Description
There’s a heartening simplicity to Chicken Pot Pie Soup, a transformation of the beloved chicken pot pie into a soul-warming soup that offers comfort with every spoonful. This delightful dish captures the essence of a traditional pot pie but with a twist that makes it just as fulfilling and deeply tasteful in the form of a hearty soup. Ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a soothing culinary embrace, this soup is a celebration of flavors and textures coming together in rustic harmony.
Ingredients
Every comforting bowl of Chicken Pot Pie Soup begins with an array of carefully chosen ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
Onion: 1 small onion, diced
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Carrots: 3 medium carrots, diced
Celery: 3 stalks, diced
Frozen Peas: 1 cup
Cooked Chicken: 3 cups, shredded
Chicken Broth: 4 cups
Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
Dried Parsley: 1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Corn Kernels: 1 cup
Potatoes: 1 1/2 cups, peeled and diced
Puff Pastry: 1 sheet (optional)
Fresh Parsley: For garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. This step sets the aromatic foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Soften the Vegetables
Stir in the carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all vegetables are covered. Bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Season with Herbs
Stir in the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for around 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Peas
Incorporate the shredded chicken, peas, and corn into the pot. Let everything blend together for another 5 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Bake the Puff Pastry
If using, bake the puff pastry according to package instructions until golden-brown.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and paired with crispy puff pastry for dipping.
Notes
Choosing the Right Chicken
When making Chicken Pot Pie Soup, it’s imperative to use tender, juicy chicken. Whether you opt for breast or thigh meat, cooking it correctly will ensure that it shreds easily and retains moisture. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option for a quick, flavorful fix. Its already seasoned skin adds an extra savoriness, enhancing the depth of your soup while saving you time in the kitchen.
Using Fresh or Frozen Veggies
While fresh vegetables provide a vibrant flavor to your soup, frozen alternatives are perfectly acceptable and often more convenient. Frozen peas and corn, in particular, are already shelled and perfectly sweet, providing a reliable standby when fresh options are not available. The frozen veggies will cut down prep time significantly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
The Role of Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds a luxurious silkiness to this soup, but you can modify the creaminess to suit your taste and dietary preferences. For lighter alternatives, consider using half-and-half or whole milk, although these options may result in a slightly thinner consistency. Avoid skim milk as it lacks the fat content needed to achieve the desired richness.
Bake to Perfection
If puff pastry is your choice, baking it to golden perfection ensures it remains airy and crisp, serving as a delightful dipping companion for the Chicken Pot Pie Soup. It’s best to follow packaging instructions, but a general rule is to keep an eye on the pastry to prevent burning. Letting it rest for a few minutes out of the oven will help maintain its texture.
Seasoning to Taste
This soup’s flavorful identity relies heavily on spices like thyme and parsley. However, seasoning, especially salt and pepper, should be adjusted according to your preference. Taste as you go, and consider using low-sodium chicken broth to have better control over the final saltiness of the dish. Adjust as needed before serving for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes