Name: High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 cup heavy cream or milk; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup – doesn’t that just sound like a warm hug in a bowl? I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that transforms a beloved comfort classic into a nutritious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. We all adore the creamy, savory goodness of a traditional chicken pot pie, a dish with roots tracing back through centuries of European culinary traditions, evolving into the hearty, home-style staple we know today. However, sometimes we crave that iconic flavor without the extra effort or the carb-heavy crust.

Why This High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a Game-Changer

That’s precisely where this incredible recipe comes in! It captures all the nostalgic charm and rich flavor profile you expect – tender chicken, sweet peas, crisp carrots, and savory herbs swimming in a luscious, velvety broth – but with a fantastic twist. Not only is it incredibly convenient and quicker to prepare than its oven-baked counterpart, making it ideal for busy weeknights, but it also delivers a substantial protein boost. This High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup is designed to keep you feeling full, energized, and utterly content, offering a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste or that delightful comfort factor we all crave. Prepare to fall in love with your new go-to healthy comfort food!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (I love a mix for texture!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Aromatics and Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 stalks celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups diced Yukon Gold or red potatoes, peeled or unpeeled (your preference!)
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary or ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional, but it adds such a lovely depth!)
For the Rich Soup Base:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half (for creaminess!)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra indulgence)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional, but highly recommended!):
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives
- Crumbled crackers or croutons (or even some crushed puff pastry!)

Prepping the Chicken for Your High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Prepare and Season the Chicken: First things first, let’s get that beautiful chicken ready. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because it helps the chicken brown beautifully, locking in all those fantastic flavors. Once dry, place the chicken on a clean cutting board or plate. Season both sides generously with 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Really rub it in there! We want every piece bursting with flavor even before it hits the pan.
Sear the Chicken: Grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – this will be our workhorse for the entire soup! Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pot, ensuring not to overcrowd it. If you have too much chicken, cook it in batches. Let the chicken sear undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully golden brown and caramelized. That deep golden crust isn’t just for looks; it’s where a huge amount of the rich, savory flavor for our High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup comes from. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a clean plate. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked all the way through yet; it will finish cooking later in the soup.
Rest and Shred/Dice the Chicken: Allow the seared chicken to rest for a few minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays tender and moist. Once cool enough to handle, you have a couple of options: you can either shred the chicken using two forks (this gives a lovely, rustic texture) or dice it into bite-sized cubes. I personally love the shredded texture for a pot pie soup, as it mimics that classic pot pie filling perfectly. Cover the shredded or diced chicken and set it aside; it’ll rejoin the party later!

Sautéing the Aromatics and Vegetables

Sauté the Onion: In the same pot you used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter has melted and is gently bubbling, add the finely diced yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion has softened significantly and become translucent. It should smell wonderfully fragrant at this point! Scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot left by the chicken as you stir is a great way to build layers of flavor into our High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup.
Add Carrots and Celery: Next, toss in the finely diced celery and carrots. Continue to cook for another 7-10 minutes, stirring periodically, until these vegetables have also softened. We’re aiming for tender-crisp here, as they’ll continue to cook a bit more in the soup. Cooking them slowly at this stage really brings out their natural sweetness and helps them meld into the background of the soup rather than tasting raw.
Introduce Garlic and Herbs: Now for the aromatic powerhouse! Add the minced garlic, bay leaf, fresh thyme sprigs (or dried thyme), and fresh rosemary sprig (if using). Sauté for just 1-2 minutes more, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as it can turn bitter very quickly. The aroma filling your kitchen right now should be absolutely heavenly – a true sign that something delicious is brewing!
Incorporate Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine them with the other vegetables and aromatics. Cooking them now ensures they soften nicely and absorb all those wonderful flavors as the soup simmers. These little chunks of potato are going to add a lovely heartiness and texture to your finished High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup.

Building the Rich Soup Base

Create the Roux: This is where we build the luxurious body of our soup! Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the cooked vegetables in the pot. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, making sure the flour is completely coating the vegetables and cooking off its raw taste. This mixture of fat (butter/oil) and flour creates what’s called a roux, which will be our thickening agent. It should form a thick, paste-like consistency. Don’t skip cooking the flour out properly, as this prevents your soup from having a raw flour taste.
Whisk in the Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, a little at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Start with just about a cup, whisking until smooth, then add another cup, and so on. This gradual addition and constant whisking are key to achieving a silky-smooth soup base. If you add all the broth at once, you’ll likely end up with a lumpy soup, and nobody wants that! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, still whisking occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
Add the Dairy: Once the soup has thickened slightly, pour in the 1 cup of whole milk or half-and-half. If you’re going for extra richness, now’s the time to add that optional ½ cup of heavy cream as well. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. The dairy adds an incredible velvety texture and mellows out the flavors, contributing to that classic comforting pot pie taste.
Season and Simmer: Add ½ teaspoon of dried parsley flakes (or fresh parsley if using). Give the soup a good stir. Now, it’s time to taste! Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember, the depth of flavor of your High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup really depends on proper seasoning throughout the cooking process. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the potatoes become fork-tender.
Return the Chicken: Once the soup has simmered and thickened to your desired consistency, and the potatoes are tender, it’s time to reintroduce our star ingredient! Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir gently to incorporate it into the creamy, flavorful broth.
Add Frozen Peas and Corn: Finally, stir in the 1 cup of frozen green peas and 1 cup of frozen corn kernels. These don’t need much cooking time, just enough to warm through. Simmer for just another 2-3 minutes, until the peas and corn are bright green and heated through.

