Gluten free diets are becoming increasingly popular, especially for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. When following a gluten free diet, it’s important to check labels carefully, as many foods contain hidden gluten ingredients. Blake’s All Natural Foods offers a line of gluten free frozen meals, including a chicken pot pie. For those avoiding dairy as well, an important question is: does Blake’s gluten free chicken pot pie contain dairy?
Quick Answer
Yes, Blake’s gluten free chicken pot pie does contain dairy. The primary dairy ingredients are butter and cream. Those with dairy allergies or following a vegan diet should avoid Blake’s gluten free chicken pot pie.
Ingredients in Blake’s Gluten Free Chicken Pot Pie
Below are the ingredients listed on a Blake’s gluten free chicken pot pie:
- Chicken breast meat with rib meat, chicken broth, potatoes, carrots, peas, contains less than 2% of butter, wheat starch, modified cornstarch, salt, chicken fat, onion powder, cornstarch, nonfat milk, cream, soy lecithin, spice, nova canola oil, no added MSG.
As you can see, the primary dairy ingredients are butter and cream. Even though the list states “nonfat milk”, this is still derived from dairy. The ingredients that are safe on a vegan diet include: chicken, chicken broth, potatoes, carrots, peas, wheat starch, modified cornstarch, salt, onion powder, cornstarch, soy lecithin, spices, and canola oil.
Why Blake’s Chicken Pot Pie Contains Dairy
Most traditional chicken pot pie recipes call for a creamy sauce made with butter, milk or cream, and flour. This helps create a thick, rich filling that complements the tender chicken and vegetables. When adapting their gluten free chicken pot pie recipe, Blake’s likely felt that maintaining a creamy texture was important for consumer satisfaction. By keeping butter and cream in the ingredients, they uphold the expectations of chicken pot pie lovers. However, this does make the product unsuitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
Alternatives to Blake’s Gluten and Dairy Free Chicken Pot Pie
Fortunately, there are a few store-bought alternatives for those seeking a chicken pot pie free of both gluten and dairy:
- Amy’s Gluten & Dairy Free Chicken Pot Pie – made with olive oil instead of butter/cream. Amy’s is a trusted gluten free brand.
- Against the Grain Gluten Free Chicken Pot Pie – uses coconut oil and coconut milk instead of dairy ingredients.
- Check frozen sections for other dairy free pot pies that contain real chicken and veggies inside a gluten free crust. Read labels carefully.
There are also many recipes available online for making your own gluten and dairy free chicken pot pie at home. With the right blend of spices, olive oil or coconut milk, and flaky gluten free crust, you can re-create the experience of chicken pot pie at home.
What to Check for on Ingredient Labels
When purchasing any prepared or packaged foods labeled as gluten free, it’s essential to still read the ingredients list carefully. Here are some pointers on what to look out for:
- Butter/Cream – Contains dairy and are not vegan friendly.
- Milk – Can be derived from cows, goats or sheep. Suitable for vegetarians but not vegans.
- Whey or Casein – Milk-based proteins, not vegan friendly.
- Natural Flavors – Can sometimes contain dairy or other animal products. Best to call manufacturer.
- Enzymes – Some enzymes are derived from animals. Specific ones to look for include lipase, rennet, lactase and pepsin.
Sticking to foods with ingredients you recognize is the best way to avoid hidden animal products in gluten free foods. Oils, fruits, vegetables, rice, quinoa, corn, beans, nuts and seeds are all reliably vegan ingredients.
Is Dairy Bad For You?
Whether or not to consume dairy is a personal choice that often depends on your dietary goals, health conditions, ethical concerns, and taste preferences. Here is a quick rundown of some common pros and cons regarding dairy products:
Potential Benefits of Dairy
- High in calcium, potassium and vitamin D
- Excellent source of protein
- Contains beneficial nutrients like vitamin B12, riboflavin, phosphorous
- Provides satisfaction for consumers who enjoy the flavor of milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.
Potential Drawbacks of Dairy
- Dairy allergies or lactose intolerance are common
- Has been linked to inflammation, acne and digestive issues in some individuals
- Contains hormones and antibiotics given to dairy cows
- Associated with animal cruelty concerns and environment impact of factory farming
- Not suitable for vegan or paleo diets
As with most foods, whether dairy is “good” or “bad” comes down to the individual. The majority of people can safely consume dairy in moderation, especially fermented forms like yogurt which contain probiotics. But for those who choose to avoid dairy, you can still get calcium and protein from plant-based sources like leafy greens, beans, tofu, nuts and fortified milk alternatives.
Homemade Gluten and Dairy Free Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
If you want to recreate chicken pot pie at home without the dairy, try this recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup gluten free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tsp fresh thyme
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
- Gluten free pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil over medium high heat until browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Let cool and dice chicken.
- In same skillet, add onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Whisk in gluten free flour until absorbed. Then whisk in chicken broth and almond milk.
- Add potatoes and bring mixture to a simmer. Cook 10 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.
- Stir in peas, thyme, chicken, and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour mixture into gluten free pie crust and top with second crust or biscuit topping.
- Bake 40 minutes until crust is golden brown. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
This recipe excludes butter and cream for a dairy-free chicken pot pie that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The combination of chicken broth and almond milk provides a creamy base for the filling. A flaky gluten free crust envelops the chicken and vegetables for comfort food perfection. Enjoy!
