Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe

Craving the cozy comfort of chicken pot pie but want something easier to make? This Chicken Pot Pie Soup delivers all the beloved flavors of the classic dish in a warm, satisfying bowl. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy broth that tastes like home, this soup transforms a time-consuming pie into a simple one-pot meal.

Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Follow this recipe to create a soup so delicious, it’ll become your new go-to comfort food. Read on for the complete recipe and expert tips to ensure your Chicken Pot Pie Soup turns out perfectly every time.

What is “Chicken Pot Pie Soup”?

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a hearty, creamy soup that captures all the classic flavors of traditional chicken pot pie in liquid form. Instead of being encased in pastry, tender chunks of chicken, vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas are simmered in a rich, herb-seasoned broth thickened with cream or a flour-based roux.

This soup typically includes the same aromatic vegetables and seasonings found in pot pie filling – onions, garlic, fresh herbs like thyme and parsley, and warming spices. Many recipes include small pasta, dumplings, or serve it over biscuits to mimic the satisfying pastry component of the original dish.

The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to deliver the soul-warming comfort of chicken pot pie with significantly less preparation time and effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cozy.

Ingredients List for Chicken Pot Pie Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup frozen corn (optional)
2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup small pasta (optional, like ditalini or egg noodles)

How to Cook Chicken Pot Pie Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect Chicken Pot Pie Soup involves building layers of flavor through careful preparation. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your soup turns out rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

Dice all vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Cut the chicken into small, consistent pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
Measure out all herbs and seasonings before you begin cooking.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat olive oil or butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
Add carrots and celery, cooking for another 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.

3. Create the Roux:

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes.
This creates a roux that will thicken your soup and prevent lumps from forming.
The mixture should coat the vegetables and smell slightly nutty.

4. Add Liquid Gradually:

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add the milk or cream, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

5. Season and Add Chicken:

Add the thyme, sage, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the chicken pieces and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

6. Add Final Ingredients:

If using pasta, add it now and cook according to package directions.
Stir in the frozen peas and corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Customize your Chicken Pot Pie Soup to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences with these helpful substitutions and creative variations:

Chicken Alternatives: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, turkey for a lighter option, or leftover holiday turkey. Vegetarians can substitute with hearty mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives.
Dairy-Free Options: Replace milk with unsweetened coconut milk, cashew cream, or your favorite non-dairy milk. Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with rice flour, cornstarch, or a gluten-free flour blend. Omit pasta or use gluten-free alternatives.
Vegetable Variations: Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness, mushrooms for earthiness, or parsnips for sweetness. Green beans can replace or supplement the peas.
Herb Modifications: Fresh herbs like tarragon or sage can replace thyme for different flavor profiles. A splash of white wine can add complexity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your Chicken Pot Pie Soup turns out perfectly every time:

Rushing the Vegetable Base: Take time to properly sauté your onions, carrots, and celery. This builds the foundation flavor for your entire soup.
Adding Liquid Too Quickly: Pour broth and milk gradually while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming in your roux.
Overcooking the Chicken: Add chicken pieces when the liquid comes to a simmer and cook just until done to prevent tough, dry meat.
Forgetting to Remove the Bay Leaf: Always remove bay leaves before serving, as they can be unpleasant to bite into.
Not Adjusting Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed for optimal flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Pot Pie Soup makes an excellent main course that can be served in several delicious ways. Serve it in deep bowls with warm, crusty bread rolls or buttermilk biscuits on the side to soak up every drop of the creamy broth.

For a more authentic pot pie experience, ladle the soup over split biscuits or serve it alongside flaky puff pastry squares. A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy soup.

Consider offering crackers, oyster crackers, or homemade croutons as additional toppings for texture variety. The soup pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling apple cider for a complete, satisfying meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Elevate your Chicken Pot Pie Soup presentation with these simple but effective ideas:

Garnish Elegantly: Top each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a few fresh thyme leaves, or a light dusting of paprika for color contrast.
Bread Bowl Service: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, Instagram-worthy presentation that’s also practical and delicious.
Layered Presentation: Place a warm biscuit in the bottom of each bowl and ladle the soup over it, creating layers of comfort in every spoonful.
Herb Oil Drizzle: Create a simple herb oil by mixing olive oil with chopped herbs and drizzle artfully over the soup surface.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe Tips

Follow these professional tips to make your Chicken Pot Pie Soup exceptional every time:

Use Quality Broth: High-quality chicken broth makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Homemade is best, but a good store-bought organic version works well.
Don’t Skip the Roux: Taking time to properly cook the flour with the vegetables creates a smooth, naturally thickened soup without lumps.
Layer Your Flavors: Season at different stages of cooking rather than all at once for more complex, developed flavors.
Fresh Herbs Matter: While dried herbs work fine, fresh thyme and parsley added at the end brighten the entire dish significantly.
Consistency Control: If your soup becomes too thick, thin it with additional broth. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce and concentrate.

How to Store Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Allow the Chicken Pot Pie Soup to cool completely before storing (within 2 hours of cooking). Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The soup may thicken significantly when cold, which is normal.

For freezing, store the soup without pasta for up to 3 months, as pasta can become mushy when frozen and reheated. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding additional broth if needed to achieve desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chicken Pot Pie Soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Sauté the vegetables and create the roux on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding peas and herbs during the last 30 minutes.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work well in this soup. Add them directly to the pot without thawing, but reduce cooking time slightly since they’re already partially cooked.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover soup?
A: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add additional broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

Q: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute the milk with coconut milk or your preferred non-dairy alternative for a creamy, dairy-free version.

Q: How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
A: To thicken, simmer uncovered to reduce liquid or mix cornstarch with cold water and stir in. To thin, gradually add more broth until you reach desired consistency.

Q: Can I add dumplings to this soup?
A: Definitely! Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough into the simmering soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking for homemade dumplings that make it even more pot pie-like.

Conclusion

Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings together all the beloved flavors of the classic comfort food in an easy-to-make, soul-warming bowl. This recipe transforms a labor-intensive dish into a simple one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something deeply satisfying.

The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth creates a soup that’s both hearty and comforting. Whether you serve it with warm biscuits, crusty bread, or over pasta, this soup delivers the nostalgic flavors that make chicken pot pie so universally loved.

By following these detailed instructions and tips, you’ll create a soup that tastes like it simmered all day, even though it comes together in under an hour. The versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to your family’s preferences and dietary needs while maintaining that essential comfort food character.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different vegetables, herbs, and serving styles. The beauty of soup-making lies in its forgiving nature and the ability to adjust flavors as you go. Enjoy creating this warming, delicious soup that’s sure to become a regular feature on your dinner table, especially during cooler months when comfort food calls our names the loudest. Happy cooking!