Crustless Chicken Pot Pie (Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free)

Skip the crust and enjoy creamy, comforting gluten-free dairy-free dinner with this easy crustless chicken pot pie recipe. Perfect for busy families!

You know that feeling when you’re standing in the kitchen at 5 PM and desperately want to make something warm, filling, and actually good for your family? That’s exactly what inspired this crustless chicken pot pie recipe for me.

When I first went gluten-free, I thought I’d have to say goodbye to the soul-warming meals that made my kitchen smell like home. But here’s the thing—sometimes the best solutions come from stepping back and reimagining what we thought we needed.

This gluten-free dairy-free chicken pot pie ditches the traditional crust (hello, saved time!) while keeping every bit of that cozy, nourishing feeling you’re craving.

Why This Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Works for Everyone

This gluten-free and dairy-free dinner has become a staple in my house because it checks every box: it’s nourishing, forgiving, and honestly? It tastes like you spent hours cooking.

The beauty of a crustless approach means you’re skipping the stress of pastry work and going straight to the good stuff—tender chicken, vegetables swimming in creamy goodness, and that feeling of being taken care of through food.

If you’ve never made a non-dairy chicken pot pie before, this recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly. The pressure cooker does most of the heavy lifting, and you get restaurant-quality results without the fuss.

This crock pot chicken pot pie (dairy-free style) works beautifully in slow cookers too, making it perfect for those days when you need dinner handled without much effort.

Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Ingredients

• 1/2 pounds chicken tenders, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups diced carrots
• 1 1/2 cups diced celery
• 1 cup corn
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup dairy-free heavy cream
• 1/2 cup frozen peas

Crustless Chicken Pot Pie Instructions

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients Combine chicken, broth, carrots, celery, corn, onion, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, poultry seasoning, and thyme in your pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot). This gluten-free dairy-free dinner base is where all the magic starts.

Step 2: Cook Under Pressure Close and lock the lid, making sure it’s set to “venting” (not “sealing”). Select high/manual pressure and set the timer for 10 minutes.

Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build. Once time’s up, release pressure using the natural-release method according to your machine’s instructions (about 10 minutes). Carefully quick-release any remaining pressure for another 10 minutes, then unlock and remove the lid.

Step 3: Stir in Cream and Peas Switch to the Sauté function and stir in the dairy-free cream and frozen peas. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until everything’s beautifully thickened. This final step brings your crustless chicken pot pie from good to absolutely crave-worthy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Ladle this comfort into bowls and serve alongside gluten-free bread if you’d like. Sit down, breathe, and enjoy the fact that you just made something this delicious without a crust in sight.

Smart Substitutions for Your Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Dinner

Making this crustless chicken pot pie your own is part of the fun. If you’re working with what you’ve got in your pantry, here are some swaps that work beautifully.

Dairy-Free Cream Options: Coconut milk works wonderfully if you’re out of dairy-free heavy cream, though it’ll add a subtle coconut note to your non-dairy chicken pot pie. Cashew cream is another gorgeous option if you have the time to blend it up. Oat milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch creates a nice creamy texture too.

Vegetables: This recipe is flexible! If you don’t have celery, add extra carrots. No corn? Throw in diced bell peppers or green beans. The gluten-free dairy-free base stays the same while you customize the veggies to what you love or what you have on hand.

Protein Swap: Turkey works just as well as chicken for this gluten-free dinner. Ground turkey can work too, though it’ll change the texture slightly—totally doable if that’s what you’ve got.

Herbs: If you’re out of poultry seasoning, no stress. Use Italian seasoning or just lean into garlic, thyme, and black pepper. Your crock pot chicken pot pie (dairy-free style) will still taste incredible.

Troubleshooting Your Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

The mixture seems too thin: This happens sometimes depending on your vegetables and how much moisture they released. Just simmer it a bit longer on the Sauté function, or whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in. Your gluten-free dairy-free dinner will thicken right up.

The chicken feels tough: This usually means either the pressure cooked too long or the temperature was too high. Remember, 10 minutes at high pressure is plenty for cubed chicken. Next time, you might even drop it to 8 minutes if your pieces are small. The non-dairy chicken pot pie should be tender and forgiving.