Simmering to Perfection for Your High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Final Flavor Check: Before serving, give your High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup one last taste. Does it need a little more salt? A pinch more pepper? Perhaps a dash of fresh herbs? This is your chance to adjust the seasonings to perfection. The goal is a perfectly balanced, savory, and incredibly comforting flavor profile. The consistency should be thick enough to cling to a spoon but still liquid enough to be called a soup – truly like the filling of a pot pie, but without the crust!
Remove Herb Sprigs: Carefully fish out and discard the bay leaf, thyme sprigs, and rosemary sprig (if whole). They’ve done their job infusing the soup with their wonderful aromas and flavors.
A Hearty and Wholesome Meal: As it sits, you’ll notice the soup becoming even richer and more fragrant. This is where all those individual ingredients transform into a cohesive, deeply satisfying dish. The chicken provides a fantastic protein boost, while the abundance of vegetables adds essential nutrients and fiber. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a bowl of pure comfort designed to nourish and satisfy!

Serving Your High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Ladle and Garnish: Carefully ladle generous portions of your steaming hot High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup into bowls. The aroma alone will make your mouth water! For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives.
Optional Toppings: While the soup is utterly delicious on its own, it’s also wonderful with some crunchy accompaniments. Consider serving it with a side of warm, flaky biscuits, some crusty bread for dipping, or even a sprinkle of crumbled crackers or homemade croutons for that satisfying texture contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even bake off a small piece of puff pastry or pie crust, crumble it, and sprinkle it on top for that true “pot pie” experience!
Enjoy the Comfort: Sit back, relax, and savor every spoonful of this hearty and wholesome High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening, a comforting lunch, or anytime you crave a taste of home. This soup not only fills you up but also warms you from the inside out, providing a delicious and protein-packed meal that truly satisfies!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! We’ve reached the delicious culmination of our culinary journey. After walking you through this incredible recipe, I truly hope you’re feeling inspired to roll up your sleeves and bring this magic into your own kitchen. This isn’t just another meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting embrace that nourishes both body and soul. What makes this recipe an absolute must-try, in my humble opinion, is its unparalleled ability to deliver all the beloved, nostalgic flavors of a classic chicken pot pie without any of the fuss of a crust, and with a fantastic nutritional profile to boot. It’s the ultimate weeknight hero, transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I can confidently say that the High Protein Chicken Pot Pie Soup we’ve explored today is a game-changer for anyone looking for a hearty, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful meal that also aligns with a health-conscious lifestyle. It’s packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, savory broth that will warm you from the inside out. Imagine coming home after a long day to a simmering pot of this goodness – it’s instant comfort, ready to restore and delight. It’s truly a testament to how comforting food can also be incredibly wholesome and easy to prepare, making it a staple in my own rotation for its unbeatable convenience and mouth-watering taste.

Elevate Your Bowl: Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

Now that you’re convinced of its deliciousness, let’s talk about how to make this experience even better, or how to put your own unique spin on it. While this soup is absolutely perfect enjoyed on its own, there are so many delightful ways to serve it. I love to pair it with a side of warm, crusty bread or flaky biscuits for dipping into that rich broth – it’s pure heaven! For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a wonderful contrast. Don’t forget the toppings! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill adds a burst of freshness, while a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can enhance its creamy texture. For a little crunch, consider adding some homemade croutons or a scattering of crushed butter crackers right before serving.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, inviting you to experiment and make it truly your own. Think about adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra dose of greens. Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers could also be fantastic additions, deepening the savory notes and adding more texture. If you’re looking to switch up the protein, cooked turkey or even white beans could offer an interesting twist, though I firmly believe the chicken is a classic for a reason! For those with dietary considerations, it’s easily adaptable: you could explore dairy-free milk alternatives for the creamy base or swap in gluten-free flour for the roux if needed, without sacrificing any of that incredible flavor. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can also introduce subtle new dimensions, allowing you to tailor the soup to your exact preferences.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

So, what are you waiting for? This is your invitation to experience the magic of this nourishing, comforting, and utterly delicious soup. I genuinely encourage you to give this recipe a try; I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to create something wonderful in your kitchen, to share warmth with loved ones, and to enjoy a truly satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Once you’ve whipped up your own batch, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your favorite serving suggestions, or any creative variations you came up with. Your culinary adventures inspire me, and I can’t wait to see how you make this amazing soup your own. Happy cooking!