Sourdough Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Discard Crust

Few dishes embody comfort quite like chicken pot pie, with its creamy filling, tender chunks of chicken, and hearty vegetables wrapped in a flaky, golden crust. But what if we told you it could be even better? Enter the Sourdough-Crust Chicken Pot Pie — where your favorite discard transforms an ordinary crust into a next-level, tangy, buttery experience.

This dish celebrates tradition while embracing sustainability and flavor. If you’ve been discarding your sourdough starter, this is your sign to stop. The sourdough crust in this recipe is easy to make, rich in flavor, and holds up beautifully against the hearty filling. Whether you bake it in a classic pie dish, a cast iron skillet, or individual ramekins, the result is a crowd-pleasing, belly-warming masterpiece.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything: how to make a flaky sourdough discard crust, the creamy chicken-and-vegetable filling, baking tips, make-ahead tips, freezer instructions, and even gluten-free adjustments. This post is designed to inspire, guide, and satisfy—one slice at a time.

Ingredients

Sourdough Discard Crust:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 cup (120g) sourdough discard (unfed)

• 1–2 Tbsp ice water (as needed)

Chicken Pot Pie Filling:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 celery ribs, chopped

• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

• 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached), chopped or shredded

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 cup milk or cream

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley

• A brush of egg wash (1 egg + 1 Tbsp milk)

Instructions

1. Make the Sourdough Crust
In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and baking powder. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until pea-sized crumbles form. Stir in the sourdough discard until the dough begins to come together. Add ice water, 1 Tbsp at a time, just until the dough holds when pressed.

Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour (up to 48 hours).

2. Prepare the Filling
Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in peas and chicken.

Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir for 1 minute. Slowly add broth and milk, stirring constantly, until thickened (5–7 minutes). Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Let cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Pot Pie
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Roll out the chilled dough to fit your baking dish. Pour cooled filling into the dish. Cover with crust, crimp edges, and cut slits to vent. Brush with egg wash if desired.

4. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.

Make-Ahead & Freezing

• The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance.

• The entire pie can be assembled and frozen unbaked. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 60–70 minutes.

• Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat beautifully.

Flavor Variations

• Add mushrooms, sweet corn, or spinach.

• Use turkey instead of chicken.

• Try a cheddar-infused sourdough crust.

• Add fresh rosemary or sage to the filling for a rustic feel.

Why Sourdough Crust?

Using sourdough discard adds an acidic note that balances the richness of the filling. It also contributes to a more tender, flaky texture and is a great way to reduce waste. The crust holds up to reheating better than traditional pastry and pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad

• Serve with cranberry sauce for a Thanksgiving-style twist

• Enjoy with a glass of white wine or spiced cider

Final Thoughts

This Sourdough-Crust Chicken Pot Pie brings together comfort and sustainability in one gorgeous, golden package. Whether you're trying to use up your discard or just craving a hearty dinner, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

Make it your go-to for family dinners, cozy nights, or post-holiday leftover makeovers. With minimal effort and maximum reward, it might just become your new comfort food classic.