If you’re craving comfort food that’s warm, filling, and easy to make, you really can’t go wrong with a chicken pot pie soup. It’s a cozy, creamy, and hearty dish that combines all the best flavors of the classic chicken pot pie, but in soup form! And the best part? You don’t even need to spend much time in the kitchen. Thanks to the crockpot, you can set it and forget it while the magic happens. Imagine coming home after a long day to the smell of a rich, savory chicken pot pie soup that’s ready to serve.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, but it also works great as a weekend meal. It’s comforting enough for those chilly nights and will fill you up in the best possible way. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how to make this incredibly easy yet incredibly delicious dish!
Chicken Pot Pie Soup Crock Pot Recipe
This chicken pot pie soup is a game-changer. It delivers all the warmth and richness of a classic chicken pot pie without the fuss of pie crusts or the hours of prep work. Plus, when you use the crockpot, all the flavors have time to meld and develop, making each bite irresistibly comforting. What’s even better is that you can customize it to your liking, depending on your taste and the ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients Needed
Before you get started, here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to make this dish. These ingredients are simple, easy to find, and the bulk of them are pantry staples, so you won’t need to hunt for anything too unusual.
Protein
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (2-3 medium pieces) – Chicken breast is a great option because it’s lean, but chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and richness. Both work wonderfully in this soup, so it’s up to your personal preference!
Vegetables
- Carrots (2 medium) – A classic chicken pot pie veggie! They add sweetness and texture to the soup.
- Celery (2 stalks) – Adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the creaminess in the soup.
- Frozen peas (1 cup) – An essential ingredient in pot pie, peas bring a pop of color and a slightly sweet, earthy flavor.
Liquids And Broth
- Chicken broth (4 cups) – This forms the base of your soup. It’s rich and flavorful and helps bring everything together. If you prefer a richer taste, you can also use low-sodium chicken broth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup) – This is what gives your soup that creamy, velvety texture that makes it feel indulgent and comforting.
- Milk (1 cup) – Helps balance out the richness of the heavy cream, adding a lighter consistency without compromising on creaminess.
Seasonings And Flavor
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Adds depth of flavor and a savory punch.
- Onion (1 medium, diced) – The onion brings sweetness and complexity to the soup.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon) – This herb is an absolute must for chicken pot pie. It’s aromatic and adds that herby flavor that’s a signature of the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – A simple seasoning, but crucial to balancing the flavors.
- Bay leaves (2 leaves) – Adds a subtle depth of flavor as it simmers in the soup.
Thickening Agent
- Flour (1/4 cup) – This helps to thicken the soup and give it that creamy, comforting texture. You’ll use it in the crockpot to create a roux with the broth and milk.
Garnishes And Optional Extras
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Fresh parsley brings a pop of green color and a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Pie crust or crescent roll dough (optional) – If you really want to mimic the crusty experience of pot pie, you can bake a pie crust or crescent roll dough on the side and serve it alongside your soup.
Cooking Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients prepped and ready, let’s get cooking! The beauty of a crockpot recipe is that most of the work is done for you while you go about your day. Here’s how to make this delicious chicken pot pie soup:
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Prepare The Chicken
- If you’re using whole chicken breasts, you can leave them whole, but if you want them shredded in the end, cut them into smaller chunks. If using chicken thighs, you can leave them as they are for a more tender finish. Either way, season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Layer Ingredients In The Crockpot
- Add the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, peas, garlic, and bay leaves to the crockpot.
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Add The Liquids
- Pour in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring the vegetables and chicken are covered with liquid. Stir gently to combine.
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Cook On Low
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when you check it. You can also give it a little shred with a fork at this point if you prefer shredded chicken.
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Make The Soup Creamy
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a bit of the liquid from the crockpot (about 1/2 cup). Pour this mixture back into the soup and stir well. This will help thicken the soup and give it that creamy, rich texture.
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Add Cream
- Stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Let it simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the soup to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
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Serve And Enjoy
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a little brightness, and serve with some homemade bread or a crispy pie crust if you like!
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the ingredients you’re using can make all the difference in the outcome of your dish. Here are a few insights into some key ingredients:
- Chicken: Opting for chicken breasts makes for a leaner soup, while chicken thighs provide a bit more moisture and flavor. Either way, slow-cooking allows the chicken to become wonderfully tender and soak up the flavors of the broth and herbs.
- Frozen Peas: Using frozen peas not only saves time, but it helps preserve the peas’ color and nutritional content. They cook quickly, so they’re added near the end of the simmering time to prevent them from turning mushy.
- Heavy Cream and Milk: The combination of both gives you the perfect balance of creaminess without making it too rich. You can use half-and-half if you want a lighter version, or opt for coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Flour: This is your thickening agent. Be sure to make a slurry (mixing flour with some liquid before adding it) to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth texture.
Expert Tips
- Shredding the Chicken: If you prefer shredded chicken, simply take the chicken out after cooking and shred it with two forks. Return it to the soup and give everything a good stir.
- Add a Little White Wine: For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of white wine when cooking the soup. It’ll give it a nice depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Enhance the Creaminess: Want a creamier texture? Try stirring in a little cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking. This adds richness and a slight tang that pairs wonderfully with the herbs.
- Don’t Forget the Seasonings: Taste as you go, and feel free to adjust your seasonings. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can take it to the next level if you feel like it’s missing something.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is flexible, and there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and replace it with hearty vegetables like cauliflower, potatoes, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely meatless soup.
- Add Potatoes: For a more filling soup, add cubed potatoes to the mix. Potatoes absorb flavors really well and will make the soup extra hearty.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of dairy, and swap the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative. For the creamy consistency, you can also puree some of the vegetables in the soup.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a kick of heat. It adds a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.
Final Words
This chicken pot pie soup is everything you want in a comfort food meal. It’s rich, creamy, and satisfying, with all the classic flavors of a pot pie without the hassle of making a crust. The crockpot does most of the work for you, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy days.