5 Best Arrowroot Powder Substitutes for Chicken Pot Pie

Quick tip: Provides a clear, glossy finish and thickens quickly without altering flavor.

Cornstarch is a starch extracted from corn and is widely used as a thickener in savory dishes. It gelatinizes at a similar temperature to arrowroot and produces a glossy, translucent sauce, which is ideal for the creamy filling of chicken pot pie.

To use cornstarch effectively, mix it with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the hot filling to avoid clumping. Cook the filling for a few minutes after adding to fully activate the thickening properties.

Compared to arrowroot, cornstarch may not hold up as well if the pie is frozen and reheated multiple times, but fresh chicken pot pies will have a similarly smooth and appealing texture.

Quick tip: Thickens well but can produce a slightly grainier texture if not cooked long enough.

Rice flour is a fine powder made from ground rice and acts as a gluten-free thickener. It absorbs liquid well and can create a stable filling for chicken pot pie, though it lacks the glossy finish of arrowroot.

To avoid a grainy texture, ensure the filling simmers long enough to fully hydrate the rice flour. Stir constantly to prevent lumps.

The final filling will be slightly more opaque and less silky than with arrowroot but will maintain a pleasant consistency suitable for pot pie.

Quick tip: Creates a smooth, clear sauce but requires careful temperature control to avoid clumping.

Kuzu starch is a traditional Japanese starch known for its strong thickening ability and clear finish, similar to arrowroot. It gelatinizes at a slightly higher temperature and yields a smooth, glossy texture ideal for creamy fillings.

When using kuzu, dissolve it thoroughly in cold water before adding to the hot filling. Avoid boiling vigorously after adding to prevent breaking down the starch.

The filling will have a delicate, silky texture comparable to arrowroot, making it a premium alternative though less common and more expensive.

Quick tip: Provides good thickening with a slightly less translucent finish; not suitable for gluten-free diets.

Wheat starch is a refined starch extracted from wheat and can mimic the thickening properties of arrowroot in chicken pot pie fillings. It produces a stable, smooth sauce but is less clear and slightly more opaque.

Careful cooking is needed to prevent clumping; mix with cold water before incorporation and cook gently.

The texture will be slightly heavier and less glossy than arrowroot, but it performs well in terms of thickening and mouthfeel, though it is unsuitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Quick tip: Adds a slightly nutty flavor and gel-like texture, which can alter the traditional filling consistency.

Ground flaxseed forms a gel when mixed with water, which can act as a thickener in savory dishes. While it can thicken the chicken pot pie filling, it imparts a noticeable flavor and a more gelatinous texture.

To use, mix ground flaxseed with water and let it sit to form a gel before adding to the filling. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

This substitute changes the mouthfeel and flavor profile significantly compared to arrowroot, making it a less ideal choice for classic chicken pot pie but an option for those seeking added fiber and nutrition.