Picture this: a brisk autumn evening, the aroma of savory chicken pot pie wafting through the house, but instead of baking a hefty pie, you’re whipping up a warm, cozy soup that captures all those nostalgic flavors. Did you know that a serving of this hearty Chicken Pot Pie Soup packs around 28 grams of protein? Not only does it comfort the soul, but it supports muscle health too! With its creamy texture and fresh veggie crunch, this dish is like a warm hug in a bowl.
High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free flour)
Description
A cozy and hearty Chicken Pot Pie Soup that captures the classic flavors without the fuss of a crust, packed with protein and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, chicken broth, peas, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and heavy cream until smooth.
- Gradually add the cream mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the soup thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a creamier texture, blend half of the soup before adding the remaining ingredients. Add seasonal vegetables or mix in some buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Why This High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup is the Ultimate Weeknight Solution
Let’s face it—after a long day, the last thing you want is an elaborate dinner that eats up your time and energy. This Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights, offering that heartiness of a pot pie without the fuss of a crust. What’s more, it’s loaded with protein, fiber, and a bounty of wholesome vegetables. It’s a dish the family can rally around, no reservations necessary!
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing and flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced – the aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – a flavor booster.
- 2 carrots, diced – adds sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced – for that classic crunch.
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded – the heart of the dish.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – rich and warming.
- 1 cup frozen peas – quick and easy addition.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – for herbaceous flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary – enhances the aromatic profile.
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk – for creaminess.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – to thicken the soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste – to season it just right.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – a finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Method
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make your Chicken Pot Pie Soup:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Mini-tip: Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking without burning.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, chicken broth, peas, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and heavy cream until smooth. Mini-tip: Make sure there are no lumps to ensure a creamy texture.
- Gradually add the cream mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the soup thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Breakdown
In one serving of this Chicken Pot Pie Soup, you’ll find approximately:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
With a hefty dose of protein and vibrant veggies, this dish brings together comfort and nutrition in every spoonful.
Perfect Pairings
This soup is a star on its own, but it shines even brighter when paired with a buttery piece of crusty bread or a crisp side salad. As the temperature drops, it’s the perfect meal for cozy nights in, inviting laughter and warmth to your family dining table. Consider serving it with a glass of chilled white wine—perhaps a Sauvignon Blanc—to complement the flavors beautifully.
How to Store It Right
If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t fret! This soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to restore its creamy texture, heating it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Freshness tip: Always taste and adjust seasoning after reheating, as flavors may mellow during storage.
Pro Tips
- Texture Matters: For an ultra-creamy soup, blend half of the soup before adding the remaining ingredients—this creates a rich texture while maintaining some chunky bits.
- Flavor Boost: Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can be added right before serving for an aromatic lift.
- Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to swap out veggies like adding corn or mushrooms; embrace what you have!
- Cooked Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred and toss it in!
- Serve with Style: Consider a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
Flavor Experiments
Spice things up with a few creative twists:
- Seasonal Twist: Add butternut squash for sweetness and a fall vibe.
- Gourmet Upgrade: Stir in a touch of truffle oil when serving for an elegant finish.
- Playful Variation: Mix in some buffalo sauce for a spicy kick, perfect for a casual gathering!
Lessons from Past Flops
Even the best cooks run into some hiccups—here are a few common missteps and fixes:
- Mistake: Soup turns out too thin. Fix: Thicken with a slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold water and add it while simmering.
- Mistake: Lacking flavor. Fix: Adjust seasoning; salt and pepper can transform the dish.
- Mistake: Vegetables are mushy. Fix: Add sturdier veggies like peas or corn closer to the end of cooking time.
- Mistake: The chicken is dry. Fix: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or cook the chicken with the broth for added moisture.
What to Do with Leftovers
Leftover soup doesn’t have to be boring! Here are some delightful ways to transform it:
- Pasta Delight: Toss with your favorite short pasta for a heartier dish.
- Casserole Base: Mix with cooked rice and top with breadcrumbs for a baked casserole.
- Bread Bowls: Hollow out a sourdough loaf, fill it with soup, and serve it up for a fun presentation.
Quick Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in this Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
Absolutely! Just remember to sauté them longer to ensure they soften properly.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, shredded turkey is a fantastic substitute, especially after Thanksgiving!
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Definitely! It freezes well, just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Now that you have all the tools and insights to make this High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup, get in the kitchen, snuggle up, and let the comforting flavors warm your heart!