Is Chicken Pot Pie Healthy?
Traditional chicken pot pie recipes are high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, meaning they aren’t the most nutritious choice. However, a few tweaks can transform chicken pot pie into a healthier comfort food:
- Use reduced-sodium chicken broth and limit added salt
- Substitute olive oil or avocado oil for butter in the crust
- Load up on vegetables like carrots, peas, spinach
- Choose whole grain gluten free flour for the crust
- Stick to a single crust, or use a veggie-based crumb topping
- Use milk alternatives like unsweetened almond or oat milk
- Avoid increasing calories with heavy cream; stick to broth and milk
With the right adjustments, you can keep chicken pot pie as an occasional part of a healthy diet. Just focus on increasing nutrients from veggies and reducing saturated fat, sodium and calories wherever possible.
Should Chicken Pot Pie be Refrigerated?
Unlike homemade chicken pot pies that should be eaten within 3-4 days, commercially prepared frozen pot pies are shelf stable until you bake them. Unbaked gluten free chicken pot pies like Blake’s can be stored in the freezer indefinitely. However, once baked, leftovers should be promptly refrigerated.
According to USDA guidelines, baked chicken pot pies should be refrigerated within 2 hours and eaten within 3-4 days for food safety. The filling provides a moist environment for bacteria to grow quickly at room temperature. Refrigerating below 40°F stops this fast bacterial growth.
When reheating baked chicken pot pie from the fridge, make sure to heat thoroughly to 165°F. Some options for thorough reheating include:
- Conventional oven at 350°F until hot internals
- Microwave on High until steaming
- Simmer on stovetop, stirring occasionally
You can also safely freeze any uneaten portions. Let cool completely before freezing, then reheat directly from frozen using oven or microwave.
Can Chicken Pot Pie be Frozen?
Yes, chicken pot pie freezes extremely well. In fact, freezing helps intensify the flavors as ingredients meld together over time. Here are some freezing tips:
- Let freshly baked pot pie cool completely before freezing, about 1-2 hours.
- Divide into portions if freezing leftovers – this avoids having to thaw the whole pie at once.
- Place cooled pie in airtight container or freezer bag.
- Press out excess air and seal tightly.
- Label with contents and date.
- Freeze up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Unbaked pot pies can go straight from freezer to oven for easy homemade meals. Follow package instructions, extending baking time 10-15 minutes since you’ll be baking from frozen. And remember – let baked pot pies rest 10 minutes for perfect slices every time!
Can You Make Chicken Pot Pie in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can absolutely make chicken pot pie in a slow cooker! This hands-off approach lets you come home to a hot, hearty meal. To adapt a pot pie recipe for the slow cooker:
- Use already cooked chicken or brown it first for flavor.
- Sauté aromatics like onion and garlic.
- Mix broth, milk and seasonings for the sauce.
- Add chicken and vegetables except peas.
- Cook 3-4 hours on Low until veggies are tender.
- Mix cornstarch with water and add to thicken filling.
- Fold in frozen peas and serve immediately.
You can either make biscuit dough to top the cooked filling. Or simply spoon into bowls and top with gluten free biscuits before serving. The filling alone reheats beautifully for easy weeknight meals too.
Toppings for Gluten and Dairy Free Pot Pies
Chicken pot pie is delicious with a flaky, buttery crust. But there are many alternative gluten and dairy free topping options, including:
- Gluten Free Biscuits – Use your favorite recipe or store-bought biscuit mix.
- Cornbread – For a Southern touch, crumble gluten free cornbread on top.
- Mashed Potatoes – Pipe fluffy gluten free mashed potatoes over the filling.
- Polenta – Cooked polenta sliced into rounds makes a crispy topping.
- Sweet Potatoes – Mash with herbs and oil for a flavorful topping.
You can also go crustless and top with crunchy paleo-friendly options like chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, or gluten free bread crumbs. The filling is truly the star of chicken pot pie, so get creative with your toppings!
Common FAQs about Chicken Pot Pie
Is store-bought chicken pot pie gluten free?
Unfortunately, most ready-made chicken pot pies are not gluten free, since traditional crusts contain wheat flour. Check carefully for certified gluten free options from brands like Blake’s.
What thickens the filling in chicken pot pie?
Fillings achieve that signature creamy texture through a roux (butter + flour) or a starch like cornstarch. For gluten free, use cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca starch.
What veggies go in chicken pot pie?
Classic choices are potatoes, peas, carrots and celery. You can also add spinach, broccoli, corn, green beans, parsnips or sweet potatoes.
Can you freeze cooked chicken pot pie?
Yes, baked pot pies freeze beautifully! Let cool completely before freezing for up to 3 months.
Is chicken pot pie easy to make at home?
Yes, chicken pot pie is relatively simple to make at home, especially if using a store-bought pie crust. Homemade is tastier and healthier!
Conclusion
In summary, Blake’s gluten free chicken pot pie unfortunately does contain dairy ingredients. The inclusion of butter and cream makes it unsuitable for vegan or dairy-free diets. However, there are many store-bought and homemade options for creating flavorful gluten and dairy free chicken pot pies. Look for alternative thickeners like cornstarch and plant-based milks or broths. With the right substitutions, you can enjoy comforting chicken pot pie as part of a nutritious diet.
