Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Lately, with the cold weather we've been having here in Northern California in April (of all months!), nothing beats a bowl of warm soup, especially when the forecast for the upcoming weekend is gloomy and rainy. But as the saying goes, "April showers, bring May flowers." I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the warmer spring weather to arrive! I'm looking forward to more evening strolls around the neighborhood with my family after being in a soft lock-down due to the Corona virus. How are you all holding up?

We're still not sure yet when we'll be going back to our normal routine, but for now we are enjoying being together at home and keeping healthy, taking all the necessary precautions of washing our hands, not touching our face, avoiding crowded places, etc. (Hey, I'm a nurse so this is second nature to me!). But most of all, thanking the Lord for His peace no matter what the circumstances around us might be!

At times like these I am reminded of Philippians 4:6-7, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." It's good to know that nothing takes our God by surprise, and He's still in control no matter what! But more importantly, through prayer His peace guards our minds and hearts from fear, anxiety, doubt, even discouragement, regardless of what's going on around us. I have to say, in a way, one good thing coming out of all of this is getting to spend more time with the family, having more game nights together, and finding new and exciting food ideas (even the guys come up with some great suggestions).

So back to this soup. . . I accidentally stumbled upon this recipe several years ago while searching for ways to use up my leftover cooked chicken after making homemade chicken broth. And boy am I glad I did! It's filled with tender chicken, tasty veggies and a creamy broth; all the flavors of a chicken pot pie, but in a soup! My husband and kids top it off with a dollop of sour cream. The guys (and Rachel) like it spicy, so sometimes they add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to it.

Well for now, we're just enjoying the simple things in life: like eating some chicken pot pie soup with a slice of sourdough bread as we sit around the dinner table, having the cozy, cracking fireplace (yes, we have it turned on even in April!) in the background, and remembering how much we have to be grateful for. This soup is definitely good comfort food!

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CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP

Ingredients:

• 5-6 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 medium carrots, diced

• 3 celery stalks, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 6 cups chicken stock (or water)

• 4 cups milk

• 1 cup half and half

• 6 Yukon gold potatoes, diced

• 2 cups frozen corn

• 2 cups frozen peas

• 3 cups shredded chicken (from 1/2 cooked chicken)

• 3-4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil until barely simmering, then stir in onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6-8 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent, stirring frequently. Add in the garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

2. Stir in the flour until it is completely combined, about 30 seconds. Gradually add in the chicken stock (or water), milk, and half and half.  

3. Bring mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the potatoes, corn, peas, salt and pepper, mixing to combine well. Then add the cooked chicken and continue simmering for 18-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and cooked through, stirring occasionally to avoid the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Add more milk as necessary to desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh, chopped parsley.

Serving Suggestion:

Dollop of sour cream and a slice of bread; add some sliced jalapeño peppers or hot sauce of your choice.