Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Bacon and Cream Cheese

Introduction
Imagine the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie — tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy sauce — transformed into a rich, velvety soup. Now, add crispy bacon and tangy cream cheese, and you have a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Bacon and Cream Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days or whenever you need a satisfying meal.

This soup is everything you love about chicken pot pie without the hassle of rolling out pie crusts. Thanks to the slow cooker, the flavors have time to develop and deepen as the chicken becomes perfectly tender and juicy. The combination of bacon, cream cheese, and seasonings creates a creamy, savory broth that coats every spoonful with irresistible flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or looking for a cozy meal-prep option, this soup is versatile and simple. Just set it and forget it! By the time you’re ready to eat, your kitchen will be filled with the aroma of a home-cooked classic. Pair it with biscuits, crusty bread, or a simple side salad for a complete, hearty meal.

---

Why This Recipe is Perfect

1️⃣ Easy, Hands-Off Cooking
This recipe requires minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker. Once you sauté the bacon, onions, and garlic, everything goes into the pot to cook slowly. You can go about your day, and dinner will be ready when you are!

2️⃣ Comfort Food at Its Best
The creamy, velvety broth is enriched with cream cheese and heavy cream, creating a texture similar to the filling of a chicken pot pie. It’s rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.

3️⃣ Bursting with Flavor
The trifecta of bacon, garlic, and onion creates a flavor-packed base. Add in the hearty chicken, tender vegetables, and classic pot pie seasonings like thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder, and you have a soup that tastes like it simmered all day.

5️⃣ Meal-Prep and Freezer Friendly
Make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for future meals. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

6️⃣ Family-Approved
Even picky eaters love this soup. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and bacon bits make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with biscuits or puff pastry twists for a fun, pot pie-inspired experience.

---

Ingredients List

Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need to create Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Bacon and Cream Cheese:

Protein

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) – Chicken breasts offer lean protein, while thighs give you a juicier, richer flavor.

Flavor Base

• 6 slices bacon, chopped – Cooked crispy bacon adds smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
• 1 medium onion, diced – Onions create a savory flavor base for the soup.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth and bold flavor.

Vegetables

• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) – Classic pot pie veggies add color, flavor, and heartiness.

Broth and Cream

• 4 cups chicken broth – The base for the soup, adding flavor and moisture.
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream – Makes the soup rich, creamy, and luxurious.
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed – The secret to a smooth, velvety soup texture.

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A classic pot pie herb that adds earthiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste) – Balances flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds subtle heat.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Boosts the onion flavor for extra savory goodness.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the garlic flavor.

Thickening Agent (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Used to thicken the soup if desired.

Garnish

• Fresh parsley – Adds a pop of freshness and color when sprinkled on top.

---

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Bacon

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crispy (about 5-6 minutes).
• Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a small amount of bacon grease in the skillet.

2️⃣ Sauté Onion and Garlic

• Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon grease in the skillet.
• Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
• Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (optional) and stir for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the soup.

3️⃣ Assemble in the Slow Cooker

• Transfer the sautéed onion, garlic, and bacon to the slow cooker.
• Add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, heavy cream, cubed cream cheese, thyme, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
• Stir everything well to combine, making sure the cream cheese is spread evenly.

4️⃣ Cook the Soup

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• After cooking, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
• Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything to combine.

5️⃣ Finish and Serve

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
• Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra bacon bits, and serve hot.

---

This Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Bacon and Cream Cheese is a creamy, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in. 🥧🍲 Enjoy the taste of chicken pot pie without the crust!

🍲🥧 Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Bacon and Cream Cheese 🥧🍲

---

Step 5: Equipment Needed

To prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Bacon and Cream Cheese, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Here’s a breakdown of the equipment required to make this comforting, flavor-packed soup:

1️⃣ Slow Cooker (Essential Tool)

• Why It’s Needed: The slow cooker is the star of this recipe. It allows for hands-off cooking, giving the ingredients time to develop deep, rich flavors while the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.
• What to Use: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal, especially if you’re doubling the recipe. Smaller slow cookers may not have enough space to hold all the ingredients.

2️⃣ Large Skillet or Frying Pan

• Why It’s Needed: The bacon, onion, garlic, and flour are sautéed before being transferred to the slow cooker. This step enhances flavor and helps thicken the soup.
• What to Use: A non-stick or stainless steel skillet works well. It should be large enough to cook 6 slices of bacon at once.

