Do you have to bake the bottom crust first for chicken pot pies?

Yes, it's generally recommended to bake the bottom crust of chicken pot pies partially before adding the filling. This helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy during the baking process. Pre-baking ensures that both the crust and filling cook evenly, resulting in a flaky and well-cooked pie. However, some recipes may allow for a fully assembled pie to be baked without pre-baking, so it's best to follow the specific instructions provided.