There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting hug of a good soup on a chilly day. This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe offers all the cozy flavors of a classic chicken pot pie but in a silky, spoonable form that’s perfect for fast family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
From first bite to last, this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe feels like a warm kitchen moment shared with family. I love how it’s rich without being heavy, and every spoonful tastes like a homemade pot pie in soup form – all the comfort without the fuss of baking.
- Deeply comforting flavors: The thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves build that classic pot pie aroma that fills your whole house.
- Velvety texture: Cream, milk, and a flour roux blend to make a silky, irresistible broth every time.
- Versatile and easy: Using leftover or rotisserie chicken means you can whip this up quickly on busy nights.
- Perfect for ongoing meals: It reheats beautifully, tasting even better the next day once the flavors meld fully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe balances fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a rich creamy base, creating that perfect pot pie feel in a bowl. Picking quality herbs and the right potatoes will elevate your soup from good to memorable.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and foundational flavor; make sure to chop finely for even cooking.
- Garlic: Just a touch boosts the savory depth without overpowering.
- Celery: Provides that classic pot pie crunch and freshness.
- Carrots: Diced small for tender bites and natural sweetness.
- Chicken broth: The backbone of your soup, choose low-sodium so you can control seasoning.
- Russet potatoes: Perfect for thickening the soup naturally as they cook down; peel and dice uniformly for even tenderness.
- Fresh thyme & rosemary: I prefer fresh, but dried works fine; these herbs bring that garden-fresh aroma.
- Bay leaves: Essential for that cozy pot pie undertone—just be sure to remove before serving!
- Butter and all-purpose flour: Together they create a roux, giving the soup its silky body and that creamy pot pie feel.
- Milk and heavy cream: Cream rounds out the texture, making it luscious but still light.
- Frozen peas and corn: I like to add corn for a little pop of sweetness alongside peas, but peas are non-negotiable for me!
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s juicy and flavorful without extra effort.
- Fresh parsley: For a bright, fresh finish—don’t skip it!
Make It Your Way
I love switching up this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or pantry. Sometimes I sneak in extra veggies or swap the herbs for what’s on hand. It’s very forgiving, so you can truly make it your own.
- Variation: I’ve tried it with sweet potatoes instead of russet, which adds a subtle sweetness and beautiful color. It’s a cozy twist that I highly recommend!
- Diet-friendly option: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version that still feels rich.
- Make it heartier: Stir in cooked quinoa or pearl barley to bulk it up for extra filling lunches.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics for That Flavor Base
Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots, and sauté for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Then add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute—you want it fragrant but not burnt. This step builds the foundation of flavor and gets those lovely veggies tender right off the bat.
Step 2: Simmer the Potatoes and Herbs
Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low so it simmers. Press the veggies down into the broth occasionally to help them cook evenly. Let everything simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are just tender. This slow simmer lets all those herbal notes infuse perfectly.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Roux
While your soup simmers, melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and keep stirring constantly for about 1 ½ minutes to cook out the raw flour taste but don’t let it brown—it should stay pale. Slowly whisk in the milk little by little to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens nicely but doesn’t boil. Finally, stir in the heavy cream, then cover and set it aside until ready to combine with the soup.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the peas and corn to the simmering soup and let them heat through for a few minutes. Then stir in your creamy milk mixture and shredded chicken. If the soup feels too thick, I often add a bit of extra chicken broth to loosen it. Remove the bay leaves, stir in fresh parsley for that pop of brightness, and you’re ready to serve.
Top Tip
After making this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to unforgettable. These tips make the whole process smoother and the flavors shine brighter.
- Perfect roux consistency: Cook your flour and butter mixture just enough to remove that raw taste but don’t let it darken—this keeps the soup’s color and flavor balanced.
- Herb freshening: Using fresh thyme and rosemary makes a noticeable difference; if using dried, just reduce by half because dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Chicken choice matters: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully because it’s juicy and flavorful, but shredded leftover bone-in chicken gives you the best texture and taste.
- Don’t skip the parsley: Stirring fresh parsley in at the end lifts the flavor and adds a lovely fresh note that makes the soup feel vibrant.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple—just a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a crack of black pepper. Sometimes I add a little shredded cheddar on top for that melty, cheesy hit. If you want a bit of crunch, try tiny homemade croutons or crispy bacon bits.
Side Dishes
This soup loves a buttery biscuit or flaky roll on the side. I’m a fan of classic buttermilk biscuits or even cheddar chive biscuits to keep the pot pie theme coming. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies round out the meal nicely, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve this soup in mini bread bowls—oven-hollowed rolls make a beautiful, edible vessel that amps up the cozy factor. You can also drizzle a little herb oil or garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a pretty, restaurant-style finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring everything back together.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. I like to portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if it’s thickened too much. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from breaking, stirring frequently to heat evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While I prefer rotisserie or bone-in cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, including leftover roast chicken or even shredded turkey.
Yes! This soup freezes really well. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and reheat gently to keep the creamy texture intact. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick.
Definitely! Swap the milk and heavy cream for coconut milk or another creamy dairy-free alternative. The roux still works well with non-dairy milk, so you’ll get a creamy consistency without the dairy.
Absolutely—feel free to add mushrooms, green beans, or even diced bell peppers to customize it. Just be mindful of cooking times; add firmer vegetables early and delicate ones later so everything ends up tender and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a family favorite in my house. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and utterly satisfying – like a warm, familiar hug in a bowl. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do, whether on busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Grab your soup pot, and let’s get cooking!
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Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Pot Pie Soup combines tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth infused with herbs. It's an easy-to-make hearty soup that delivers all the flavors of a classic pot pie in a warm, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 6 tablespoon butter, divided
- 1 ¼ cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup diced celery (about 3 ribs)
- 1 cup peeled and diced carrots (about 2 carrots)
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups (heaping) peeled and diced russet potatoes, ½-inch dice (2 medium potatoes)
- 2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Thickener and Dairy
- 6 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 cup frozen or fresh peas
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably bone-in cooked or rotisserie)
- 3 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery, sauté for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Add broth and herbs: Pour in chicken broth, then add diced potatoes, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Simmer vegetables: Cover the pot and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, pressing the vegetables down into the broth. Let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are almost tender, about 15 minutes.
- Make thickener: While the soup simmers, melt the remaining 5 tablespoon butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook constantly for 1 ½ minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Thicken and season: Continue to cook the milk mixture while stirring until it thickens, but do not let it boil. Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
- Add peas and corn: Once the potatoes are nearly tender, stir the peas and optional corn into the soup. Heat through for a few minutes.
- Combine and finish: Stir the thickened milk mixture and shredded chicken into the soup. Thin with additional chicken broth if desired. Remove the bay leaves, stir in fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite biscuits such as classic buttermilk, drop biscuits, parmesan, or cheddar chive for a complete meal.
- Use bone-in or rotisserie chicken to add extra flavor to the soup.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives and adjust the flour amount if needed.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- For thicker soup, allow it to simmer longer after adding the milk mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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