This Big-Name Frozen Chicken Pot Pie Lives Up To The Hype

When it comes to frozen meals, most people set the bar low. You expect something passable enough to satisfy your hunger, but rarely anything you'd rave about to friends. Yet every once in a while, a product comes along that surprises you — one that tastes far better than you'd expect from a microwave dinner.

Our team has published a few rankings of frozen meals and frozen chicken pot pie brands over the years. Without fail, Marie Callender's chicken pot pies consistently rank near the top. The crust actually tastes buttery, the filling is loaded with tender chicken and vegetables, and the sauce avoids the gluey texture that plagues so many competitors. It's rare for a frozen product to deliver both convenience and flavor without compromise, which is why these pies have earned so much praise.

The numbers back it up, too. According to industry reports, Marie Callender's chicken pot pies have remained a staple in the frozen food aisle, showing no signs of slowing down. Consumers return again and again for the taste and wide availability in stores and online. That level of dominance explains why these pies aren't just loved by consumers — they're a defining product in the frozen comfort food space.

Of course, even a fan favorite has its critics. Reddit users, for example, have mentioned that Marie Callender's chicken pot pies, while undeniably delicious, don't always taste complete when pulled straight out of the box. Sometimes, you have to doctor them up with a little extra seasoning — maybe a dash of Worcestershire — to really bring the flavors to life. Another observed a reduction in the amount of meat and vegetables compared to years past.

These are a portion of the reasons why some fans think the product isn't the same anymore. The flaky crust and creamy sauce may still hold up, but for some, the filling feels a little light. That brings value into question. For fans who remember heartier portions, that change can be a letdown, especially when they're buying these pies as a quick substitute for a full meal. For some people, that trade-off might be worth it. For others, it highlights the gap between frozen food and what you'd get if you made it from scratch.

That's where the homemade chicken pot pie option comes in. With just a bit of time, you can bake a full-sized chicken pot pie using a ready-made crust and fresh ingredients. Adding extra vegetables, lean chicken, and your favorite spices lets you control the flavor and bulk it up into a meal that can actually feed the whole family. Marie Callender's may win on convenience, but if you're willing to put in the effort, making your own pie delivers something bigger, better, and tailored exactly to your taste.