Boston Market’s chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food enjoyed by many. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy gravy in a flaky crust. When stored properly in the refrigerator, a Boston Market chicken pot pie can last between 3 to 5 days.

For those looking to extend the shelf life of their chicken pot pie, freezing is an option. Freezing can preserve the pot pie for 4-6 months, maintaining its quality and flavor. It’s important to note that proper storage techniques are crucial for maximizing the lifespan of this home-style meal.

When preparing a Boston Market chicken pot pie, it’s essential to follow the cooking instructions carefully. The pie should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure food safety. After cooking, allow the pie to cool before refrigerating or freezing to maintain its texture and taste.

Understanding Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce in a flaky pastry crust. This classic dish offers a blend of flavors and textures that make it a satisfying meal option.

Key Ingredients

The main components of a chicken pot pie include:

• White meat chicken: Provides lean protein and a mild flavor
• Vegetables: Often carrots, peas, and potatoes for added nutrition and texture
• Creamy gravy: Binds the ingredients and adds richness
• Flaky crust: Encases the filling and offers a crispy contrast

The vegetables may vary, but typically include a mix of root vegetables and green peas. The gravy is usually made with chicken broth, milk or cream, and seasonings. The crust can be made from scratch or purchased pre-made for convenience.

Nutritional Information

Chicken pot pie offers a mix of nutrients but is generally high in calories and fat. A typical serving contains:

• Protein: 15-20 grams
• Total fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
• Dietary fiber: 2-4 grams

It also provides small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Iron
• Calcium

The nutritional content can vary based on the recipe and portion size. Homemade versions may offer more control over ingredients and nutrition.

Caloric Makeup

A single serving of chicken pot pie typically contains:

• 400-600 calories
• 50-60% from carbohydrates
• 30-40% from fat
• 10-20% from protein

The high calorie content comes primarily from the pastry crust and creamy sauce. The chicken and vegetables contribute fewer calories but add essential nutrients. Portion control is key for those watching their calorie intake.

Boston Market Brand Overview

Boston Market is a well-known American fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in rotisserie chicken and home-style meals. The brand has expanded its reach into retail frozen foods, offering consumers convenient at-home options.

Product Range

Boston Market’s retail product line includes a variety of frozen meals, with their chicken pot pie being a popular choice. The chicken pot pie features all-white meat chicken, vegetables, and a creamy gravy encased in a flaky pie crust.

Other frozen offerings include:

• Meatloaf with mashed potatoes
• Salisbury steak
• Turkey breast with stuffing

These products aim to replicate the restaurant experience at home, providing quick and easy meal solutions for busy consumers.

Quality Assurance

Boston Market prioritizes quality in its retail products. The brand has partnered with Bellisio Foods, Inc., an official licensee, to produce and distribute its frozen meals.

Bellisio Foods adheres to strict quality control measures:

• USDA inspection for wholesomeness
• Commitment to food safety standards
• Nutritional transparency on packaging

Boston Market’s frozen meals undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the brand’s standards for taste and quality. The company focuses on using recognizable ingredients and aims to recreate the flavors customers expect from their restaurant experiences.

Safety and Storage Guidelines

Proper storage and handling of Boston Market chicken pot pies is crucial for maintaining food safety and quality. Following recommended guidelines helps maximize shelf life and prevent foodborne illness.

Proper Storage Conditions

Store frozen Boston Market chicken pot pies in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Keep pies in their original packaging to prevent freezer burn. Once thawed, refrigerate pot pies promptly at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Use airtight containers or wrap pies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating. This prevents drying out and contamination from other foods.

Place pot pies on a shelf in the main part of the refrigerator, not in the door where temperatures fluctuate. Consume refrigerated pies within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.

Shelf Life and Expiration

Frozen Boston Market chicken pot pies typically last 2-3 months in the freezer when stored properly. Check the “best by” date on the package and use within that timeframe for optimal taste and texture.

Once thawed, pot pies keep 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Write the date of thawing on the package as a reminder. Cooked leftover pot pie should be eaten within 3-4 days as well.

Do not leave pot pies at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria grow rapidly between 40°F and 140°F (4°C to 60°C).

Identifying Spoilage

Check pot pies for signs of spoilage before consuming. Discard if there is an off odor, unusual color, or visible mold growth.

A sour smell or slimy texture indicates bacterial growth. Freezer burn appears as grayish-brown leathery spots and affects quality but not safety.

If the filling has separated or become watery, this may signal spoilage. Trust your senses – when in doubt, throw it out.

Consume pot pies by the “use by” date for best quality. Eating spoiled chicken pot pie can cause food poisoning with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Preparation Instructions

Boston Market chicken pot pies can be cooked using two main methods: oven or microwave. Proper preparation ensures the pie reaches a safe internal temperature while maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

Oven Cooking Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Do not exceed this temperature. Remove the pot pie from its outer carton, but keep it in the paper tray. Cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Place the pie on a baking sheet and position it on the middle rack of the oven. Cook for 50-55 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your oven, so adjust as needed.

After cooking, carefully remove the baking sheet with the pie from the oven. Let it stand for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Microwave Preparation

For faster cooking, use the microwave method. Start by opening the end of the carton with the tear strip. Do not remove the pie from the carton.

