Freeze Chicken Pot Pie Before Or After Baking
Introduction
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a chilly evening. It is a savory dish that is made with a flaky crust and filled with chicken, vegetables, and gravy. Whether you are planning to make chicken pot pie for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you may be wondering whether you should freeze it before or after baking. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both methods so that you can decide which one is best for you.
Freeze Before Baking
If you are planning to freeze your chicken pot pie before baking it, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the pie is completely cooled before you freeze it. This will prevent the crust from becoming soggy when you reheat it. Once the pie is cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label the pie with the date and contents and then place it in the freezer.
One of the benefits of freezing your chicken pot pie before baking it is that it will be fresh and hot when you are ready to eat it. Simply take the pie out of the freezer, remove the plastic wrap and foil, and then bake it in the oven according to the recipe. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the pie is frozen.
Freeze After Baking
Freezing your chicken pot pie after baking it is another option to consider. If you choose this method, you need to make sure that the pie is completely cooled before you freeze it. Once it is cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label the pie with the date and contents and then place it in the freezer.
One of the benefits of freezing your chicken pot pie after baking it is that it will be ready to eat whenever you want it. Simply take the pie out of the freezer, remove the plastic wrap and foil, and then heat it up in the oven or microwave. However, there is a risk that the crust may become soggy when you reheat it, especially if you microwave it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you freeze your chicken pot pie before or after baking it depends on your personal preference and schedule. If you want a fresh and hot pie, freezing it before baking is the way to go. If you want a pie that is ready to eat whenever you want it, freezing it after baking is a good option. Just make sure that you follow the proper steps for wrapping and labeling the pie to ensure that it stays fresh and delicious.