Soup. There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot bowl of it, whether you’re nursing a cold or simply craving something warm and satisfying. Jason’s Deli, a beloved chain known for its hearty soups and fresh ingredients, has built a reputation for making soups that hit just the right spot. Their soups are hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. If you’re a fan of their recipes, you’re probably eager to recreate that rich, comforting taste in your own kitchen.
One of the most famous soups on their menu is the Chicken Pot Pie Soup, which blends the best parts of a classic chicken pot pie into a creamy, savory soup. It’s an easy dish to make, and it requires ingredients that you likely already have on hand. In this post, we’ll break down Jason’s Deli’s Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe-guiding you step by step on how to make it at home. So, let’s get our spoons ready!
Jason’s Deli Soup Recipe
At its core, Jason’s Deli’s Chicken Pot Pie Soup is all about a creamy, flavorful base with tender pieces of chicken, hearty vegetables, and just the right amount of seasoning. It’s the ultimate comfort food in soup form. Whether you’re looking to replicate the exact soup you’ve had at Jason’s or just looking for a new dish to add to your repertoire, this recipe will give you that rich and creamy texture, plus a savory flavor that’s perfect for any season.
The best part? It’s super simple to make. No complicated steps or long hours spent in the kitchen. All it takes is a bit of time, some fresh ingredients, and a little patience. This recipe is designed to create a thick, velvety texture that mimics the creamy filling of a chicken pot pie, minus the crust. It’s an easy, soul-warming dish that you can serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side for that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
Ingredients Needed
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about the ingredients that will come together to create this magical soup. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or thighs if you prefer a richer flavor) – This will be the main protein in the soup, and the chicken needs to be tender, juicy, and easy to shred.
- Carrots – These add both sweetness and color, as well as a little texture. You’ll want them sliced or diced into small pieces to match the size of the other veggies.
- Celery – Celery adds a subtle crunch and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor. It’s an essential ingredient in any chicken soup!
- Onion – Yellow onion is commonly used in this recipe for its mild sweetness when cooked down.
- Garlic – A couple of minced cloves give the soup that extra depth of flavor.
- Frozen Peas – Frozen peas are convenient and bring that classic chicken pot pie flavor. They’re also vibrant and provide a nice pop of color.
- Butter – For creating a rich, flavorful base when sautéing the vegetables.
- Flour – This will act as a thickener for the soup, giving it that creamy texture we all love.
- Chicken Broth – To form the soup base. Chicken broth or stock is essential for that deep, savory chicken flavor.
- Half-and-Half (or Heavy Cream) – This is the key to creating a rich, velvety texture. You can opt for half-and-half for a slightly lighter soup, or heavy cream for maximum creaminess.
- Thyme – A few sprigs of fresh thyme or dried thyme will infuse the soup with aromatic flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste.
- Optional Garnishes – Chopped parsley or crumbled crackers (for texture).
Cooking Instructions
Ready to cook? Follow these easy steps to make your homemade version of Jason’s Deli’s Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Don’t worry; it’s simple, and the result will be so worth it!
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Prepare The Chicken
- Start by cooking the chicken. You can either boil it in a pot of water until cooked through (about 20 minutes) or sauté it in a skillet until golden brown and cooked all the way through. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Make The Roux
- Stir in the flour to create a roux. This will help thicken the soup and give it that creamy consistency. Cook the flour for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
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Add The Broth
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
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Add The Cream
- Stir in the half-and-half (or heavy cream) and bring the soup back to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and thyme. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
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Season
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the thyme sprigs if you used fresh thyme.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings, such as parsley or crackers, for extra crunch.
Ingredient Insights
Now that we’ve covered the basic recipe, let’s take a closer look at some of the ingredients and why they’re crucial for this dish.
- Chicken: Chicken breast is lean and easy to shred, but using chicken thighs gives the soup a richer flavor. It all depends on your preference!
- Carrots & Celery: These classic vegetables are the foundation of the soup’s flavor. The carrots bring sweetness, while the celery adds an earthy, slightly peppery taste.
