New Year High Protein Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup Under $20 Feeds 8

Kick off your New Year’s resolutions without emptying your wallet or spending hours in the kitchen. This High Protein Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup is the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. We designed this recipe to feed a crowd of eight for under $20, making it perfect for meal prepping or hosting a cozy post-holiday gathering. You get all the creamy, comforting flavors of a traditional pot pie but with a massive protein boost to help you stay on track with your fitness goals. It is thick, savory, and incredibly easy to throw together on a busy weekday morning.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition values

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbs: 22g

Why Make This New Year High Protein Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup Under $20 Feeds 8

Starting the year with a budget-friendly mindset shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. This recipe uses affordable staples like carrots, potatoes, and bulk chicken breast to keep the cost per serving incredibly low. By skipping the heavy pie crust and focusing on a high-protein chicken base, you reduce the fat and empty calories while staying full for longer. It is the perfect solution for anyone looking to eat cleaner while managing a tight schedule. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, ensuring the chicken is tender and the flavors are deeply infused.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb yellow potatoes, diced into small cubes
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup frozen peas and corn mix
• 1.5 cups skim milk or unsweetened almond milk
• 3 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with a little water for a slurry)
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Prepare and Layer Ingredients

Start by dicing your potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion. Place the raw chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped vegetables and minced garlic on top of the chicken. Sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over everything to ensure even seasoning throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and chicken. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender enough to shred easily with a fork and the potatoes to be soft but not mushy.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Thicken

Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return the meat to the crockpot. In a small bowl, whisk together your milk and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this slurry into the crockpot along with the frozen peas and corn. Stir everything together well.

Step 4: Final Simmer and Serving

Cover the crockpot again and let it cook on HIGH for another 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the soup to thicken into a creamy consistency and heats the frozen vegetables through. Once the soup is thick and bubbly, give it one final stir. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Expert Tips for Perfect New Year High Protein Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup Under $20 Feeds 8

For the best results, cut your potato cubes into small, uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate as the other vegetables. If you want an even creamier texture without adding heavy cream, you can blend one cup of the cooked potatoes and broth before adding the shredded chicken back in. Always use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level yourself. If you are meal prepping, store the soup in airtight containers; it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Delicious Variations

If you prefer a lower-carb version, swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets. For those who aren’t watching calories as strictly, you can serve this soup with a side of toasted sourdough or a single refrigerated biscuit on top to mimic the traditional pie crust. You can also swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat, though this will slightly change the protein-to-fat ratio. For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the initial seasoning step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! To use an Instant Pot, follow the same layering steps but only use 3 cups of broth. Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release. Add the milk slurry and frozen veggies at the end using the “Sauté” function to thicken the soup.

How long does this soup stay fresh in the fridge?

This soup stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days. It is an excellent option for Sunday meal prep because it reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I freeze this chicken pot pie soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. However, the potatoes may change texture slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider undercooking the potatoes slightly or leaving them out and adding them fresh when you reheat.

How do I make the soup even thicker?

If the soup isn’t thick enough for your liking after the cornstarch slurry, you can add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water. Let it cook for another 15 minutes on high. Remember that the soup will also thicken naturally as it cools down.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The base ingredients of this soup are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and cornstarch are certified gluten-free. Avoid serving with traditional biscuits if you are following a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion

This New Year High Protein Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie Soup is the perfect blend of health, flavor, and economy. By spending less than $20, you can provide your family or yourself with eight hearty, protein-packed meals that satisfy those winter comfort food cravings. It proves that eating well doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Give this recipe a try this week and enjoy a stress-free, delicious dinner that supports your New Year’s goals!