Oh, comfort food. Who doesn’t crave it, right? Especially when it’s chilly outside. And Chicken Pot Pie? Total classic! I remember my grandma used to make it, and the smell alone could cure anything. But let’s be real, it takes *forever*. So, I wanted all that cozy flavor, but, like, NOW and without all the guilt. That’s how this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup was born!
It’s seriously the best of both worlds. You get that warm, comforting vibe, but it’s packed with good-for-you stuff and ready in under an hour. Trust me, this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup will become a regular in your rotation – it already is in mine!
Why This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe Works
Okay, so why *this* recipe? Well, let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! I’m obsessed, and you will be too. Seriously, here’s the lowdown:
Quick and Easy Comfort Food
Forget spending hours in the kitchen! This soup is ready in, like, 45 minutes. Seriously! Way faster than making a whole pot pie. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want something warm and cozy but don’t have all day.
Packed with Nutritious Ingredients
We’re talking lean chicken breast and a TON of veggies! Carrots, potatoes, even cauliflower (don’t worry, you won’t even taste it!). It’s a sneaky way to get your nutrients in while enjoying pure comfort food bliss.
A Healthier Twist on a Classic
Okay, traditional pot pie can be kinda heavy, right? This soup slashes the fat and calories without sacrificing flavor. We use almond milk instead of heavy cream, so it’s lighter but still super creamy and delicious. You won’t even miss the extra calories, promise!
Ingredients for Your Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is all about fresh, simple stuff. Here’s what you’ll need – no fancy stuff, I promise!
Chicken
You’ll want about 1 1/2 pounds of uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast. Make sure you dice it up into bite-sized pieces *before* you start cooking. It just makes everything easier, trust me!
Vegetables
Veggies, veggies, veggies! We’re loading this soup up! Grab 1 white onion, and give it a good chop. Then, you’ll need 2 large carrots, sliced. Don’t forget 3 cups of diced Yukon gold potatoes – they get so creamy! And for a healthy boost, 3 cups of finely chopped cauliflower florets (seriously, you won’t even taste them!). Lastly, 1 cup of frozen peas. Easy peasy!
Liquids
For the liquid base, we’re using 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk. It keeps things light but still creamy. You can totally use another milk if you want – cashew milk is also great! And 3 cups of low sodium chicken broth. Gotta watch that sodium, right?
Seasoning
Last but not least, the flavor boosters! You’ll need 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (or a tablespoon of fresh, if you’re feeling fancy!). And, of course, salt and pepper. Freshly ground is always best, if you ask me!
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get cooking? This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is super simple, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting bowl in no time.
Sautéing the Chicken
First, grab a big pot – a Dutch oven is perfect if you have one. Put it over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, toss in your diced chicken breast. Now, don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Season it generously. Cook the chicken for about 4-6 minutes, until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. Then, take the chicken out and put it in a bowl – we’ll need it later!
Building the Soup Base
Now, in that same pot (don’t wash it – all that chicken flavor is good stuff!), add another half tablespoon of olive oil. Then, throw in your chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced potatoes, cauliflower, and thyme. Sauté everything for a few minutes until the onion starts to soften up. Next, pour in the almond milk, chicken broth, and add some more salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Creating a Creamy Texture
Okay, this is the secret to the creamy texture without tons of cream! Carefully remove about 3 cups of the soup mixture from the pot and put it in a blender. Now, be *super* careful here! Hot liquids can explode in a blender, so start on low and hold the lid down tight with a towel. Blend until it’s completely smooth, then pour it back into the pot. This is what gives our Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup that amazing, creamy consistency.
Finishing the Soup
Finally, stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Let the whole thing simmer for another 5-10 minutes, just to thicken it up a bit. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if it needs it. And that’s it! You’re ready to serve. I love to garnish mine with extra black pepper and some fresh thyme, if I have it. It’s also amazing with biscuits or crackers, if you’re feeling fancy!
Tips for the Best Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Want to take your soup from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that’ll make all the difference. Seriously, these little tweaks can make this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup a total knockout!
Adjusting the Thickness
Soup too thick? Just add a splash more almond milk (or broth!) until it’s just how you like it. Too thin? Let it simmer a little longer uncovered – it’ll thicken right up! Easy peasy!
Seasoning to Perfection
Seriously, *taste as you go*! Salt and pepper are your friends. Every broth is different, so you might need more or less. Don’t be afraid to experiment! A little extra thyme is always a good call, too, if you ask me.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Okay, this might sound obvious, but good ingredients = good soup! Fresh veggies and quality broth make a HUGE difference. And don’t skimp on the chicken! It’s the star of the show, after all.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient or have some dietary needs? No sweat! This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is totally customizable. Here are a few easy swaps you can make!
