Welcome to a cozy kitchen delight! Today, we're making Classic Chicken Pot Pie Soup, a dish that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy goodness, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Get ready to fill your home with delicious smells and learn how to create this hearty recipe step by step. Let’s dive in and cook up some joy!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup is the epitome of comfort food, warming you up from the inside out with its rich flavors.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the vegetables or add other proteins based on what you have on hand.
- Deliciously Creamy: The heavy cream adds a luxurious texture, making each bite feel indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients you will need for Classic Chicken Pot Pie Soup:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 ribs of celery, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. The chicken gives the soup its hearty flavor. Diced onions and garlic add depth. Carrots and celery provide sweetness and crunch. Potatoes add creaminess and substance.
Chicken broth serves as a base, while heavy cream makes it rich. Herbs like thyme and rosemary enhance the taste. Finally, salt and pepper bring all the flavors together.
This soup is comforting and easy to make. You can find all these ingredients at your local store. If you need to adjust, feel free to substitute some items. For instance, you can use turkey instead of chicken or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to cook a warm bowl of Chicken Pot Pie Soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation and Sautéing
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 1 diced onion. Sauté the onion until it turns soft and clear, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 pound of cubed chicken breast. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes.
Adding Vegetables and Seasoning
Now, add 3 diced carrots, 2 diced ribs of celery, and 3 diced potatoes into the pot. Stir all the veggies well to mix them together. After that, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour over the mixture. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the flour blends in. Then, slowly pour in 4 cups of chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Don't forget to add 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried rosemary, plus salt and pepper to taste.
Simmering the Soup
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the veggies are tender. After that, add in 1 cup of frozen peas and 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot, and finish it off with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Simple Cooking Techniques
How to avoid lumps when adding flour To keep your soup smooth, add flour slowly. First, sprinkle it over the chicken and veggies. Stir it in well for about two minutes. This helps coat everything. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring. This method helps avoid lumps and gives your soup great texture.
Best practices for chopping vegetables Chop your veggies into even pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate. For carrots, cut them into small cubes. For onions, slice them thin. For potatoes, make sure they are peeled and diced well. This way, each bite will be tender and delicious.
Flavor Enhancements
Suggestions for additional herbs and spices You can add more flavor with herbs. Try adding fresh thyme or parsley. A bay leaf can also enhance the taste. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a kick. Each option brings a new twist to your soup.
Using homemade vs store-bought chicken broth Homemade broth gives a rich, deep flavor. It’s worth the time if you can make it. Store-bought broth is quick and still tasty, especially if you choose low-sodium options. Always taste your broth first. Adjust seasoning in the soup based on its flavor. This helps create a balanced dish.
Pro Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, substitute cubed chicken with rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it towards the end of cooking to warm through.
- Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or corn for added nutrition and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as sage or parsley for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile. Fresh herbs can also enhance the taste significantly.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can change the protein in this soup. Turkey works well, especially after the holidays. For a plant-based option, try tofu. Just cube it and add it in the same step as the chicken.
If you want a dairy-free soup, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. It adds a nice taste and keeps it creamy. Almond milk is another option, but it may not be as rich.
Dietary Adjustments
For those watching carbs, skip the potatoes. You can add more carrots or use cauliflower instead. This keeps the soup hearty without the extra carbs.
For a vegan take, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Use chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken for protein. Add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chicken Pot Pie Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. This step helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can make your soup watery. In the fridge, the soup stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before enjoying.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze Chicken Pot Pie Soup for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir frequently to ensure it warms evenly. To keep the flavor and texture, avoid rapid reheating in the microwave. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive its creaminess. Enjoy your hearty soup anytime!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked? Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just make sure to cook it fully in the pot. Start by sautéing the cubed chicken with onions and garlic until it turns white and no longer pink. This will help build flavor in your soup.
How long does it take to make Classic Chicken Pot Pie Soup? It takes about 45 minutes to make this soup. You will spend around 15 minutes prepping and 30 minutes cooking. This time includes sautéing, simmering, and letting the flavors meld together.
Troubleshooting
Why is my soup too thick? If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water. Stir it in slowly until you reach the desired consistency. You can also add a bit of cream for richness without making it too thick.
How can I make it more flavorful? To enhance the flavor of your soup, add more herbs like thyme or rosemary. Fresh herbs will give a brighter taste. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance!
This blog post covers all you need to make delicious Chicken Pot Pie Soup. We started with key ingredients and moved through simple steps to create a tasty dish. I shared tips to enhance the flavor and suggested variations for diets. I also included storage instructions to keep your soup fresh.
This soup is flexible and fun to make. You can change ingredients based on your taste. Enjoy trying this recipe today!
