Vegan Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie 🥧 | Easy, Delicious & Festive!

Table of Contents: Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie

A Showstopper Pie That’ll Steal the Spotlight!

Picture this: A golden, flaky crust cradling a rich, savory filling so hearty and flavorful, no one will believe it’s 100% plant-based. This Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie is the ultimate holiday centerpiece—packed with tender, meaty textures, aromatic herbs, and a creamy gravy that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a vegan feast or simply looking for a lighter twist on classic comfort food, this pie delivers on taste, texture, and pure holiday magic.

Fun fact: Did you know that plant-based holiday dishes have been around for centuries? Even before modern veganism, many cultures celebrated with meatless pies loaded with hearty vegetables and grains. This recipe takes inspiration from those traditions while adding a modern, protein-packed twist with chickpeas and mushrooms standing in for chicken.

If you loved my Dump-and-Go Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie (Easy Comfort Food Recipe), you’ll adore this Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie—it’s just as comforting but with a deeper, more festive flavor profile. Plus, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Ready to wow your guests? Let’s dive in!


What is Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie?

Ever wondered why we call it Chick-Less instead of just “vegan chicken pie”? Well, let’s just say this pie is so convincing, even the most devoted meat-eaters might do a double-take! The name is a playful nod to its chicken-like texture—thanks to chickpeas and mushrooms—but with zero actual poultry involved.

Think of it as the plant-based lovechild of a classic pot pie and a Thanksgiving roast. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with umami goodness that’ll make you forget all about meat. And hey, as the old saying goes, “The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach,” and this pie is guaranteed to win hearts at any holiday table.

So, why not give it a try? Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just pie-obsessed, this dish is a must-make. Let’s get cooking!


Why You’ll Love This Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie

1. Unbelievably Meaty & Satisfying

Thanks to chickpeas, mushrooms, and walnuts, this pie has a rich, meaty texture that’ll fool even the biggest skeptics. The blend of herbs and spices—rosemary, thyme, and sage—gives it that classic holiday flavor everyone craves.

2. Budget-Friendly & Healthier Than Takeout

Skip the store-bought vegan roasts and save money by making this at home. A single batch costs a fraction of pre-made alternatives and is packed with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients.

3. Creamy, Flavorful Gravy That’s Chef’s Kiss

The velvety cashew-based gravy ties everything together, making each bite irresistibly rich. If you loved my Easy Shepherds Pie Recipe: Comfort Food Perfection, you’ll go crazy for this gravy—it’s next-level delicious!

Ready to dig in? Let’s make this holiday masterpiece!


How to Make Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie

Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie
Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie

Quick Overview

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8

This pie is easy to assemble, requires minimal prep, and bakes up golden and bubbly. The filling is savory, hearty, and packed with plant-based protein, while the flaky crust adds the perfect crunch.

Key Ingredients

1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained)
2 cups mushrooms (cremini or button), finely chopped
½ cup walnuts, crushed (for meaty texture)
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp rosemary, thyme, and sage (each)
1 cup vegetable broth
½ cup cashew cream (blend ½ cup soaked cashews + ½ cup water)
1 tbsp soy sauce (for umami depth)
1 pre-made vegan pie crust (or homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Base: In a pan, cook onions and garlic until soft. Add mushrooms and cook until golden.
2. Add Protein & Herbs: Stir in chickpeas, walnuts, herbs, and soy sauce. Cook for 5 mins.
3. Make the Gravy: Pour in veggie broth and cashew cream. Simmer until thickened.
4. Assemble & Bake: Fill the pie crust, top with another crust (or lattice), and bake at 375°F for 30-35 mins until golden.


What to Serve With Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie

This pie is a star on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it a full holiday feast! Try:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and comforting.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Adds a crispy contrast.
Cranberry Sauce – A sweet-tart complement.
Vegan Gravy – For extra saucy goodness.


Top Tips for Perfecting This Pie

For extra crispiness, brush the crust with melted vegan butter before baking.
No cashews? Use coconut milk for a nut-free gravy.
Make ahead: Prep the filling a day early and assemble before baking.


Storing and Reheating Tips

Fridge: Keeps for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked pie for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen (add 10-15 mins).
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 mins to retain crispiness.


People Also Ask

Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie
Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie

What is a chick-less Thanksgiving pie made from?

This pie is made from chickpeas, mushrooms, and walnuts for a meaty texture, simmered in a creamy cashew gravy with herbs. It’s all wrapped in a flaky vegan crust for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Is chick-less pie suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! This pie is 100% plant-based, using no animal products. It’s perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking for a hearty, cruelty-free holiday dish.

How do you make a savory vegan pie for Thanksgiving?

The key is umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, soy sauce, and nutritional yeast. Combine them with hearty proteins (chickpeas, lentils) and a creamy gravy for a satisfying, savory pie.

What are common substitutes for chicken in a vegan pie?

Great alternatives include chickpeas, jackfruit, tofu, or seitan. Each gives a different texture, so experiment to find your favorite!


Conclusion

This Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie is easy, delicious, and sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for the holidays or just craving a cozy meal, it’s a must-try recipe.

Pro tip: Double the batch—leftovers taste even better the next day!

Now, who’s ready to dig in? 🍴 Let me know how yours turns out in the comments!

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Chick-Less Thanksgiving Pie


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A hearty and comforting plant-based pie packed with vegetables, lentils, and savory flavors—perfect for a Thanksgiving centerpiece without the chicken.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 cup cooked green lentils
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 sheet vegan puff pastry
  • 1 tablespoon plant-based milk (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms until softened.
  4. Stir in lentils and peas.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.
  6. Gradually pour in vegetable broth, stirring until thickened.
  7. Add soy sauce, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
  8. Transfer mixture into a pie dish.
  9. Roll out puff pastry and cover the filling. Trim edges and press down to seal.
  10. Brush top with plant-based milk.
  11. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown.
  12. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Perfect for making your Thanksgiving stress-free.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegan thanksgiving pie, plant-based pie, lentil pie, holiday main dish