iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For a hearty meat-free pot pie, replace the chicken with canned chickpeas or another white bean. They make a substantial, convenient filling, though they will not have the same texture as chicken pieces. For a more savory, earthy result, combine mushrooms and lentils; if keeping chicken-like chunks matters most, use plant-based chicken pieces.
What can you use instead of chicken in pot pie?
Chickpeas or white beans are the simplest whole-food swap. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Chickpea Pot Pie recipe lists cannellini beans, chickpeas, and great northern beans as options for its creamy vegetable filling.
Choose based on the texture and flavor you want:
- Chickpeas or white beans: A pantry-friendly choice for a substantial filling. The beans add their own texture rather than imitating chicken.
- Mushrooms and lentils: A savory, earthy combination. Bon Appétit’s mushroom-and-lentil pot pies use mushrooms for a meaty flavor and lentils to make the dish more filling.
- Plant-based chicken pieces: The closest option when you want recognizable chicken-like chunks. Recipes from Quorn and HelloFresh use meat-free chicken products. Ingredients and allergens vary by product; check the package. HelloFresh identifies the plant-based chicken in its recipe as soy-based and lists soy and milk allergens.
- Vegetables without a chicken-style substitute: You can make the filling vegetable-forward instead. Food Network’s Chickless Pot Pie uses peas, carrots, potatoes, and celery.
These are recipe-supported choices, not a controlled taste or nutrition comparison. The available recipes do not establish that one option is universally tastier, healthier, or higher in protein.
How to keep a mushroom filling from becoming watery
Mushrooms release liquid as they cook, so cook them before adding the thickening liquid and pastry. In Food Network’s vegetarian pot pie method, the mushrooms cook until they have released water and shrunk. Flour is stirred into the vegetables, then broth and milk are added and simmered until the filling thickens before the pastry goes on.
#1 Best Overall
- No hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup allowed in any food
- No bleached or bromated flour
- No synthetic nitrates or nitrites
That sequence is a useful guide, but the recipe’s quantities and timing apply to that recipe; they are not universal instructions for every filling.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What about protein or calories?
There is no fair general nutrition figure here for comparing chicken with beans, lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based chicken. Nutrition depends on the amounts and products in a particular recipe. HelloFresh lists 25.3 g of protein and 767 kcal per serving for its specific UK meal-kit pie; those figures describe that recipe, not plant-based chicken or pot pies generally.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- No hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup allowed in any food
- No bleached or bromated flour
- No synthetic nitrates or nitrites
Rank #4
- No hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup allowed in any food
- No bleached or bromated flour
Rank #3
- No hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup allowed in any food
- No bleached or bromated flour
- No synthetic nitrates or nitrites
Rank #2
- Vegan Chicken-Style Dry Mix — Plant-based pea protein chicken meat substitute that hydrate and cook into tender chicken-style mince in minutes. Just add water and oil, then use in stir-fries, curries, wraps, sandwiches, soups, or salads.
- 20g Protein Per Serving — Chicken Free pea protein for active lifestyles, fitness goals, sports nutrition, and every day high-protein meals. A complete, convenient plant-based protein source for post-workout meals and balanced dinners.
- Shelf-stable Pantry Essential — Dry format designed for long shelf life with no refrigeration needed. Ideal for meal prep, quick weeknight dinners, and building a reliable plant-based pantry.
- Perfect for Camping, Hiking & Travel — Lightweight and compact, this dry mix is ideal for backpacking trips, RV travel, and outdoor cooking. Easy to pack, quick to prepare, zero refrigeration required.
- Emergency Food & Quick Weeknight Meals — Ready in 5 minutes with just water and oil. Great for emergency food storage, survival pantry supplies, and fast high-protein dinners with minimal preparation.
