Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting and heartwarming meal that brings the whole family together, then Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a delightful choice. This recipe takes the classic flavors of chicken pot pie and transforms them into a creamy, cozy soup. It is perfect for any season, but especially during colder months when you want something warm and filling.
The beauty of this soup is that it’s simple to make and doesn’t take too long. You can prepare it on a busy weeknight in about 30 to 40 minutes, making it an excellent option for family dinners. The ingredients are often things you already have on hand, so there’s no need for a special trip to the grocery store. Plus, this recipe can easily be customized to suit different tastes or dietary needs, which makes it a versatile choice for everyone.
The flavors combine beautifully to create a rich, creamy soup that warms the soul. The bits of chicken, fresh vegetables, and the delightful seasoning give each bowl a burst of flavor. When served hot, it’s sure to bring smiles around the dinner table.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Gather your ingredients and let’s start making this heartwarming Chicken Pot Pie Soup!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. This sets the foundation for the soup and gives it great flavor.
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the mixture until the onion becomes soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
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Next, incorporate the diced carrots and celery. Cook these vegetables together for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften.
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If you want to add a touch of thickness to your soup, sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
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Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring as you go to mix everything well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Add the frozen peas, corn, diced cooked chicken, thyme, and rosemary to the pot. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes until all the ingredients are heated through.
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Stir in the heavy cream for that rich, creamy texture. Season your soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Finally, serve the soup hot in bowls. If you like, you can garnish each bowl with fresh parsley for an added touch and burst of flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Serving Chicken Pot Pie Soup can be as simple or as elegant as you’d like. Here are some ideas for making it a complete meal:
- Serve it in a nice bowl and add a sprinkle of parsley or even some fresh bread on the side.
- For a twist, you could serve it in bread bowls or over a fluffy biscuit, capturing that classic pot pie feel.
- Pair the soup with a light salad to balance out the richness.
- Consider having crackers or garlic bread available for dipping.
No matter how you serve it, the warmth and flavor of this soup will surely impress your family and friends.
How to Store Chicken Pot Pie Soup
If you have leftovers (which is likely, since this recipe makes a hearty pot), storing Chicken Pot Pie Soup is quite simple:
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Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should be good for 3 to 4 days.
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Freeze: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
The soup can thicken when refrigerated or frozen, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to get your desired consistency.
Tips to Make Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Chicken Pot Pie Soup turns out fantastic:
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy option, consider using rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. It saves time and adds a great flavor.
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Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary on hand, use them instead of dried ones for a more vibrant flavor.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or green beans if you have them. It makes the soup even heartier.
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Adjust Thickness: To make the soup thicker, increase the amount of flour or let it simmer longer. For a lighter version, you can skip the flour altogether.
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Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half and half or whole milk. You could also use almond milk or another plant-based option if you prefer.
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Season to Taste: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is crucial to achieving the perfect flavor balance.
Variation
Chicken Pot Pie Soup is easy to adapt according to your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations:
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Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth as a base. Fill the soup with an array of vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and leafy greens.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to give your soup a little kick.
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Creamy Mushroom Variation: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic for an earthy flavor that complements the chicken.
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Dumpling Accents: Instead of heavy cream, add biscuit dough on top of the simmering soup for a delicious dumpling effect!
These variations can help keep this recipe fresh and leave room for experimentation!
FAQs
1. Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use raw chicken! Just cut it into small pieces and add it to the pot at the beginning after the onions and garlic. Cook it for a little longer until fully cooked, then continue with the recipe.
2. What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half and half, whole milk, or even dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. Just note that using milk will make the soup less creamy.
3. How do I make the soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, you can use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour for thickening. Additionally, make sure the chicken broth is gluten-free.
4. Can I freeze Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Just make sure to cool it completely and store it in airtight containers before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat.
5. How should I adjust the cooking time for larger portions?
If you’re making a larger batch of soup, the cooking time may increase slightly, especially during the simmering steps. Just make sure all the vegetables are tender and the chicken is heated through before serving.
6. Is this soup kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Chicken Pot Pie Soup tends to be a hit with kids due to its creamy texture and familiar flavors. You may want to adjust certain spices for younger palates, but it’s generally family-friendly.
7. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup keeps well for several days in the refrigerator, so it’s great for meal prep. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container.
8. What if I want to make a smaller batch?
No problem! You can easily halve the recipe by reducing the amount of each ingredient. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary slightly.
9. How do I reheat the soup?
You can reheat Chicken Pot Pie Soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute for even heating.
10. Can I add different spices or herbs?
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Consider adding basil, oregano, or even a bay leaf for added flavor.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a delightful recipe that combines ease of preparation with the comforting flavors we all love. Whether you’re making it on a busy weeknight or for a special family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy each warm, delicious bite!
