Welcome to Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Comfort in a Bowl! This dish brings you all the warmth of classic chicken pot pie in a cozy soup form. Imagine creamy broth, tender chicken, and fresh veggies filling your bowl. Whether you're battling the cold or simply craving comfort food, this soup hits the spot. Get ready to discover easy ingredients, helpful tips, and tasty variations that make this soup perfect for any day!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup captures the essence of chicken pot pie in a warm, inviting bowl that's perfect for chilly days.
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 40 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust the vegetables and seasonings to suit your taste or use up what you have on hand.
- Deliciously Creamy: The addition of heavy cream gives this soup a rich, velvety texture that elevates the entire dish.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients Needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups potatoes, diced into small cubes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pantry Staples
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Toppings
- Puff pastry sheets
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great chicken pot pie soup. Fresh veggies add flavor and texture, while pantry staples create the hearty base. You can add puff pastry for a fun twist. It's all about what makes you happy!
You can easily switch out fresh herbs or veggies. Have fun with it! This soup is all about comfort, so make it your own.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Vegetables
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You want them soft and the onion to look clear. This step brings out their sweet flavors. After that, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook it for just 1 more minute until you can smell that yummy aroma.
Cooking the Chicken and Broth
Next, mix in 1 pound of cooked chicken, shredded or diced. Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and stir well. This is where your soup starts to take shape. Turn up the heat to bring it to a boil. After it boils, add in 2 cups of diced potatoes. Turn down the heat and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 15 minutes. You want the potatoes to be fork-tender.
Final Touches for Creaminess
Now it's time to add some creaminess. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of frozen peas. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes. This lets all the flavors mix well. Just before serving, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a fresh touch. Taste the soup again to see if you need more salt or pepper. If you want, you can prepare puff pastry squares as a topping. They add a nice crunch when baked. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Sauté Vegetables
To start, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Use medium heat for the best results. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the veggies soften. You want the onion to look clear and shiny, not brown. This step brings out their sweet flavors, making your soup taste great.
Adjusting Seasonings for Flavor
Seasoning is key to a tasty soup. After adding the chicken broth, add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a little, then taste. If you want more flavor, add dried thyme and rosemary. These herbs give a warm, earthy taste. Don’t forget to add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice before serving. It brightens up the soup and balances the flavors. Always taste your soup before serving to make any final tweaks.
Strategies for a Creamier Soup
For a rich and creamy texture, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. This makes the soup feel luxurious. If you want it even creamier, try adding more cream or pureeing a portion of the soup. Use a blender to mix a small amount of the soup until smooth, then stir it back in. This adds thickness without losing the chunky goodness of the veggies and chicken.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, opt for fresh thyme and rosemary instead of dried. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their fragrant oils.
- Perfect Potato Texture: Cut the potatoes into small, even cubes to ensure they cook evenly and become tender without turning mushy.
- Customize Your Chicken: Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand to save time and add more flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This soup freezes well! Prepare a big batch and freeze portions for a quick meal on busy days.
Variations
Healthy Alternatives (Lightening Up the Recipe)
To make this soup lighter, swap heavy cream for milk or a plant-based milk. This change cuts calories and fat but keeps flavor. You can also reduce the olive oil to one teaspoon. Using less oil still gives you a nice base for your soup. Choose skinless chicken to cut down on fat.
Adding Different Vegetables
Feel free to mix in other veggies for a twist. Green beans, corn, or bell peppers add color and crunch. You can use zucchini for a fresh taste. Just remember to chop them small so they cook well in the soup. These changes keep your meals exciting and delicious.
Gluten-Free Version
If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free broth and skip the puff pastry. You can thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry instead. Mix cornstarch with cold water, then stir it in while the soup simmers. This keeps the soup creamy without gluten. Always check the labels on your ingredients to be sure they are gluten-free.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers in the Fridge
To store leftover chicken pot pie soup, let it cool first. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep the soup fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date to track how long it has been there.
Freezing Chicken Pot Pie Soup
If you want to freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. The soup can last in the freezer for about three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir it often to make sure it heats evenly. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. Enjoy your warm and comforting soup any time!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is great for this soup. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred or dice it before adding.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use whole milk or half-and-half. Coconut milk is a good dairy-free option, too. Each will change the taste slightly, but they work well.
How long does chicken pot pie soup last in the refrigerator?
This soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Sauté the veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
What are good side dishes to serve with chicken pot pie soup?
Serve with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies. These sides add great texture and flavor to your meal.
This blog post covered how to make chicken pot pie soup. We discussed fresh and pantry ingredients, plus optional toppings. I shared clear steps on preparing veggies, cooking the chicken, and creating a creamy finish. Important tips included perfect sautéing, seasoning, and making the soup creamier. Variations let you explore healthy swaps and different veggies. Storing tips ensure your leftovers stay fresh.
In conclusion, this soup is both fun to make and delicious to enjoy. Use these tips and enjoy a warm bowl any time.
