Cozy Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe

Cozy Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

As the cold weather settles in, comfort food becomes a staple in many households. The warmth of hearty dishes brings a sense of coziness and satisfaction that is hard to replicate. One such dish that stands out during these chilly months is Chicken Pot Pie Soup. This delightful recipe encapsulates all the elements of the traditional pot pie—savory chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich, creamy broth—while offering the convenience of a quick and easy preparation method. With the help of an Instant Pot, you can whip up this comforting bowl of goodness in no time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed family dinner.

The appeal of Chicken Pot Pie Soup lies not only in its flavor but also in its simplicity. Unlike the time-consuming process of making a traditional pot pie from scratch, this soup version allows you to enjoy the same delicious taste without the fuss. By using an Instant Pot, you can significantly reduce cooking time while enhancing the flavors through pressure cooking. This method locks in moisture and infuses the ingredients with a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.

Understanding the Ingredients

To create a truly comforting Chicken Pot Pie Soup, it’s essential to understand the role of each ingredient in building flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

– Boneless, Skinless Chicken: The star of the dish, chicken provides a lean source of protein and forms the base of the soup. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy throughout.

– Olive Oil: A staple in many kitchens, olive oil serves multiple purposes in this recipe. It is used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, imparting richness to the dish while also helping to create a flavorful base.

– Vegetables (Onion, Garlic, Carrots, and Celery): These aromatic vegetables are the backbone of the soup, providing essential flavors and fragrance. Onions and garlic add depth, while carrots and celery contribute sweetness and a satisfying crunch.

– Frozen Peas: These little green gems add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness to the soup. Using frozen peas eliminates the need for extra prep work and ensures that you can enjoy the dish year-round without worrying about fresh produce.

– Chicken Broth: This ingredient is the flavorful foundation of your soup. Opting for low-sodium chicken broth is a great way to control the salt content while still achieving a rich and savory base.

– Heavy Cream: For that luxurious creaminess that makes Chicken Pot Pie Soup so indulgent, heavy cream is a must. It enriches the broth, making each spoonful velvety and satisfying.

– Dried Herbs (Thyme and Rosemary): These herbs enhance the flavor profile of the soup, introducing a fragrant aroma and earthy notes that complement the chicken and vegetables beautifully.

– Hash Browns: An unexpected but welcome addition, hash browns provide heartiness and texture to the soup, making it feel more like a meal and less like a standard broth-based soup.

– Cornstarch: While optional, cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent to achieve your desired soup consistency. This step is particularly useful if you prefer a thicker, creamier texture.

Understanding the importance of each ingredient can greatly enhance your cooking experience. From the comforting taste of the chicken to the aromatic base created by the vegetables, every component plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life.

Preparing the Soup in the Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for home cooks, especially when it comes to creating one-pot meals like Chicken Pot Pie Soup. The benefits of using this versatile appliance are manifold. Not only does it save time, but it also enhances flavor through its pressure cooking capabilities. The Instant Pot allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and delicious soup that tastes like it has been simmering for hours.

To get started, follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your Chicken Pot Pie Soup in the Instant Pot:

1. Sauté the Chicken: Begin by selecting the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add a drizzle of olive oil and let it heat up. Cut your boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the pot. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on all sides. This step is crucial as browning the chicken enhances its flavor and adds a delicious depth to the overall dish.

2. Add Aromatics: After the chicken is browned, it’s time to add the aromatics. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, stirring them into the pot. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. The combination of sautéed chicken and aromatics creates a flavorful foundation for your soup.

3. Incorporate Vegetables: Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. These vegetables not only contribute flavor but also texture and nutrition. Sauté them for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and absorb the flavors from the chicken and aromatics.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Now it’s time to introduce the remaining ingredients. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to avoid the burn notice. This step helps build an even richer flavor. Stir in the frozen peas, dried thyme, and rosemary, followed by the hash browns. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it at this stage.

By following these initial steps, you will have laid the groundwork for a comforting and satisfying Chicken Pot Pie Soup. The combination of sautéed chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a flavorful broth sets the stage for a delightful meal that is sure to warm you from the inside out. In the next section, we will explore the final steps to complete this cozy dish, ensuring that you can enjoy every last spoonful.