Cream broke or looks separated: Dairy-free creams can be sensitive to high heat. Make sure you’re on the Sauté setting (which is lower) and stir constantly. If it happens, just blend it smooth with an immersion blender or a regular blender, and it’ll look beautiful again.

Too salty: Chicken broth varies wildly in sodium, so always taste before serving. If your gluten-free dairy-free dinner is overseasoned, serve it with plain rice or gluten-free bread to balance things out. Next time, use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste.

Storage and Meal Prep for Busy Families

This crustless chicken pot pie is one of those recipes that actually improves after a day in the fridge. The flavors meld together, and you get this cozy, settled-in taste that’s even better than the first night.

Refrigerator: Keep your gluten-free dairy-free dinner in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or dairy-free milk if it’s thickened too much. Your non-dairy chicken pot pie will taste like you just made it.

Freezing: This one freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or individual portions. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. This crock pot chicken pot pie (dairy-free style) makes future-you incredibly happy.

Meal Prep Magic: Make a double batch on Sunday and you’ve got dinner handled for Wednesday. Portion it out and you’re not stressing about cooking mid-week. The gluten-free dairy-free dinner practically makes itself.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

How you serve this crustless chicken pot pie depends on what your family loves, and there’s no wrong answer here.

With Gluten-Free Bread: If you want that traditional pot pie feeling, serve it alongside crusty gluten-free bread. Our easy protein gluten-free bread recipe is absolutely perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy goodness. Your gluten-free dairy-free dinner goes from comforting to celebratory.

Over Rice or Grains: Spoon this non-dairy chicken pot pie over white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. It transforms the meal while keeping everything simple. The gluten-free dairy-free base works beautifully with whatever grain you’re feeling.

In Lettuce Wraps: I know this sounds unconventional, but try wrapping your crock pot chicken pot pie (dairy-free style) in large lettuce leaves for a lighter take. It’s a fun twist if you’re looking for something different.

Side Salad Pairing: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the cream beautifully. Your gluten-free dairy-free dinner feels even more nourishing when you add fresh vegetables on the side.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Once you master the basic crustless chicken pot pie, here are some fun directions to take your gluten-free dairy-free dinner.

Kid-Friendly Version: If the little ones find the veggies intimidating, pulse or blend them smaller so they disappear into the sauce. The non-dairy chicken pot pie stays just as delicious, and everyone eats without negotiation.

Extra Protein Boost: Stir in some white beans or lentils to make your gluten-free dairy-free dinner more substantial. It stretches the recipe further and keeps everyone satisfied longer.

Crock Pot Method: Combine all ingredients except the dairy-free cream and peas in your slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and peas, let sit for 15 minutes, and you’re done. Your crock pot chicken pot pie (dairy-free style) is a total set-it-and-forget-it winner.

Herb-Infused Version: Get creative with fresh herbs! Fresh parsley, dill, or even a pinch of nutmeg elevates this gluten-free dairy-free dinner into something special. Add them at the very end to keep the fresh flavor bright.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crustless Chicken Pot Pie

More Gluten-Free Dinner Ideas From GrainlessLife

Once you’ve mastered this crustless chicken pot pie, explore these other family favorites that bring the same warmth and ease to your kitchen.

• Check out our easy gluten-free chicken taquitos recipe for a totally different take on weeknight chicken
• Pair this non-dairy chicken pot pie with our easy protein gluten-free bread recipe for the ultimate comfort meal

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Making a crustless chicken pot pie that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free isn’t just about accommodating dietary needs—it’s about creating moments of real nourishment and ease in your kitchen. This gluten-free dairy-free dinner is proof that you don’t need fancy techniques or complicated ingredients to make something that tastes like love tastes.

Whether this is your first time cooking without gluten, your hundredth time making a non-dairy chicken pot pie, or you’re just looking for something that actually works for your whole family, I hope this recipe feels like coming home. Your crock pot chicken pot pie (dairy-free style) is waiting, and so is that peaceful feeling of knowing you’ve got dinner handled.