This comforting Soup with Chicken and Vegetables is a twist on the classic chicken pot pie, offering all the rich flavors you love without the hassle of a crust. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, savory broth, this hearty soup is perfect for family dinners and chilly evenings.
It’s not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the whole family will enjoy this filling and flavorful dish!
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of light butter (e.g., Land O’Lakes Light Butter with Canola Oil), divided
- 3 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped into small pieces (skinless)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup of carrots, sliced into small rounds or chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups Yukon gold potatoes, diced (about ½ inch pieces)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 ½ teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ¼ teaspoon dried sage
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups fat-free half-and-half (or unsweetened almond milk, or skim milk)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup frozen peas (do not thaw)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of light butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onions, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux
Next, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of light butter to the pot, stirring it into the cooked vegetables. Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in the flour. Stir the mixture continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw taste of the flour, creating a roux that will help thicken the soup.
Step 3: Add Broth and Spices
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid forming lumps. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, and sage. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Let the soup simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This simmering time will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes. This is the perfect time to taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch of salt or pepper to suit your preference.
Step 6: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and half-and-half (or your chosen milk alternative) until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the simmering soup while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the soup on low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. This step will create a creamy texture that mimics the filling of a chicken pot pie.
Step 7: Add the Peas
Stir in the frozen peas and continue to cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the soup has reached the perfect thickness. Be sure to stir occasionally so the peas are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once the soup has thickened and the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for an extra burst of color and flavor. If desired, serve with a side of warm biscuits for an added treat.
Conclusion:
This Soup with Chicken and Vegetables is not only a comforting and delicious meal, but it also serves as a versatile and nutritious option for any time of year. It captures all the rich flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie, but without the need for a crust, making it a lighter, more accessible dish without sacrificing taste. The creamy broth, combined with the tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and subtle blend of spices, creates a dish that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day or impressing guests at a casual family gathering.
What sets this soup apart is its balance of flavors and textures. The savory base is enhanced by the freshness of the parsley and thyme, while the creamy consistency brings everything together in perfect harmony. Plus, the addition of peas and Yukon gold potatoes provides extra heartiness, making this soup not only satisfying but also packed with essential nutrients. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare, taking only about 10 minutes to prepare and under an hour to cook. It’s the kind of dish that works wonderfully as a comforting weeknight dinner or as a meal prep solution that can feed the family for days.
Whether you’re serving it to children, adults, or a crowd, this chicken and vegetable soup is a family-friendly meal that everyone can enjoy. It’s an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still indulging in the cozy flavors we all love. This dish is versatile enough to adapt to different preferences—swap in your favorite vegetables, adjust the spices, or even experiment with different types of protein if desired. It’s easy to make adjustments to suit dietary needs, whether you’re opting for a dairy-free or low-sodium version.
So, next time you’re craving something warm, hearty, and full of flavor, give this Soup with Chicken and Vegetables a try. Its comforting, satisfying nature makes it the ultimate feel-good meal that will surely earn its place as a regular in your recipe rotation. Whether served with a side of biscuits, a piece of crusty bread, or even a light salad, this soup is a nourishing, well-rounded meal that delivers both taste and nutrition in every spoonful. It’s the perfect example of how comfort food can be healthy, easy to make, and enjoyable for everyone at the table.