- Half-and-Half vs. Heavy Cream: Half-and-half will give you a creamy texture without being too heavy, while heavy cream offers a richer, more indulgent soup. Both work well, but for a truly decadent experience, opt for the heavy cream.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a wonderful herbaceous aroma to the soup, which is essential for that “comfort food” vibe. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works as a substitute, just use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Frozen Peas: They’re perfect for this soup because they cook quickly and retain their sweetness. You could swap them for fresh peas, but frozen peas are often more convenient.
Expert Tips
- Make it Ahead: Like many soups, this one gets even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. If you want to make it ahead of time, simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
- Add More Veggies: If you want to pack in more nutrients, feel free to add extra veggies like potatoes, corn, or even spinach for a green boost.
- Thicken it More: For an even thicker soup, you can add more flour to the roux or mash some of the vegetables in the soup for a heartier consistency.
- For a Crispy Touch: You can make a “crust” by baking small pieces of puff pastry or biscuits and adding them to your soup for an extra crunchy texture that mimics a chicken pot pie crust.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this soup is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few fun variations to keep things interesting:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and substitute it with a combination of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, and peas. Add some veggie broth to keep it plant-based.
- Spicy Version: For a little kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. You could also swap the chicken broth for a spicy broth.
- Cheesy Version: Add shredded cheddar cheese into the soup for a cheesy twist! This will give the soup a gooey, creamy texture that’s pure indulgence.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch to thicken the soup.
Final Words
This Chicken Pot Pie Soup is one of those recipes that just makes you feel at home. It’s nourishing, cozy, and perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re making it for a chilly day or just craving comfort food, it’s sure to bring warmth and happiness to your kitchen. And the best part? You get to control every element, from the creaminess to the seasoning, ensuring that every bite is exactly how you want it.
FAQs
What Are The Most Popular Soups At Jason’s Deli?
Jason’s Deli is known for a variety of soups, with the most popular being their Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, Broccoli & Cheddar Soup, and Tomato Basil Soup.
Can I Find Jason’s Deli Soup Recipes Online?
Yes, Jason’s Deli shares some of their soup recipes on their official website, though not all recipes are publicly available. For homemade versions, various recipe blogs may offer similar recipes.
How Can I Make Jason’s Deli Chicken & Wild Rice Soup At Home?
To make Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, you’ll need ingredients like chicken, wild rice, carrots, celery, onions, chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings like thyme and pepper. The recipe typically involves sautéing vegetables, cooking the rice, and combining everything in a creamy broth base.
Does Jason’s Deli Use Any Special Ingredients In Their Soups?
Jason’s Deli is known for using fresh, high-quality ingredients in their soups, such as real cream, fresh vegetables, and quality meats. They focus on making their soups from scratch, avoiding artificial flavors and preservatives when possible.
Is It Possible To Make Jason’s Deli Broccoli & Cheddar Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, you can adapt Jason’s Deli’s Broccoli & Cheddar Soup recipe to be gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or a gluten-free thickening agent like cornstarch. Additionally, ensure that the cheese and broth are also gluten-free.
What Makes Jason’s Deli Tomato Basil Soup Different From Other Tomato Soups?
Jason’s Deli Tomato Basil Soup is known for its rich, smooth texture, achieved by pureeing roasted tomatoes and blending them with fresh basil, garlic, and cream. The addition of fresh herbs enhances its depth of flavor compared to traditional tomato soups.
How Do I Store Leftover Jason’s Deli Soup?
Leftover Jason’s Deli soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating or freezing.
What Are Some Common Substitutes For Heavy Cream In Jason’s Deli Soups?
If you’re looking to substitute heavy cream in Jason’s Deli soups, you can use options like half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream, depending on your dietary preferences.
Can I Make Jason’s Deli Soups In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt Jason’s Deli soup recipes for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, add all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function for vegetables and then pressure cook for about 20-30 minutes, depending on the recipe.
Are Jason’s Deli Soups Vegetarian-friendly?
Some of Jason’s Deli soups, like their Tomato Basil Soup and Broccoli & Cheddar Soup, are vegetarian-friendly. However, others, such as Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, contain meat. Always check the ingredients list or ask for specific details when ordering to ensure a soup meets your dietary requirements.