Chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food, but sometimes you crave that creamy, savory goodness without the fuss of individual pie crusts. This is where chicken pot pie crockpot soup comes in – a simpler, quicker, and equally delicious alternative that lets your slow cooker do all the hard work. This recipe captures all the classic flavors of chicken pot pie in a hearty, satisfying soup perfect for chilly evenings or a quick weeknight meal.
What makes this Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup different?
This recipe goes beyond a simple chicken and vegetable soup. We're focusing on achieving that signature pot pie flavor profile. This means a rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the satisfying crunch of vegetables – all without the crust. We'll achieve this creamy texture through a roux (a simple butter and flour mixture), and incorporate plenty of savory herbs and seasonings.
What are the key ingredients for Chicken Pot Pie Crockpot Soup?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The key ingredients are readily available and easy to find:
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts. Shredded chicken works best for easy mixing into the soup.
- Vegetables: Classic chicken pot pie vegetables include carrots, peas, celery, and potatoes. Feel free to add other favorites like corn or green beans.
- Roux: A simple roux of butter and flour forms the base of our creamy sauce. This thickens the soup beautifully.
- Broth: Chicken broth provides the liquid base, infusing the soup with rich chicken flavor.
- Seasonings: A blend of herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, savory, and black pepper, elevates the flavor.
How long does it take to make Chicken Pot Pie Crockpot Soup?
The true magic of this recipe is the crockpot. After a quick prep time of about 20 minutes, you simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it simmer for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This crockpot chicken pot pie soup is perfect for meal prepping. Make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!
What are some variations of this Chicken Pot Pie Crockpot Soup?
While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Creamier Texture: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end for extra richness.
- Cheese Please: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyère cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Different Vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or butternut squash.
Can I freeze Chicken Pot Pie Crockpot Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is this Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup healthy?
This recipe can be part of a balanced diet. Using lean chicken and plenty of vegetables makes it a relatively healthy option compared to traditional chicken pot pie. However, the creaminess does add some fat and calories. You can adjust the creaminess and the type of broth used to modify the fat content.
What can I serve with Chicken Pot Pie Crockpot Soup?
This hearty soup is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Crusty bread: For dipping into the delicious creamy broth.
- A side salad: For a lighter, refreshing contrast.
- Biscuits: A classic pairing for a complete meal.
This crockpot chicken pot pie soup recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
