Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe is a cozy and heartwarming dish that combines all the goodness of a classic pot pie into a creamy, flavorful soup. Perfect for those chilly nights when you want something comforting and filling, this soup is a great addition to your recipe collection. You can enjoy every spoonful filled with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a hint of herbs, all simmered to perfection.
What is Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
Chicken Pot Pie Soup captures the essence of the beloved chicken pot pie without the fuss of making a pie crust. It’s a creamy soup that brings together cooked chicken, a medley of vegetables, and a rich broth. This soup often has a thick, velvety texture, making it feel indulgent while still being light. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can whip it up on a weeknight in no time.
Ingredients for Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
Gather these simple ingredients to create your comfort food masterpiece:
- Chicken: About 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or diced.
- Vegetables: A mix of carrots, celery, and peas, totaling about 2 cups.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, diced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
- Chicken broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
- Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for that creamy consistency.
- Flour: 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour to help thicken the soup.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
- Bay leaf: 1 bay leaf for additional flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Optional Add-Ins
Feel free to customize your Chicken Pot Pie Soup with these extras:
- Potatoes: Diced potatoes for heartiness.
- Corn: Sweet corn adds a lovely sweetness.
- Mushrooms: For an earthy flavor, consider adding sliced mushrooms.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create your Chicken Pot Pie Soup:
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by dicing your onion, carrots, celery, and any other veggies you are using. Shred or chop the cooked chicken.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they soften.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. You want to release that beautiful aroma.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well. This helps to thicken the soup.
- Pour in Broth: Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaf and thyme at this point.
- Simmer: Bring your soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. The soup will thicken as it cooks.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and cooked chicken. Allow the soup to heat through for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the warmth and flavors!
Tips for the Best Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Use Leftovers: This is a great recipe to use leftover chicken. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to utilize them for a burst of flavor.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more chicken broth. For a thicker consistency, increase the flour or cream.
How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Serve your Chicken Pot Pie Soup warm, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper. It pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty Bread: A baguette or breadsticks for dipping.
- Salad: A light salad on the side balances the richness of the soup.
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits make for a delightful addition.
Storage Tips for Chicken Pot Pie Soup
If you have leftovers, store them to enjoy later. Here’s how:
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers. It can last up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations of Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
Feel free to mix things up with these variations:
- Dumpling Style: Add biscuit dough on top of the simmering soup and let it cook until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
- Spicy Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for hearty veggies like cauliflower or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup is not just delightful but can also be nutritious. Here’s what you get:
- Protein: Thanks to the chicken, this soup is a great protein source.
- Vitamins: The veggies provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Comforting Carbs: Perfect for cozy days, the inclusion of potatoes or peas gives you that warm, satisfying feeling.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a fantastic dish that wraps you in warmth with each bite. Perfect for any day, you can enjoy its deliciousness whenever you crave comfort food. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and treat yourself to a bowl of this fabulous soup!