Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that captures the essence of the classic American comfort food, Chicken Pot Pie, in a delightful soup form. This recipe takes all the cozy flavors of a traditional pot pie – tender chicken, mixed vegetables, creamy sauce, and a flaky crust – and transforms them into a bowl of warm goodness. With a history rooted in the evolution of American culinary traditions, this soup pays homage to the timeless appeal of comfort dishes that have nourished generations.

The history of Chicken Pot Pie Soup can be traced back to the concept of pot pies, which date back to medieval Europe. These dishes were essentially meat and vegetable fillings enclosed in a pastry crust, designed as a practical way to cook and serve a complete meal in a single dish.

As European settlers arrived in America, they brought their culinary traditions with them, including the concept of pot pies. Over time, this dish evolved and adapted to local ingredients and tastes. Chicken Pot Pie, in particular, became an iconic American comfort food, symbolizing warmth, family, and nourishment.

The transition from Chicken Pot Pie to Chicken Pot Pie Soup showcases the ingenuity of modern cuisine, where traditional dishes are reimagined for different occasions and cooking methods. The soup format retains the heartiness and flavors of the original while offering a more convenient and versatile way to enjoy the comforting taste.

SERVES: 4

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES

COOKING TIME: 20 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 sheet store-bought puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to create a roux, cooking for a couple of minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk or half-and-half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, frozen peas, and frozen corn to the pot. Stir to combine the ingredients.
5. Add the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the soup. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
6. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
7. While the soup is simmering, preheat the oven according to the puff pastry package instructions. Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and cut it into squares or circles to use as a topping.
8. Ladle the Chicken Pot Pie Soup into oven-safe soup bowls, filling them about 3/4 of the way.
9. Place a piece of puff pastry over each bowl, allowing it to slightly hang over the edges. Brush the pastry with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
10. Place the soup bowls on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake according to the puff pastry package instructions, usually around 15-20 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
11. Carefully remove the soup bowls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The pastry crust will be flaky and delightful.

CONCLUSION

• Chicken Pot Pie Soup celebrates the enduring appeal of comfort food by reimagining a beloved classic in a convenient and flavorful format. Rooted in the history of pot pies and the evolution of American cuisine, this soup captures the essence of comfort, warmth, and familiarity. By combining cherished flavors with modern cooking techniques, Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a testament to the enduring relationship between tradition and innovation in the culinary world.