If you’ve ever walked into a Potbelly Sandwich Shop and felt overwhelmed by the incredible smells wafting through the air, you’re not alone. Among the many menu items, one stands out for its warm, comforting appeal: Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup. This hearty soup is a game-changer, combining all the savory goodness of a classic chicken pot pie with the creamy, soul-soothing textures of a soup. It’s the perfect meal for chilly days, cozy gatherings, or even a quick and satisfying dinner.
The best part? You can make it at home! In this detailed guide, we’re diving into how you can recreate this delicious dish from scratch, all while offering you insights into every ingredient, expert tips, and creative recipe variations to make it your own. Let’s get started!
Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe
The beauty of the Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup lies in its simplicity, while still offering a rich, flavorful experience that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With a few carefully selected ingredients, you can achieve the same balance of creamy texture, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked vegetables that made this soup a fan favorite.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Breast or Rotisserie Chicken – Fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this soup. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, as it’s already seasoned and cooked to perfection.
- Butter – A good amount of butter is key to starting off the soup’s base, creating that rich, comforting flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – This is used to create a roux, which thickens the soup. It’s the backbone of the creamy texture.
- Chicken Broth – This provides the soup’s liquid foundation. For a richer flavor, opt for low-sodium or homemade broth.
- Heavy Cream – To make the soup irresistibly creamy and velvety, this ingredient is essential. It balances the richness of the butter and adds smoothness.
- Carrots – Sliced or diced, carrots add both color and a slight sweetness to the soup.
- Celery – This vegetable is essential for that classic “chicken pot pie” flavor, providing a nice crunch and earthy taste.
- Frozen Peas – These are a must-have! They add a burst of color and a touch of sweetness that complements the savory ingredients perfectly.
- Onion – For depth of flavor, chopped onion adds a mild sweetness and umami richness when sautéed.
- Garlic – Minced garlic enhances the overall flavor and gives the soup an aromatic kick.
- Herbs – Thyme and bay leaves are classic choices. They infuse the soup with subtle earthy and herby notes that elevate the dish.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning, these help balance the flavors and enhance all the ingredients.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s break down how you can bring all these ingredients together to create a bowl of comfort.
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Prep Your Ingredients
- Start by chopping the chicken, carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces.
- If you’re using fresh chicken, cube it into small chunks. For rotisserie chicken, shred it.
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Sauté Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced carrots and celery. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften and become fragrant.
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Make The Roux
- Add 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour to the vegetable mixture. Stir it in and cook for about 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. The mixture should thicken slightly.
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Add Broth & Cream
- Gradually pour in 4 cups of chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Then add the 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
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Add Chicken And Simmer
- Stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas, and herbs (thyme and bay leaves). Allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the soup has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
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Season & Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role each ingredient plays in this dish is crucial for getting the flavor just right. Here’s a deeper look:
- Chicken: Chicken breast is lean and tender, but it can dry out if overcooked. To keep it juicy, simmer it just until cooked through. Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option and provides extra flavor from the seasoning on the chicken skin.
- Butter & Flour: These two ingredients are the base of your roux, which thickens the soup and gives it that signature creaminess. The ratio of butter to flour is essential-too little flour will leave the soup too thin, and too much can result in a pasty texture.
- Chicken Broth: This serves as the liquid foundation of the soup. Low-sodium broth lets you control the salt levels, while homemade broth gives a depth of flavor that store-bought can’t always match.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient adds richness and a velvety texture to the soup. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but it won’t be as indulgent.
- Frozen Peas: These are key to adding some sweetness and color. Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of the chicken and broth.
Expert Tips
- Sauté the Vegetables Well: Sautéing the vegetables first helps to bring out their natural flavors. Don’t rush this step-it deepens the overall flavor of the soup.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh thyme gives the soup a vibrant, aromatic quality. If you’re using dried herbs, use about 1 teaspoon of thyme and 1 bay leaf instead of fresh.
- Cook the Roux Properly: Don’t skip the step of cooking the flour. If it’s not cooked enough, it can leave a floury taste in the soup.
- Simmer Gently: Once all ingredients are in, let the soup simmer on low to allow the flavors to meld. If you boil it too rapidly, the cream might curdle.
Recipe Variations
- Add More Veggies: You can switch up the veggies according to your preference. Corn, parsnips, or potatoes work well if you want to add a little more texture and variety.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux and gluten-free chicken broth. It’s an easy swap for those with dietary restrictions.
- Herb Variations: If you want a more robust flavor, try adding rosemary or parsley. These herbs bring out a fresh, earthy flavor that complements the chicken and cream perfectly.
- Spicy Chicken Pot Pie Soup: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Make it Low-Carb: Swap out the flour for a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum or coconut flour, and skip the peas for a lower-carb version.
Final Words
Potbelly’s Chicken Pot Pie Soup is more than just a dish-it’s a comforting experience. The creamy base, tender chicken, and sweet vegetables come together to create a meal that warms you from the inside out. The best part? You don’t have to leave your house to enjoy it. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can whip up this nostalgic, soul-satisfying soup whenever the craving hits.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Potbelly’s Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
The ingredients for Potbelly’s Chicken Pot Pie Soup typically include chicken, carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, butter, flour, peas, thyme, and seasonings like salt and pepper.
Can I Use A Rotisserie Chicken For The Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well in the recipe, adding flavor and reducing prep time.
How Do I Thicken The Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
To thicken the soup, you can use a roux made from butter and flour or add heavy cream. Another method is to let the soup simmer to allow it to naturally reduce and thicken.
Can I Make Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup In Advance?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What Kind Of Chicken Is Best For Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe. They are easy to shred and absorb the flavors of the soup. You can also use leftover cooked chicken.
Can I Make A Vegetarian Version Of The Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and corn. Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
How Long Does It Take To Make Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
The recipe typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to make, depending on your preparation speed. It includes time for chopping ingredients, cooking the chicken, and simmering the soup.
Can I Freeze Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that dairy-based soups, like this one, may separate when reheated. To prevent this, you can omit the cream before freezing and add it when reheating.
What Can I Serve With Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
This soup is perfect when paired with crusty bread, a side salad, or even a simple sandwich for a complete meal.
Is Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup Spicy?
No, Potbelly Chicken Pot Pie Soup is not spicy. It has a mild, creamy flavor with the comforting taste of chicken, vegetables, and savory seasonings. If you prefer some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.