How to make Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 cup biscuits or puff pastry (optional, for topping)
Directions:
- In your Instant Pot or crockpot, heat olive oil or butter. Add diced chicken, carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. If using an Instant Pot, seal the lid and set on manual for 10 minutes. For crockpot, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Once cooked, stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream. If desired, top with biscuits or puff pastry and cook according to package instructions until golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy your comforting soup!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is not just satisfying but also packed with nutrition. This cozy comfort food combines all the classic flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie, while still being light and healthy. The soup is rich and creamy, without being heavy, making it perfect for any occasion.
It’s an easy one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights. It allows for simple preparation and cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time worrying about dishes. The mix of lean protein from the chicken, along with a variety of vegetables, makes it a well-rounded dish.
Nutriments Benefits
- Chicken Breast: A great source of lean protein, which helps build and repair tissues, and is essential for overall health.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals. They provide fiber, which is good for digestion and can help you feel full.
- Peas: Packed with vitamins A, B, C, and K, and a good source of protein and fiber.
- Heavy Cream: While it adds creaminess, you can opt for a lighter version of cream or reduce the amount to make it healthier, keeping the flavors intact.
- Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that is rich in antioxidants.
This soup is indeed a wholesome choice for any meal.
What to Serve With Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
To enhance your soup experience, consider serving it with:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping and can soak up the delicious flavors of the soup.
- Side Salad: A light side salad with fresh greens can balance out your meal, adding extra nutrients.
- Biscuits or Puff Pastry: If you have added biscuits or puff pastry to your soup, they can also be served on the side for extra flakiness and texture.
How to Store Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Here’s how:
- In the Refrigerator: This soup can last for about 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it to avoid condensation.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, place the soup in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight prior to reheating.
Reheating Tips:
- Simply heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For a creamy consistency, if it appears thick, you can add a bit of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Give the vegetables time to soften before adding broth. This adds depth to the flavor.
- Seasoning Is Important: Don’t skip or skimp on salt and pepper, as they enhance the overall taste. Adjust to your liking.
- Watch Cooking Times: If using a crockpot, ensure you cook for the full 6-8 hours on low; if you’re short on time, make sure to properly seal your Instant Pot for quick cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: This can make the chicken tough. Aim for just cooked but still juicy pieces.
Variations
- Low-Carb: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk and leave out the biscuits for a lighter option. You can also add more leafy greens to increase nutrients.
- Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, parsley, or dill for unique flavors.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free biscuits or omit the crust entirely for a gluten-free meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken can save time. Just add it in with the broth and other ingredients after sautéing the vegetables, and cook until everything is heated through.
2. Can I freeze the soup after cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. Just remember to leave out the cream until after it’s been reheated. This will help maintain its creamy texture.
3. What if I don’t have an Instant Pot or crockpot?
You can easily make this soup on the stovetop. Follow the sautéing instructions, then add the broth and simmer for about 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a wonderful addition to your meal rotation. With its nutritious ingredients, easy preparation, and comforting flavors, it’s sure to warm the hearts and bellies of your loved ones. Enjoy a bowl today!
Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced Can use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- 1 cup carrots, diced Adds natural sweetness and texture.
- 1 cup celery, diced Provides crunch and flavor.
- 1 cup onion, diced Base flavor for the soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
- 1 cup frozen peas Stir in just before serving.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with lighter cream or almond milk.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon thyme Fresh herbs can be used for more flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter For sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 cup biscuits or puff pastry (optional) For topping, can be served on the side.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil or butter in the Instant Pot or crockpot.
- Add diced chicken, carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Cooking
- Add chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- For Instant Pot, seal the lid and set on manual for 10 minutes. For crockpot, cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Once cooked, stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream.
- If desired, top with biscuits or puff pastry and cook according to package instructions until golden.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy your comforting soup!