Here’s what a typical serving (1/6 of a pie) contains

Macronutrients

• Fat: 18.2g (57% of calories)
• Carbs: 20.12g (28% of calories)
• Protein: 10.82g (15% of calories)

Detailed Nutritional Information

• Saturated Fat: 6.834g (34% DV)
• Cholesterol: 38mg (13% DV)
• Sodium: 373mg (16% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% DV)
• Sugars: 1.62g

A single serving represents about 14% of a 2,000-calorie daily diet That might not seem like much, but those calories are pretty dense!

Frozen vs. Homemade: A Big Difference!

There’s a huge difference between store-bought frozen pot pies and homemade versions. Let me tell ya, I was shocked when I found this out!

Frozen Chicken Pot Pie (Whole)

• Calories: 477
• Fat: 28g (52% of calories)
• Carbs: 45g (38% of calories)
• Protein: 12g (10% of calories)

The frozen variety often contains more sodium (920mg or 40% of your daily value) and preservatives, but surprisingly, sometimes fewer calories than homemade versions. But they’re usually smaller too!

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie (Whole)

• Calories: Around 1727
• Fat: Higher due to butter in crust
• Carbs: Higher from flour in crust
• Protein: Varies based on chicken amount

The calorie difference mainly comes from portion size—homemade pies are typically larger—and ingredient quality. When I make mine at home, I tend to be a bit more generous with the butter in the crust, which definitely adds calories!

Hidden Calorie Culprits in Chicken Pot Pie

If you’re trying to lighten up your chicken pot pie, it helps to know where all those calories are coming from:

1. The Crust: The buttery, flaky pastry crust contributes a huge portion of the calories and fat.
2. Cream or Milk: Most recipes call for heavy cream or whole milk to create that rich, creamy filling.
3. Butter: Used in both the crust and to sauté vegetables.
4. Oil: Sometimes used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.

How to Enjoy Chicken Pot Pie Without Calorie Guilt

I love chicken pot pie too much to give it up completely! Here are some ways I’ve found to enjoy it while keeping the calories in check:

• Focus on portion control: Stick to one serving (1/6 of a pie) and pair it with a large salad.
• Try a crustless version: Skip the top crust or make a “deconstructed” pot pie.
• Use phyllo dough: It’s lighter than traditional pie crust.
• Load up on veggies: More vegetables means more volume and nutrients with fewer calories.
• Use leaner cuts of chicken: White meat without skin has fewer calories than dark meat.
• Substitute lower-fat dairy: Try evaporated skim milk instead of heavy cream.

Different Brands, Different Calories

Not all pot pies are created equal! Here’s a quick comparison of some popular brands:

• KFC Chicken Pot Pie: Higher in calories than generic versions
• Boston Market Pastry Top Chicken Pot Pie: Also on the higher end
• Banquet Chicken Pot Pie: Typically smaller in size with fewer calories
• Marie Callender’s Grocery: Contains more calories but also more chicken
• Blake’s Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie: Good option for those with dietary restrictions

The Nutritional Bright Side

While we’ve focused alot on calories, chicken pot pie does offer some nutritional benefits:

• Protein: A good source at 10.82g per serving
• Vitamin K: Provides about 21% of your daily value
• Iron: Contains 1.71mg (10% DV)
• Vitamin A: Offers 93mcg (10% DV)

When Is Chicken Pot Pie Worth the Calories?

I believe in balanced eating, and sometimes that means enjoying foods that aren’t “diet-friendly.” In my opinion, chicken pot pie is worth the calories when:

1. It’s a special homemade recipe with quality ingredients
2. You’re sharing a meal with family or friends
3. You’ve been craving it and can enjoy it mindfully
4. It’s a cold winter day and you need some comfort food!

My Personal Take

I’ve tried countless chicken pot pies, from fancy restaurant versions to those little frozen ones you can buy for a dollar. What I’ve learned is that satisfaction matters as much as calories. A small slice of an amazing homemade chicken pot pie can be more satisfying than an entire mediocre frozen one.

For me, I make chicken pot pie about once a month as a special treat. I don’t stress about the calories that day, but I might eat lighter meals earlier in the day to balance things out.

Final Thoughts: Is Chicken Pot Pie Worth It?

At 287 calories per serving, chicken pot pie isn’t exactly diet food, but it’s not the worst indulgence either. When made with quality ingredients and enjoyed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Remember that nutrition is about the big picture. One chicken pot pie isn’t going to make or break your health goals. It’s what you eat consistently over time that matters most.

So next time you’re craving that warm, comforting taste of chicken pot pie, you can make an informed decision about whether and how much to enjoy!

Quick Reference: Chicken Pot Pie Calories at a Glance

• Regular serving (1/6 pie): 287 calories
• Whole homemade pie: ~1727 calories
• Frozen pot pie (whole): ~477 calories
• Per ounce: 64 calories
• Per cup: 566 calories

Have you tried making a healthier version of chicken pot pie? I’d love to hear about it! After all, sharing recipes is half the fun of cooking. Drop a comment below with your favorite chicken pot pie tips or questions!

Chicken pot pie isn’t inherently bad, but traditionally prepared versions can be unhealthy due to high levels of calories, saturated fat, and sodium, often found in the pastry crust and creamy filling. Frozen and processed options tend to be particularly high in these unhealthy components, contributing to weight gain, high blood pressure, and increased heart disease risk. However, you can enjoy a healthier chicken pot pie by making it at home with lean protein, fresh vegetables, a whole-wheat or less-fat crust, and reducing salt and butter.

A 7 oz (198g) serving of Banquet Chicken Pot Pie contains approximately 350-370 calories.