Dairy-Free Options
Not a fan of almond milk? No problem! Cashew milk works great, too. Or, if you’re not strictly dairy-free, regular milk or even a little half-and-half will make it extra creamy! Just watch the calories, okay?
Vegetarian/Vegan Option
Want to make this soup totally plant-based? Easy! Swap the chicken for chickpeas – they add a nice heartiness. And, of course, use vegetarian broth instead of chicken broth. Boom! Vegan Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup!
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to throw in whatever veggies you love! Mushrooms are a great addition, or maybe some chopped green beans? Corn is yummy too, if you’re not doing Whole30. Seriously, get creative! It’s *your* soup!
Serving Suggestions for Your Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Okay, you’ve got this amazing, warm bowl of goodness… what do you serve with it? I’ve got a few ideas to make it a complete meal!
Bread and Crackers
Seriously, a warm, flaky biscuit is *amazing* dipped in this soup! Or even just some simple crackers for a little crunch. Trust me, you’ll want something to soak up all that delicious broth!
Salad
Keep things light and fresh with a simple side salad. Some mixed greens with a vinaigrette? Perfect! It balances out the richness of the soup. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Your Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Made a big batch? Awesome! This soup is even better the next day, if you ask me. Here’s how to keep it fresh and reheat it like a pro!
Storage Instructions
Just let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, easy!
Reheating Instructions
You can totally reheat this on the stovetop – just simmer it over medium heat until it’s warmed through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, zap it in the microwave for a few minutes. Just stir it halfway through so it heats evenly. Careful, it gets HOT!
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Got questions about this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I freeze this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
Yep, you sure can! Just let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat as usual. Just know that the texture might change a little bit – sometimes the almond milk can separate a bit after freezing, but it’ll still taste amazing!
How can I make this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup thicker?
If you want a super thick soup, there are a few tricks! You could blend another cup or so of the soup. Or, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering soup. Let it cook for a few minutes, and it’ll thicken right up!
Is this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup gluten-free?
As written, this recipe *is* gluten-free! But, you need to be careful about the broth you use – make sure it’s certified gluten-free. Also, if you’re serving it with biscuits or crackers, make sure those are gluten-free too! There are tons of great gluten-free options out there these days, so you definitely won’t miss out!
Nutritional Information for Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Okay, so everyone always asks about calories and stuff, right? So, here’s the deal: I’m giving you an *estimate* for the nutritional info in this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup. But remember, it’s gonna vary depending on the exact brands you use, how big your veggies are, etc. So, don’t take this as gospel, okay? Just a general idea!
Enjoyed This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe?
Loved this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup? Yay! Let me know in the comments! And hey, if you made it, give it a star rating! Share your pics on social media, too – I’d love to see them!
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9 Genius Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Enjoy a healthy and comforting bowl of Chicken Pot Pie Soup. This recipe is packed with vegetables and lean protein for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 3 cups diced yukon gold potatoes
- 3 cups finely chopped cauliflower florets
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, skim milk, 2 percent (if you want a richer soup, you can use whole milk)
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Place a large dutch oven or pot over medium high heat. Add in olive oil. Once oil it hot, add in diced chicken breast and generously season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 4-6 minutes or until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. Remove chicken from pot and transfer to a large bowl; set aside for later.
- In the same pot, add in 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, chopped onion, sliced carrots, diced gold potatoes, diced cauliflower and thyme. Saute for a few minutes until onion begins to soften, then add in milk, chicken broth and salt and pepper. Allow mixture to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
- Next remove 3 cups of the mixture from the pot and add to a blender. Blend until completely smooth (be careful while you do this!), then transfer puree back to the pot. Stir in cooked chicken and frozen peas. Allow mixture to simmer for 5-10 more minutes to thicken up a bit. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if necessary. Garnish with extra black pepper and fresh thyme, if desired. Great with biscuits or crackers, if you would like.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegan: You can use chickpeas instead of chicken, and also be sure to use vegetarian broth and a dairy free milk.
- Optional: Feel free to add 3/4 cup of corn if not doing whole 30. If you would like some more veggies in this soup, I suggest adding 8 ounces of baby bella mushrooms, which you can saute with the onion, carrots and potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 4)
- Calories: 369cal
- Sugar: 7.1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10.9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30.5g
- Fiber: 7.3g
- Protein: 41.9g
- Cholesterol: 120mg