Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Vegetables

This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, creamy base that’s comforting without the heavy calories. With a flavor reminiscent of the beloved pot pie, it’s perfect for those chilly nights when you want something hearty but light.

This dish is not only healthy but incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. You can even add your own twist, like using a dairy-free milk or thickening the soup with a gluten-free option. The balance of flavors and textures in this soup will quickly make it a family favorite, perfect for both adults and kids alike.

Full Recipe:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  2. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and almond milk, stirring well. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Once simmering, add frozen peas and cook for 5-7 minutes.
  5. If you prefer a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with a little cold water and add to the soup. Stir until thickened.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning, then garnish with fresh parsley.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup: A Comforting, Nutritious Meal

Chicken pot pie soup is a comforting dish that combines the best flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie in a lighter, healthier form. This soup features a rich and creamy base, filled with tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth, offering the same delicious experience as the classic pot pie but in a warm, nourishing bowl. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional comfort food, this chicken pot pie soup is the perfect solution. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and packed with nutritious ingredients.

The Origins of Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie has long been a favorite dish in many households. Its origins can be traced back to medieval Europe, where savory pies were made to preserve meats. The dish was originally served in a pastry crust, which was both a practical way of cooking and a deliciously flaky accompaniment to the filling. Over time, it became a staple in American comfort food, with the classic version typically featuring chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce enclosed in a buttery, flaky pie crust.

The evolution of the chicken pot pie into a soup is a more recent adaptation, designed to maintain the comforting flavors while lightening up the meal. Instead of a pastry crust, the soup focuses on a rich, creamy broth and tender chicken, which provides the same comforting sensation but with fewer calories and fat. This lighter version is perfect for those who are watching their diet but still want to enjoy the beloved flavors of chicken pot pie.

Why This Chicken Pot Pie Soup is Healthy

What sets this chicken pot pie soup apart from the traditional version is its healthier ingredients. The classic recipe calls for heavy cream and a buttery pie crust, both of which can be high in calories and saturated fats. However, this soup uses almond milk as a substitute for heavy cream, making it dairy-free and much lighter without sacrificing creaminess. Additionally, the soup is packed with vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and peas, providing a range of essential vitamins and minerals.

The chicken used in the soup is typically lean breast meat, which is high in protein and low in fat. Using lean chicken breast not only helps to reduce the overall fat content of the dish but also boosts its protein levels, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The addition of a low-sodium chicken broth ensures that the soup remains flavorful without being overly salty, which is often a concern with pre-made broths. All in all, this soup is a great option for those looking for a healthy, balanced meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

How to Customize Your Chicken Pot Pie Soup

One of the great things about this healthy chicken pot pie soup is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust the ingredients based on your dietary preferences, available ingredients, or the season. For example, if you’re looking to make the soup even lighter, you can replace the almond milk with a vegetable broth and reduce the amount of cornstarch used to thicken the soup.

If you prefer a more substantial soup, consider adding other vegetables like corn, potatoes, or parsnips. You can also play around with the herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile. Try adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for a more aromatic taste. For a richer flavor, a splash of white wine or a small amount of Dijon mustard can be added to the soup base.

For those following a gluten-free diet, this recipe is already a great option as it doesn’t require any flour to thicken the soup. However, if you want to make it even heartier, you can use gluten-free noodles or rice to add extra texture and body to the soup. Whether you’re making it your own or sticking to the basic recipe, the versatility of this dish makes it suitable for various tastes and preferences.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Pot Pie Soup

This chicken pot pie soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The chicken provides an excellent source of lean protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues and keeping your immune system strong. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full longer, making this soup a great option for a filling and satisfying meal.

The vegetables in this soup, including carrots, celery, and peas, provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports eye health and the immune system. Celery is rich in antioxidants and can help with digestion, while peas offer a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

The use of almond milk instead of heavy cream reduces the saturated fat content of the soup, making it a heart-healthier option. Almond milk is also lower in calories than regular milk, making it a good choice for those looking to control their calorie intake. By using low-sodium chicken broth, this recipe also keeps the sodium content in check, helping to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

Making Chicken Pot Pie Soup for Meal Prep

One of the best features of this chicken pot pie soup is how well it works for meal prep. It’s easy to make in large batches and stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it an excellent choice for preparing ahead of time.

To store the soup, simply allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, the soup will keep for 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, just warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra almond milk or broth if necessary to restore the desired consistency.

Meal prepping this soup allows you to have a healthy and comforting meal on hand throughout the week. Whether you’re preparing lunch for the workweek or dinner for busy nights, this soup makes an easy and satisfying option for meal prep.

Conclusion

This healthy chicken pot pie soup is the perfect dish for anyone who loves comfort food but wants a lighter, more nutritious option. It’s easy to make, customizable, and filled with healthy ingredients that provide a range of essential nutrients. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal on a cold night or looking for a nutritious soup to add to your meal rotation, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its creamy texture, savory flavor, and rich nutritional profile, it’s a soup that you and your family will love.

By making small adjustments to the ingredients and seasonings, you can easily adapt this dish to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether they’re following a specific diet or just looking for a comforting, healthy meal. With its wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors, this healthy chicken pot pie soup is a perfect addition to your collection of go-to recipes.

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