Easy Chicken Pot Pie: A Family-Friendly Recipe for Sneaking in More Vegetables
If you’re a parent, chances are you’ve experienced the universal challenge of getting your children to eat their vegetables. Unless you’re one of those incredibly fortunate few whose kids happily munch on kale as if it were candy, the struggle to incorporate nutritious greens into their diet is very real. My own journey with my two boys has been a testament to this, as they certainly weren’t born with a natural affinity for every healthy food on their plate.
However, over time, I’ve discovered effective strategies that have slowly but surely helped them develop a taste for vegetables, and I can even confidently say they now enjoy a wider variety! My primary approach has been to start small, thoughtfully integrating vegetables into dishes they already love. This gentle introduction allows them to gradually acclimate to new textures and flavors without feeling overwhelmed or resistant. As their palates expand, I continue to introduce new vegetables, and I’m consistently surprised by how quickly children can learn to appreciate and even crave new, healthy foods.
Simplifying Healthy Meals with Birds Eye and Melissa d’Arabian
When it comes to sourcing high-quality, convenient vegetables, Birds Eye has long been a staple in my freezer. Their frozen vegetables consistently deliver on taste and quality, making them a reliable and affordable choice for any busy household. This year, Birds Eye has taken their commitment to family health a step further by partnering with Melissa d’Arabian. As a celebrated chef, a dedicated mom of four, and the host of FoodNetwork.com’s insightful web series, “The Picky Eaters Project,” Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and practical tips to help parents tackle the common dinnertime dilemma of encouraging kids to eat more vegetables.
Melissa’s involvement with Birds Eye is all about providing real-world solutions for families. She understands the daily pressures of preparing nutritious meals while contending with picky eaters and tight schedules. Through her collaboration, Birds Eye and Melissa are offering innovative recipes and actionable advice designed to seamlessly incorporate more vegetables into children’s diets. Her videos and resources are invaluable, demonstrating how simple adjustments can make a significant difference in fostering healthier eating habits.
We all know that maintaining a balanced diet for our families can be incredibly tough on a daily basis. Birds Eye frozen vegetables are a fantastic ally for parents, offering over 40 unique vegetable blends that are not only nutritious and tasty but also budget-friendly and available year-round. This variety and accessibility make our jobs as parents so much easier, allowing us to serve diverse, veggie-packed meals without extra fuss. Together, Birds Eye and Melissa d’Arabian are combining their expertise to make a tangible difference in children’s nutrition, one delicious, veggie-filled bite at a time.
Creative Dinner Ideas for Happier, Healthier Eaters
My recipe box is filled with tried-and-true dinner ideas that my kids love, all while cleverly incorporating vegetables to ensure they eat better without even realizing it. These recipes are designed to be both delicious and nutritious, making mealtime a more enjoyable experience for everyone. For instance, my Roasted Vegetable & Black Bean Tacos are a vibrant hit, allowing me to load up on colorful roasted veggies that blend perfectly with savory black beans. The One-Pot Turkey Taco Skillet is another family favorite, where lean turkey and a medley of vegetables create a flavorful, hearty meal with minimal cleanup. And for a delicious and wholesome option, our Chicken Black Bean & Quinoa Enchiladas are packed with protein and hidden vegetables, making them a nutritious choice that satisfies even the most discerning appetites.
The Ultimate Veggie Disguise: Easy Chicken Pot Pie
While all those recipes are great, one dinner consistently tops the list of my boys’ favorites: chicken pot pie. And why wouldn’t it? It’s the quintessential comfort food, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite. More importantly, it’s an exceptionally versatile meal for incorporating a generous serving of vegetables without any complaints. Chicken pot pie is universally adored, making it the perfect canvas for making healthy eating appealing.
This particular chicken pot pie recipe has quickly become my go-to for ensuring my family gets their necessary veggie intake. It’s truly comfort food at its finest, but with a healthy twist. The creamy bottom layer is generously packed with a full 1 1/2 cups of high-quality Birds Eye frozen mixed vegetables, which blend seamlessly into the rich, savory filling. My kids absolutely love it, and I appreciate that there’s no “cream of anything” soup involved, making this version even healthier and bursting with fresh flavor. It’s a delightful way to deliver essential nutrients in a dish that feels like a special treat every time.
Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Print
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cup frozen Bird’s Eye Classic Mixed Vegetables thawed
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup reduced-fat Bisquick or other baking mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400º F. Spray a 2 quart casserole dish and set aside.
-
In a saucepan, mix and bring to a low boil the chicken broth and 1/4 cup milk.
-
Whisk together 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup flour and dried thyme in a small bowl and whisk into broth/milk mixture over low heat until simmers and thickens. Add S&P to taste.
-
Stir in Bird’s Eye vegetables and chicken. Pour into prepared casserole dish. Smooth to get an even layer.
-
In a medium sized bowl, mix together baking mix, milk and egg. When smooth, pour over creamy vegetable mixture and smooth to get an even layer on top. Place in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until heated through and golden brown on top.
-
Serve and enjoy!
Notes
More Quick & Healthy Dinner Ideas for Busy Families
If you’re constantly seeking delicious and fuss-free meals that your family will genuinely enjoy, here are a few more family-approved recipes that skillfully balance convenience with nutrition:
Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken
This incredibly easy slow cooker recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce. Simply set it and forget it, returning to a delicious meal that’s perfect over rice with a side of steamed Birds Eye broccoli. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that minimizes effort on busy weeknights, ensuring a healthy and satisfying dinner without the stress.
Easy (One Pan) Baked Italian Chicken, Potatoes & Green Beans
For those evenings when you need maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, this one-pan wonder is your ultimate answer. Chicken, tender potatoes, and crisp green beans are tossed with robust Italian seasonings and baked to perfection on a single sheet pan. It’s a wholesome, balanced meal that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, proving that healthy cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or messy.
Easy Tamale Pie
This Tamale Pie offers a delightful and comforting combination of savory seasoned turkey (or ground beef) layered beneath a fluffy, golden cornbread topping. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that kids adore for its rich taste, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. You can easily add finely diced peppers, corn, or black beans to the filling for an extra boost of vegetables and fiber without altering the beloved taste and texture of this family classic.
This article was created in collaboration with Clever Girls Collective. All content and opinions expressed here are my own, reflecting my genuine experience and insights into making healthy meals enjoyable for kids.