Chicken Pot Pie Soup

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the carrots and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften.

#### Step 2: Make the Roux
Once the vegetables are slightly tender, sprinkle the flour over the mixture, stirring constantly to coat the vegetables. This will create a roux that helps thicken the soup. Cook the flour for about 2 minutes, stirring often, to eliminate the raw flour taste.

#### Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the soup to a simmer, making sure everything is well incorporated. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

#### Step 4: Stir in the Cream
Once the vegetables are tender, add the half-and-half or heavy cream to the soup, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The cream will create the rich, velvety texture that mimics the filling of a traditional chicken pot pie.

#### Step 5: Add the Chicken and Peas
Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the peas are tender.

#### Step 6: Season and Taste
Season the soup with dried thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, depending on your preference. If you like a bit of extra flavor, a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten up the soup.

#### Step 7: Serve
Once the soup is hot and well-seasoned, ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or crackers for dipping, and enjoy a comforting bowl of chicken pot pie goodness!

### Tips for Perfect Chicken Pot Pie Soup:

– **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** For a quick and easy option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a delicious depth of flavor to the soup.

– **Adjust the Creaminess:** If you prefer a lighter version of the soup, you can swap the heavy cream for milk or use a lower-fat half-and-half. If you want a richer soup, go for the full-fat cream!

– **Add More Veggies:** Chicken pot pie traditionally includes peas, carrots, and potatoes, but feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or celery to increase the nutritional value and flavor.

– **Make it Gluten-Free:** If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. To use cornstarch, create a slurry by mixing it with a little cold broth before adding it to the soup to avoid clumping.

– **Freezer-Friendly:** Chicken pot pie soup can be made in advance and frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop. Be aware that the cream may change texture slightly upon reheating, but it will still be delicious.

### Why Chicken Pot Pie Soup is the Ultimate Comfort Food:

1. **Hearty and Filling:** This soup is a complete meal in itself, filled with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth. It’s satisfying without being heavy and is perfect for both lunch and dinner.

2. **Simple Ingredients:** You don’t need to shop for anything fancy. Most of the ingredients are staples that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. The combination of everyday ingredients creates a flavorful, comforting soup that feels indulgent.

3. **Versatile:** Like the classic chicken pot pie, this soup is incredibly adaptable. You can swap ingredients, change up the herbs, or adjust the texture based on your preferences. Whether you prefer a chunkier or creamier soup, this recipe is easily customizable.

4. **Perfect for Leftovers:** Chicken pot pie soup is perfect for leftovers. In fact, the flavors often deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day. Simply reheat and enjoy!

### Pairing Suggestions:

This soup is wonderful on its own, but it pairs nicely with a variety of sides. A slice of warm, buttery bread or a crispy, toasted baguette is ideal for dipping into the creamy broth. You can also serve it with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

### Conclusion:

Chicken Pot Pie Soup is the perfect way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of a classic chicken pot pie in a lighter, more convenient soup form. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken and vegetables, this soup is the ultimate comfort food for any time of year. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients and start simmering up a batch of this comforting, creamy soup — it’s a bowl of pure comfort in every spoonful!