7 Indiana Spots That Fail At Chicken Pot Pie & 7 That Nail The Classic

Chicken pot pie should be the definition of comfort – flaky crust, creamy filling, and hearty chunks of goodness in every bite.
But in Indiana, not every kitchen lives up to the promise. Some spots miss the mark entirely, serving dry, bland, or just plain confusing versions of this beloved classic.
Luckily, others absolutely get it right, dishing out pot pies that feel like a warm hug. If you know where to look, the perfect slice of nostalgia is waiting.
1. Boston Market: Corporate Catastrophe

The frozen-then-reheated monstrosity masquerading as chicken pot pie at Boston Market locations throughout Indiana should be classified as a culinary crime.
Their mass-produced offering features a suspiciously uniform crust that’s somehow both soggy and dry simultaneously – a paradox of poor baking.
The filling resembles industrial chicken soup thickened with cornstarch, featuring cubes of mystery meat swimming in gravy that tastes primarily of salt and disappointment.
2. Gray Brothers Cafeteria: Old-School Perfection

Tucked away in Mooresville, Gray Brothers Cafeteria has been serving up pot pie perfection since 1944.
Grandmas across Indiana have been quietly comparing their own recipes to this legendary establishment’s masterpiece for generations.
What makes their pot pie extraordinary? Picture this: hand-rolled pastry crust with visible butter pockets that shatter beautifully with each forkful.
3. Bob Evans: Microwave Mediocrity

Chain restaurant disappointment hits hard at Bob Evans. Their chicken pot pie arrives suspiciously fast, with a pallid crust that barely conceals a gloopy interior.
The chicken chunks are sparse, swimming in a sea of overly salted gravy. You’ll find more vegetables in a child’s drawing of dinner than in this sad excuse for comfort food.
4. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: Frozen Food Masquerade

Famous for pies? Not the savory kind. Perkins’ chicken pot pie tastes suspiciously like it was shipped frozen from a factory three states away.
The crust shatters into dust at the slightest touch, while the filling resembles wallpaper paste studded with mystery meat.
Save yourself the heartache and stick to their breakfast menu instead.
5. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Nostalgia Can’t Save This One

Grandma would be horrified. Despite the rocking chairs and country charm, Cracker Barrel’s chicken pot pie is a sodium bomb wrapped in a limp, soggy blanket of undercooked dough.
The filling tastes eerily similar to canned soup, with vegetables that surrendered all texture years ago. Not even their cute gift shop can compensate for this culinary letdown.
6. Applebee’s Grill + Bar: The Pot Pie That Wasn’t

Calling this a pot pie is like calling ketchup a vegetable. Applebee’s version arrives looking like it had a rough journey – collapsed on one side with filling leaking everywhere.
The chicken tastes suspiciously like it was meant for their buffalo wings before being repurposed.
The vegetables maintain a curious uniformity that screams “frozen food aisle.” Even half-price appetizers night can’t make this worth it.
7. IHOP: Pancake House Pot Pie Peril

Stick to the pancakes, folks. IHOP’s bizarre interpretation of chicken pot pie features an oddly sweet crust that hints at dessert aspirations.
Inside lurks a gelatinous filling with chicken pieces so tiny you’ll need a magnifying glass to spot them.
The gravy has a peculiar aftertaste that lingers uncomfortably, making you question every life choice that led to this moment.
8. Pots & Pans Pie Co.: Crust Perfection in Indianapolis

Butter-laden layers of pastry heaven await at this Indy gem. Pots & Pans doesn’t just make chicken pot pie – they elevate it to an art form with crusts so flaky they should win awards.
Local chicken bathes in a velvety sauce with fresh herbs that sing in perfect harmony.
The ratio of meat to vegetables strikes that impossible balance between hearty and refined. Worth the drive from anywhere in the state.
9. Red Lion Grog House: British-Inspired Brilliance

Tucked away in Indianapolis’ Fountain Square, this English pub serves a pot pie that would make the Queen nod in approval.
Their secret? A splash of Guinness in the gravy that adds unexpected depth.
The crust puffs dramatically like a proper British pastry, while the filling features tender chicken thighs instead of boring breast meat. Pair it with a pint and prepare for a religious experience.
10. Duos Cafe: Farm-to-Table Pot Pie Revolution

Seasonal ingredients transform this humble dish at Duos. Their chicken pot pie changes with the calendar – spring peas and asparagus, summer corn, autumn squash – always featuring local poultry from nearby farms.
The crust incorporates herbs that complement whatever’s inside, creating a cohesive flavor experience.
The portion size is perfect too – satisfying without inducing immediate food coma. Comfort food with a conscience.
11. Punch Bowl Social: Modern Twist on a Classic

Who knew hipsters could nail comfort food? Punch Bowl Social serves their chicken pot pie deconstructed – a bowl of sumptuous filling crowned with a massive, buttery biscuit.
The gravy whispers of truffle oil and roasted garlic, while the chicken remains juicy and plentiful.
Between bites, you can challenge your friends to bowling or vintage arcade games. Comfort food for the cool kids that actually delivers.
12. The Hive: Grandma-Level Pot Pie Perfection

Hidden in Bloomington, The Hive serves a chicken pot pie that tastes like your grandmother made it – assuming your grandmother was a culinary genius.
The crust shatters audibly when your fork breaks through. Inside, chunks of rotisserie chicken swim alongside perfectly cooked vegetables in a sauce that balances creaminess with subtle herb notes.
Nothing fancy here – just honest-to-goodness perfection that will haunt your comfort food dreams forever.
13. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen has perfected the art of the chicken pot pie, offering a symphony of flavors that warms the soul. Patrons are greeted with a flaky, buttery crust that envelops a rich, savory filling.
This establishment is known for using fresh ingredients, resulting in a pot pie that bursts with vibrant taste.
Each mouthful offers tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together.
14. Metro Diner

Metro Diner stands out with its delectable chicken pot pie, offering a nostalgic taste of home-cooked goodness.
The pot pie is celebrated for its hearty filling, featuring succulent chicken and farm-fresh vegetables.
The golden crust is perfectly baked, providing a delightful crunch with every bite. Known for its generous portions, Metro Diner ensures that patrons leave satisfied and comforted.