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Sautéing Vegetables to Build a Flavorful Base

The secret to an unforgettable Chicken Pot Pie Soup lies in the flavor base, which begins with the sautéing of vegetables. This critical step brings out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in your ingredients.

Preparing the Vegetables

Start by preparing the following vegetables:

– 1 cup of carrots: diced

– 1 cup of celery: diced

– 1 cup of yellow onion: diced

– 2 cloves of garlic: minced

Sautéing Process

1. Turn on the Instant Pot: Select the “Sauté” function and allow it to heat for a few minutes.

2. Add oil: Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pot.

3. Sauté the aromatics: Begin with the onions, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, continuing to sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Incorporate the vegetables: Add the diced carrots and celery, stirring frequently for about 5-7 minutes. This not only softens the vegetables but also builds a rich flavor base essential for the soup.

Combining and Cooking the Ingredients

Once your aromatics and vegetables are beautifully sautéed, it’s time to combine the remaining ingredients and let the Instant Pot work its magic.

Ingredient Combination

Add the following ingredients to your pot:

– 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts: cut into bite-sized pieces

– 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth: for a balanced flavor without excess salt

– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme: to enhance the herbal notes

– 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary: for a warm, earthy flavor

– 1 cup of frozen peas: for a pop of color and sweetness

– Salt and pepper: to taste

Pressure Cooking Techniques

1. Combine thoroughly: Gently stir to ensure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed within the broth.

2. Seal the lid: Close the Instant Pot lid securely and ensure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.

3. Select pressure cooking: Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode and adjust the time to 10 minutes for tender chicken and a well-cooked soup base.

Benefits of High-Pressure Cooking

Pressure cooking not only tenderizes the chicken but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. As the steam builds, it extracts the essence of the herbs and spices, resulting in a soup that is rich and aromatic.

Quick Release Process

When the cooking time is up, allow for a quick release of the steam by carefully turning the steam release valve to “Venting.” This method rapidly releases the pressure, preventing the chicken from overcooking and maintaining its juicy texture.

Finishing Touches

Now that your soup is cooked, it’s time to add the luxuries that elevate this dish to comfort food status.

Incorporating Heavy Cream

1. Add cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir gently. This addition will provide a velvety richness that is characteristic of classic pot pie flavors.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning: After mixing in the cream, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Thickening the Soup

For those who prefer a thicker consistency, you can use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the soup and allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it has thickened to your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your Cozy Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup can be as creative as you want it to be.

Garnishing

– Fresh parsley: Chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over each bowl just before serving. This adds a vibrant touch and enhances the flavor profile.

Pairing Options

– Crusty bread or flaky biscuits: Serve the soup alongside warm, crusty bread or flaky biscuits for an authentic pot pie experience. These pairings are not only delicious but also perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy soup.

Versatility

This soup can be enjoyed as a standalone meal, or you can serve it as a starter for a larger dinner. Its versatility makes it suitable for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional value of your meal is essential for maintaining a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving (based on 6 servings):

– Calories: 350

– Protein: 25g

– Fat: 20g

– Carbohydrates: 22g

– Fiber: 3g

– Sodium: 600mg

Health Benefits of Ingredients

The ingredients in this soup offer various health benefits:

– Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.

– Vegetables: Carrots and peas provide essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A and C, which boost immune function.

– Heavy cream: While calorie-dense, it provides a rich source of calcium and fat, which can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Conclusion

Cozy Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and comfort that can easily be prepared in a fraction of the time it takes to make a traditional pot pie. The ease of preparation, combined with the rich flavors and comforting textures, makes this dish a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings.

With its rich, velvety soup base, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in homes. Encourage your family to enjoy this hearty dish and consider adding it to your regular cooking repertoire. You’ll find that it not only satisfies hunger but also brings a sense of warmth and togetherness that is the hallmark of truly great comfort food. Enjoy making this delicious soup and watch as it becomes a beloved favorite in your household!