Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and chop all vegetables, ensuring they are in bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Trim excess fat from the chicken, pat it dry, and season it lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Place the diced carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Lay the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the vegetables.
- Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried parsley, and bay leaf. Ensure the chicken is submerged in the liquid.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- The soup is ready for the next step when the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the vegetables are soft.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the soup.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
- In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and flour until smooth. This creates a slurry that will thicken the soup.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker, along with the frozen peas and corn.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the soup thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from curdling.
Step 6: Adjust the Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.
- For a classic pot pie feel, bake refrigerated biscuit dough, crumble the biscuits, and sprinkle them over the soup.
- Add freshly chopped parsley or cracked black pepper for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve hot and enjoy with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Customize the Vegetables: Swap or add other vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or parsnips based on your preference.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Add the shredded chicken in Step 4 instead of starting with raw chicken.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and thicken the soup with cornstarch instead of flour.
- Freezing Tips: The soup can be frozen, but dairy-based soups may separate when reheated. To freeze, leave out the cream and flour mixture, then add it fresh when reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker takes care of the hard work, making this a stress-free meal for busy days.
- Rich and Comforting: The creamy, hearty soup delivers all the flavors of chicken pot pie in a simpler form.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
Slow cooker chicken pot pie soup is more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of comfort that warms both the heart and stomach. With its tender chicken, rich broth, and flavorful vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try this easy recipe, and enjoy a comforting classic with a modern twist!
