Craving the warm, comforting embrace of chicken pot pie, but dreading the calorie overload? You’re not alone! That flaky crust and creamy filling are undeniably delicious, but not exactly conducive to a successful Weight Watchers journey. But what if I told you there’s a way to enjoy all the flavors of chicken pot pie without the guilt? Enter: Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie Soup! This recipe captures the essence of the classic dish in a lighter, healthier, and incredibly satisfying soup form. It’s packed with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a creamy broth that will warm you from the inside out, all while keeping you on track with your goals.
This isn’t just another watered-down version of your favorite comfort food. This recipe has been carefully crafted to deliver maximum flavor with minimal Weight Watchers points. It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to ditch the guilt and embrace the deliciousness of this Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe!
Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers
For those unfamiliar, Weight Watchers is a program that assigns point values to foods based on their nutritional content – calories, fat, sugar, and protein. The goal is to stay within your daily point allowance to achieve healthy weight loss. The beauty of this Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe lies in its smart ingredient choices. We’ve made strategic swaps and substitutions to significantly reduce the calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor.
The first key ingredient swap is using lean chicken breast. Chicken breast is a fantastic source of protein, which helps you feel full and satisfied, and it’s naturally lower in fat than dark meat or chicken with skin. We’ve also opted for lower-fat dairy options like skim milk and light cream cheese (or even plain non-fat Greek yogurt!) to create a creamy texture without adding excessive points. Increasing the vegetable content is another crucial step. This soup is loaded with carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes – all packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which will help keep you feeling full and energized.
Finally, using reduced-sodium chicken broth is essential to control the sodium content of the soup, which is important for overall health. Each serving of this Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie Soup is estimated to be low in SmartPoints (though it’s always best to calculate the exact points based on the specific brands and ingredients you use). But the benefits of this soup extend beyond just the points. It’s a nutrient-rich meal that provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a healthy and satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.
The Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious soup:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and diced
* 2 celery stalks, diced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 1 cup peeled and cubed potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
* 1 cup frozen peas
* 1 cup skim milk
* 2 ounces light cream cheese or plain non-fat Greek yogurt
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie Soup:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the frozen peas.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the skim milk and light cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) until smooth. This will help prevent the milk from curdling when added to the hot soup.
- Slowly pour the milk mixture into the pot, stirring constantly. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly:
- **Preventing Curdling:** Whisking the milk and cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) together before adding it to the hot soup helps to prevent curdling. You can also temper the milk by gradually adding a spoonful of hot broth to the milk mixture before pouring it into the pot.
- **Adjusting Thickness:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir well to ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed. For a thinner soup, simply add more chicken broth.
- **Avoiding Overcooked Chicken:** Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned on all sides, and it will continue to cook through as the soup simmers.
Variations & Customization
The beauty of soup is its versatility! Here are some ideas for customizing this Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie Soup to your liking:
Want to make it vegetarian or vegan? Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and replace the chicken with cubed tofu or cooked lentils. Use plant-based milk and cream cheese alternatives to maintain the creamy texture.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup. You can also add different vegetables to the soup, such as mushrooms, corn, green beans, or spinach.
While this recipe is designed to be light and healthy, you can add a small amount of light cream or plain non-fat Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Just be mindful of the impact on the Weight Watchers points.
Consider adding some flavorful toppings such as fresh parsley or chives, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even some whole-grain crackers.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie Soup is delicious served on its own as a satisfying lunch or dinner. You can also pair it with a side salad or some whole-wheat bread or crackers for a more complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. For best results, thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To save time, you can prepare some of the ingredients in advance. Chop the vegetables and cook the chicken ahead of time, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the soup. This makes it a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Health Benefits of Chicken Pot Pie Soup Ingredients
This Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie Soup isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients! Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. The vegetables in the soup are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are important for overall health and digestion. The chicken broth provides hydration and electrolytes, which are especially important during cold and flu season.
Compared to traditional chicken pot pie, this soup is significantly lower in calories, fat, and sodium, making it a much healthier option. You can enjoy the same comforting flavors without the guilt!
Conclusion
This Weight Watchers Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a classic comfort food without derailing their weight loss goals. It’s delicious, easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and packed with nutrients. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #WeightWatchersChickenPotPieSoup! Remember, healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive. With smart ingredient choices and creative recipes like this one, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals while staying on track with your weight loss journey. Happy cooking!