Cut a small slit in the film cover to allow steam to escape. Cook on high for approximately 5-6 minutes for an 1100W microwave. Cooking times may vary based on microwave power.

After cooking, let the pie stand for 2-3 minutes before carefully removing the film. Be cautious of hot steam when removing the cover.

Internal Temperature Check

Regardless of the cooking method, it’s crucial to ensure the chicken pot pie reaches a safe internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to check that the center of the pie reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pie, avoiding contact with the bottom of the dish. If the temperature is below 165°F, continue cooking in short intervals until it reaches the safe temperature.

Always cook the pie thoroughly to ensure food safety and optimal taste. Let the pie cool slightly before serving to avoid burns.

Freezing and Thawing Techniques

Proper freezing and thawing methods are crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of Boston Market chicken pot pies. These techniques help preserve flavor and texture while preventing spoilage.

How to Freeze for Longevity

To freeze a chicken pot pie, start by letting it cool completely. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. For extra protection, add a layer of aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and contents.

Place the wrapped pie in the coldest part of the freezer. For best quality, consume within 4-6 months.

If freezing homemade pot pies, consider baking the crust separately. Freeze the filling in an airtight container and assemble the pie when ready to bake.

Thawing Process

The safest way to thaw a frozen chicken pot pie is in the refrigerator. Transfer the frozen pie from the freezer to the fridge and allow it to thaw overnight or for about 12-24 hours.

For faster thawing, use the cold water method. Submerge the tightly sealed pie in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This method takes about 2-3 hours.

Never thaw pot pies at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.

Avoiding Freezer Burn

Freezer burn occurs when air reaches the pie’s surface, causing moisture loss and quality deterioration. To prevent this:

• Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing
• Double-wrap the pie for extra protection
• Store at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below

If freezer burn occurs, trim affected areas before cooking. While safe to eat, freezer-burned sections may have an off-flavor or texture.

Food Quality and Appearance

The quality and appearance of Boston Market chicken pot pie provide crucial indicators of its freshness and safety for consumption. Visual and olfactory cues help determine whether the dish remains suitable to eat or has deteriorated.

Assessing Freshness

Fresh Boston Market chicken pot pie exhibits a golden-brown crust with a flaky texture. The filling should appear moist but not watery, with visible chunks of chicken and vegetables. A pleasant aroma of herbs and roasted chicken is typical of a fresh pot pie.

The gravy maintains a creamy consistency without separation. Colors of the vegetables remain vibrant, indicating minimal degradation. Properly stored pot pies retain these qualities for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Signs of Deterioration

Discoloration is a key indicator of spoilage in chicken pot pies. A darkened or grayish crust suggests oxidation. Fillings may develop a slimy texture or uneven coloration as bacteria multiply.

Mold growth appears as fuzzy spots, often green or white, on the surface. This indicates the pot pie is unsafe to eat and should be discarded immediately. An off-putting or sour odor signals bacterial growth and potential food poisoning risks.

Excessive moisture or a watery consistency in the filling points to degradation of ingredients. Cooked chicken pot pies left at room temperature for over 2 hours are prone to rapid bacterial growth and should not be consumed.

Health and Dietary Considerations

Boston Market’s chicken pot pie contains significant calories and nutrients. A single serving provides 750 calories, with 51% from fat and 34% from carbohydrates.

The pie is high in sodium, with over 1/3 of the daily recommended intake. It also contains saturated fat and cholesterol, which should be limited in a healthy diet.

On the positive side, the chicken pot pie offers protein and some essential vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Those watching their weight or with heart health concerns may want to consume this dish in moderation. The high calorie and fat content make it a less ideal choice for frequent consumption.

Individuals with dietary restrictions should be aware of potential allergens like wheat and dairy in the crust and filling. The pie also contains eggs.

For a more balanced meal, consider pairing a smaller portion with a side salad or steamed vegetables. This can help increase fiber and nutrient intake while reducing overall calorie consumption.

Product Information and Labeling

Boston Market chicken pot pies come with essential product information and labeling to help consumers make informed decisions. These labels provide details about ingredients, nutritional content, and storage guidelines.

UPC and Barcode

Boston Market chicken pot pies feature a unique Universal Product Code (UPC) and barcode on their packaging. This 12-digit number allows for easy scanning at checkout and inventory management. The UPC typically starts with the digits 0-17644, identifying it as a Boston Market product.

Consumers can use smartphone apps to scan the barcode and access additional product information, including allergen alerts and potential recalls. This feature enhances food safety and transparency for customers with specific dietary needs or restrictions.

Understanding Food Labels

Food labels on Boston Market chicken pot pies provide crucial information for consumers. The packaging includes a list of ingredients, allowing buyers to check for allergens or specific components. Nutritional facts display calorie content, serving size, and key nutrients.

Storage instructions are clearly stated, advising consumers to keep the product refrigerated or frozen. The “Best By” date indicates optimal quality, not an expiration date. For food safety, follow the recommended storage guidelines and consume within 3-5 days if refrigerated or 4-6 months if frozen.