3️⃣ Tongs or Forks

• Why It’s Needed: Tongs make it easy to handle chicken breasts and remove them for shredding. Forks are essential for shredding the cooked chicken before returning it to the slow cooker.

4️⃣ Knife and Cutting Board

• Why It’s Needed: You’ll need to dice the onion, mince the garlic, and cube the cream cheese. A sturdy cutting board and sharp knife make prep work quick and efficient.

5️⃣ Mixing Spoon or Spatula

• Why It’s Needed: Stirring the soup while cooking ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed, and it also helps melt the cream cheese into the broth. Use a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon.

6️⃣ Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Why It’s Needed: Precise measurements are essential for the seasonings, broth, cream, and cream cheese. Use measuring spoons for spices and measuring cups for liquids and vegetables.

7️⃣ Soup Ladle

• Why It’s Needed: When serving, a large soup ladle makes it easy to portion the soup into bowls.

With this equipment, you’ll be ready to make a creamy, delicious slow cooker chicken pot pie soup.

---

Step 6: Tips, Swaps, and Variations

Want to customize Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Bacon and Cream Cheese? Here are some creative ideas to adjust the recipe to your liking:

💡 Pro Tips

• Sauté First for More Flavor: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and bacon enhances the soup’s flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Shred Chicken Easily: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to shred chicken quickly. Place cooked chicken in a bowl, and mix at low speed until shredded.
• Cream Cheese Hack: Soften the cream cheese before adding it to the slow cooker. This ensures it melts faster and creates a smooth, creamy soup.

🔄 Ingredient Swaps

• Swap Chicken Breasts for Thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts.
• Use Turkey Instead of Chicken: Great for using up leftover turkey after the holidays.
• Vegetable Substitutions: Fresh vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or green beans can replace or supplement the frozen mixed vegetables.
• Healthier Cream Alternatives: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. For dairy-free, use coconut milk.

✨ Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a touch of heat.
• Herb Twist: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end for extra cheesiness.

With these tips and swaps, you can make this soup as classic or as creative as you like!

---

Step 7: Storage and Pairings

Leftovers? No Problem! This soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. Here’s how to store it and some pairing ideas for a complete meal.

🥣 How to Store Leftovers

1️⃣ Refrigeration

• How: Store in an airtight container.
• Shelf Life: Lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.
• Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop. Stir well to reincorporate the cream.

2️⃣ Freezing

• How: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving room for expansion.
• Shelf Life: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop. Avoid boiling, as it may cause the cream to separate.

🍽️ Perfect Pairings

• Biscuits or Bread Rolls: Classic pairing for a “chicken pot pie” experience. Try buttery biscuits or dinner rolls.
• Crusty Bread: Sourdough, French bread, or garlic bread for dipping.
• Simple Salads: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Side of Rice or Noodles: Serve it over rice or egg noodles for an extra-filling option.

Whether you store it for later or pair it with delicious sides, this soup fits every occasion.

---

Step 8: FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and richness to the soup. Use boneless, skinless thighs for the best results.

Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and swap the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.

Q3: How do I make the soup thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q4: Can I cook this soup on high instead of low?
A: Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead of on low for 6-7 hours.

Q5: Can I skip the bacon?
A: Yes, but bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor. If you skip it, you may want to add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a similar effect.

Q6: Can I add potatoes to this soup?
A: Absolutely! Add 1-2 peeled and diced potatoes to the slow cooker for an even heartier meal.

Q7: My cream cheese didn’t melt completely. What happened?
A: If cream cheese doesn’t fully melt, it may have been added too cold. Next time, let it soften at room temperature before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also blend the soup at the end to smooth it out.

Q8: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! Double the ingredients, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the volume. A 6-quart slow cooker should suffice.

Q9: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A: Yes, fresh carrots, peas, and corn work just as well. Cut them into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

Q10: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Sure! Use shredded rotisserie chicken and add it during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.

These FAQs answer the most common questions, ensuring your Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Bacon and Cream Cheese turns out perfectly every time.

---

With these detailed instructions, tips, and storage advice, you’re ready to make Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Bacon and Cream Cheese a staple in your meal rotation. Cozy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, this soup is a must-try for any comfort food lover. 🍲🥧

Print