A toaster oven is one of the best ways to bring a leftover chicken pot pie back to its flaky, golden state. If you want to know how to reheat chicken pot pie in toaster oven, the good news is that it takes less time than you think. The trick is managing heat from both the top and bottom so the crust crisps without burning the filling.
This guide covers temps, times, and a few simple tricks. You will also learn what to do if your pie is frozen or already sliced.
Why A Toaster Oven Works So Well For Pot Pie
A regular microwave heats food fast but it leaves crust soft and soggy. A toaster oven uses dry, circulating heat. That keeps the crust crisp while warming the inside.
It also preheats quicker than a full-size oven. For one or two slices, that saves both time and electricity.
What You Will Need
- Your leftover chicken pot pie
- A toaster oven
- Aluminum foil
- A baking sheet or small oven-safe dish
- An instant-read thermometer (optional but handy)
How To Reheat Chicken Pot Pie In Toaster Oven
Follow these steps for the best results. Times vary a little based on your toaster oven and the size of your slice.
Step 1: Preheat The Toaster Oven
Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. A hot oven gives you an even reheat from the start.
Step 2: Prepare The Pie
Place the pie in an oven-safe dish or on a lined baking sheet. If the crust looks dry, brush a little melted butter or oil on top. This helps it brown again.
Step 3: Cover The Edges
Wrap foil around the crust edges. The edges cook faster than the center, so this stops them from burning. If your pie is a single slice, you can skip this step.
Step 4: Heat It Up
Put the pie on the middle rack. Reheat for 15 to 20 minutes for a whole small pie. A single slice needs only 8 to 12 minutes.
Step 5: Check The Inside
The filling should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Stick a thermometer into the center to check. If you do not have one, look for steam rising from the middle.
Step 6: Crisp The Top
Remove the foil for the last 3 to 5 minutes. This lets the top crust get golden and flaky. Watch it closely so it does not burn.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Let the pie sit for 2 to 3 minutes. The filling is very hot and this short rest keeps it from running out when you cut in.
Reheating Times By Portion Size
Use this quick chart as a starting point. Always check the center temp before you eat.
- Single slice: 8 to 12 minutes at 350°F
- Two slices: 12 to 15 minutes at 350°F
- Small personal pie: 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F
- Frozen slice: 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F
Tips For A Crispy Crust Every Time
These small habits make a big difference. Try them the next time you reheat a pie.
- Never microwave first. It makes the crust rubbery.
- Use the middle rack, not the top one.
- Keep the foil on the edges until the last few minutes.
- Do not stack slices. They need airflow to crisp.
- Let the toaster oven fully preheat before adding food.
If Your Toaster Oven Runs Hot
Some models run hotter than the dial says. If your crust browns too fast, drop the temp to 325°F. Then add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
If Your Toaster Oven Runs Cool
If the filling stays cold in the middle, raise the temp to 375°F. Cover the whole pie with foil so the crust does not burn while the center catches up.
How To Reheat A Frozen Chicken Pot Pie
You can go straight from freezer to toaster oven. It just takes longer. Do not thaw it first on the counter, that is not safe.
- Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F.
- Put the frozen pie in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the whole pie with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake 10 to 15 more minutes.
- Check that the center hits 165°F before serving.
If the top starts to darken too soon, put the foil back on. The goal is a hot center and a crisp top, not a burnt one.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Most problems come from a few easy-to-fix habits. Here is what to skip.
- Reheating at high heat the whole time. This burns the crust before the middle warms.
- Skipping the preheat. A cold oven leads to uneven results.
- Leaving the pie uncovered the entire time. The edges dry out and burn.
- Not checking the inside temp. The crust can look done while the filling is still cool.
- Using a plate that is not oven-safe. It can crack under the heat.
Storing Leftover Chicken Pot Pie
Good storage keeps your pie fresh for the reheat. Put leftovers in a sealed container within two hours of baking.
Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tight and freeze them for up to 2 months. Label the date so you know when it went in.
Can You Reheat It More Than Once?
It is best to reheat only what you plan to eat. Each reheat dries the crust a little more. If you have a big pie, cut off one slice at a time and warm just that piece.
Final Thoughts
A toaster oven is a simple, fast tool for leftovers. Set it to 350°F, protect the edges with foil, and check the middle reaches 165°F. In about 15 minutes you get a hot filling and a flaky top again.
Use the times above as your guide, then adjust for your own toaster oven. Once you do it a couple of times, you will know exactly how your model behaves. That makes every future reheat quick and easy.