If you’re craving the classic comfort of pot pie but want something lighter and utterly soul-warming, Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is your new best friend. This creamy, veggie-packed soup brings together everything you love about chicken pot pie—the tender chicken, savory broth, and hearty veggies—while skipping the heavy cream and buttery crust. You’ll adore how each spoonful feels like a cozy hug but with a healthy twist. Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or when you just need a dose of homemade goodness, this is one recipe you’ll want to cook on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup lies in its approachable, kitchen-staple ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to bring out vibrant flavors and satisfying textures so the soup is nourishing and never bland.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps to soften the vegetables without overpowering their flavors.
- Onion: Acts as the aromatic base, giving the soup depth and sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic: Lends that punchy flavor everyone loves in a comforting soup.
- Carrots: These add a gentle sweetness and beautiful color, plus a dose of vitamin A.
- Celery: Brings a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that pairs so well with chicken.
- Dried thyme: Infuses the broth with classic, savory notes that evoke traditional pot pie flavor.
- Dried rosemary: Delivers earthy, piney aroma that makes each bite more aromatic and cozy.
- Black pepper: Offers gentle heat and rounds out the other seasonings perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors so each ingredient can shine.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Builds a savory, flavorful base without too much salt—so you control the seasoning!
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: Lean, protein-rich, and easy to toss in—using rotisserie chicken here is a lifesaver on busy days.
- Frozen peas: Add a pop of green, a hint of sweetness, and a tender bite.
- Frozen corn: Provides golden color and a touch of natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk: Makes the soup creamy and luscious without loading up on calories or fat.
- Whole wheat flour or cornstarch: Thickens the broth just enough to achieve that “pot pie” feel—choose based on your dietary needs.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkling this on at the end adds brightness, freshness, and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the kitchen smells absolutely incredible—this is the base that gives Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup its signature comforting aroma.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Next, sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt. Stir them into the veggies to coat everything evenly. The herbs should release their fragrance almost right away, signaling that it’s time to move on to the next stage and lock in those homey pot pie flavors.
Step 3: Thicken the Base
Dust the mixture with the whole wheat flour or cornstarch and cook while stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This quick step ensures that your soup develops its classic thick, creamy texture without any floury aftertaste—it’s a little trick that makes Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup irresistibly hearty without the heaviness of cream.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, stirring as you go to prevent lumps. Turn up the heat just until the soup comes to a gentle boil, then reduce it so the pot simmers. Let those flavors meld together for about 10 minutes; you’ll notice the broth begins to thicken while absorbing the essence of the veggies and herbs.
Step 5: Chicken and Vegetables Join the Party
Add the cooked shredded chicken, frozen peas, and frozen corn straight into the simmering broth. Stir everything together, then let it cook for another 5 minutes. This step is where the soup comes to life—the peas and corn lend pops of color and texture, while the chicken infuses every spoonful with protein-packed comfort.
Step 6: Finish with Creamy Goodness
Pour in the almond milk (or low-fat milk), stirring to combine. Warm everything through over low heat, but don’t let the soup boil. This gentle heat helps keep the soup creamy and prevents the milk from separating. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before ladling Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup into bowls.
Step 7: The Perfect Garnish
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over each bowl just before serving. This adds a pop of green and a burst of flavor, making your soup look and taste restaurant-quality. Grab your spoon and get ready for pure comfort!
How to Serve Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Garnishes
For the final flourish, always add a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley over each bowl. If you want to add even more flair, some fresh cracked black pepper or a dusting of grated Parmesan makes this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup taste extra special. A tiny drizzle of olive oil can give a silky sheen too.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a slice of rustic whole-grain bread, a crisp side salad, or a few baked whole-wheat crackers. If you’re feeling indulgent, try pairing it with homemade biscuits for a playful nod to traditional pot pie crust—just keep portions reasonable to maintain the healthy spirit of the dish!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup in small sourdough bread bowls or wide mugs for a cozy, café-style meal. You can even top the soup with a small square of puff pastry and bake it briefly for a special occasion, channeling that true pot pie vibe without the heaviness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. For best results, blend in the milk just before serving rather than before freezing, as dairy can sometimes separate when frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring well and adding a splash of milk if it’s thickened too much in the fridge. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until fully warmed through. Add fresh parsley after reheating for that just-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey, cooked tofu, or even canned chickpeas all work well if you’re looking to switch things up or make this recipe vegetarian or vegan-friendly. Just keep the seasoning in mind and adjust as you need.
Is Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use cornstarch instead of whole wheat flour to thicken the soup, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. That way, everyone at your table gets to enjoy a cozy bowl without worry.
What’s the best way to make this extra creamy without heavy cream?
A great little hack is to blend a cup or so of the finished soup and then stir it back in—this gives Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup incredible body and richness, all without adding extra dairy or calories.
Can I make this soup in advance?
You sure can! Prepare the soup up to two days ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat as needed, adding the milk and fresh parsley just before serving to keep everything bright and delicious.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk. Both provide a creamy texture while keeping Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup completely dairy-free and just as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup delivers all the nostalgia and cozy comfort of the classic without any of the heaviness. It’s a feel-good favorite you’ll want to return to, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a little self-care night in. Give it a try, and discover how simple, cozy, and wholesome homemade soup can be!
PrintHealthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a comforting and nutritious twist on the classic pot pie. Packed with vegetables, shredded chicken, and a creamy broth, it’s a satisfying meal for any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour or cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken, peas, and corn, and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the almond milk and heat through without boiling.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- For extra creaminess, blend a portion of the soup and then mix it back in.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg