Soups & Stews
Transforming a classic pub favorite into a cozy one-bowl meal, this Campbell's pub style chicken pot pie soup delivers all the comfort of a homemade pie with none of the fuss.
The secret lies in layering creamy chicken and vegetable filling with a golden, crispy pie crust topping that seals in every flavor—just like your favorite pub dish. I've perfected this recipe to balance convenience with restaurant-quality results, using Campbell's condensed soup as the flavor foundation.
What sets this soup apart is the crispy crust that forms a satisfying crunch on top while keeping the filling rich and velvety.
You'll start with a simple simmer of chicken, vegetables, and Campbell's cream of chicken soup, then top it with a pie crust that bakes to golden perfection—no pie dish required. The result is a hearty, comforting meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in under an hour.
This recipe is ideal for chilly evenings when you crave warmth in every spoonful. The creamy filling is packed with tender chicken, carrots, and peas, while the crispy crust adds that pub-style texture you love.
It's the perfect blend of convenience and comfort, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when you're craving a taste of the pub at home.
Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy, flavorful broth. The crispy topping holds its shape beautifully, so you can even scoop it out for a satisfying bite.
This is the kind of dish that turns a simple meal into a memorable experience—just like your favorite pub stop.
Ingredients for campbell's pub style chicken pot pie soup
Sixteen ingredients. One bowl. All the cozy pub vibes without the fuss.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup 🍲 | 2 cans | Condensed, 10.5 oz each |
| Chicken Breast 🍗 | 2 lb | Boneless, skinless, cubed |
| Carrots 🥕 | 3 whole | Medium, peeled, sliced |
| Peas 🌱 | 1 cup | Frozen or fresh, thawed |
| Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Yellow, diced |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Chicken Broth 💧 | 2 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Milk 🥛 | 1 cup | Whole for creaminess |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | ½ cup | Cold, cubed |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 1 ½ cups | For crust |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 ½ tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Dried Thyme 🌿 | 1 tsp | Or 1 tbsp fresh |
| Refrigerated Pie Crust 🥧 | 1 sheet | Store-bought or homemade |
| Egg 🥚 | 1 whole | For egg wash |
The Campbell's soup is the flavor foundation—don't skimp on quality here. Grab the condensed version (not the ready-to-serve kind) for that rich, creamy base. For the chicken, boneless, skinless breasts work best since they cook evenly. I always grab the pre-cubed kind at Costco or the grocery store's meat counter to save time. The carrots and peas can be fresh or frozen—frozen cuts prep time, but fresh gives a little more texture. Look for bright orange carrots and sweet peas at the store, and if you're using frozen, no need to thaw them first.
No Campbell's soup? Homemade cream of chicken works—just simmer chicken, milk, and a roux. Short on chicken? Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut (use about 2 cups shredded). The pie crust can be homemade or store-bought—Pillsbury or store-brand refrigerated crusts are foolproof. Want extra crispiness? Brush the crust with egg wash before baking. The thyme is optional but adds that pub-style depth—if you skip it, a pinch of dried rosemary works too. And if you're watching sodium, use low-sodium broth and reduce the added salt to 1 tsp.
This soup reheats beautifully—just microwave until hot, about 2-3 minutes. The crust stays crispy for 3-4 days if stored properly (cover it loosely with foil to keep it from drying out). For make-ahead prep, assemble the soup (without baking the crust) and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake it fresh when ready to eat. The leftovers taste even better the next day—trust me, the flavors meld overnight. Portion into bowls for easy reheating, and freeze for up to 3 months if you want to prep for busy weeks.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Five-Ingredient Magic: I swear, this recipe is the kind of thing you’ll make just to prove it works. Chicken breast, a can of soup, and a handful of veggies—no fancy prep, no stress. The onion caramelizes while you slice, and the peas pop in the simmering broth like edible confetti.
- Creamy Pub Vibes: That Campbell’s soup base is where the real magic happens—rich, slightly tangy, and thick enough to coat every bite. Add a splash of milk (or even a little cream if you’re feeling fancy), and suddenly you’ve got a soup that tastes like it simmered all day in a London pub.
- Lunch or Leftovers: Between us, this is my secret weapon for busy days. Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ve got lunch for the week, a quick dinner, or even a potluck dish that’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds?” The flavors only get better the next day, honestly.
- Budget-Friendly Blanket: Chicken breast is affordable, frozen peas are cheap, and a can of soup? You’re already saving money compared to takeout. Plus, it stretches easily—double the recipe and freeze half for when you’re too tired to cook. Comfort food that won’t break the bank.
Step-by-step instructions for pub style chicken pot pie soup
Here's how to create that perfect balance of creamy filling and golden, flaky crust.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large pot, melt the 0.5 cup unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the 2 lb cubed chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside temporarily.
In the same pot, add the 1 whole diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the 3 cloves minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the 3 whole sliced carrots and 1 cup peas, cooking for 5 minutes until the carrots begin to soften.
Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks, then set it aside with the broth.
Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 cans Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup, 1 cup milk, and 1 tsp dried thyme. Pour this mixture into the pot with the shredded chicken and broth. Stir in the 1.5 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
Here's the thing—this is where the magic happens. The soup should be creamy but not too thick. If it feels too thin, let it simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes to thicken naturally. If it's still too thin, you can whisk in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble and Bake the Crispy Topping
Preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats, prepare the topping by cutting the 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust into 6 strips about 2 inches wide. Roll each strip out slightly with a rolling pin to make them easier to handle.
Transfer the creamy chicken mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. Arrange the 6 pie crust strips evenly across the top of the soup, letting them overlap slightly in the center. This creates that classic lattice pattern that makes the crust so appealing.
Create the Golden, Crispy Crust
In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 whole egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush this egg wash evenly over the pie crust strips. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden color and crispy texture.
Bake the pot pie soup in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. You'll know it's done when the crust looks crispy and the filling is heated through.
Rest and Serve
Remove the pot pie soup from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to cut into portions.
Serve the pot pie soup warm, straight from the baking dish. The contrast between the creamy, savory filling and the crispy, golden crust is what makes this dish so comforting. Don't forget to garnish each serving with a sprinkle of black pepper for that extra touch of flavor.
Pro Tips For Making Campbell'S Pub Style Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Sear the Chicken First: Skip the bland chicken—cut the breasts into bite-sized pieces, pat them bone-dry with paper towels, and sear them in a hot pan with a little oil for 3-4 minutes until golden. The Maillard reaction makes all the difference, especially when you’re drowning it in soup later.
- Sauté the Onion Low and Slow: Don’t rush this step. Cook the diced onion over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until it’s soft and translucent, not browned. Burnt onions turn the whole soup bitter, and nobody wants that in their creamy chicken pot pie.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: After adding the Campbell’s soup and liquid, keep the heat at a gentle simmer—just enough to see tiny bubbles breaking the surface. Boiling can turn the peas mushy and break up the chicken. This soup is supposed to be comforting, not a science experiment.
- Stir in Peas Last: Hold off on adding the peas until the very end—just 2-3 minutes before serving. They’ll stay bright green and hold their shape, which looks way better than sad, gray mush. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.)
Health benefits of this campbell's pub style chicken pot pie soup
Protein-Packed Comfort
This soup delivers a substantial 30-35 grams of protein per serving thanks to the chicken and Campbell's cream of chicken soup base. That's nearly half of your daily protein needs in one cozy bowl!
The combination of lean protein and complex carbs from the vegetables makes this an ideal meal for muscle recovery or keeping you full for hours. I always notice how satisfying it is—especially after a long day. 💪
Creamy Texture Benefits
The creamy base from Campbell's soup and milk provides a smooth, comforting texture that's easy to digest. It contains beneficial fats that support brain function, with about 12 grams of fat per serving—mostly healthy unsaturated fats.
The milk also contributes 15% of your daily calcium, which is great for bone health. Honestly, the creaminess makes this feel like a decadent treat without the guilt.
Vegetable Nutrient Boost
Carrots and peas add fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants to this hearty dish. One serving provides 20% of your daily vitamin A from carrots, which supports vision and immune function, while peas contribute plant-based protein and folate.
I love that these veggies sneak into the soup without changing its comforting nature. The peas also add a satisfying pop of texture that balances the creamy filling.
Low-Calorie Comfort
At about 350-400 calories per serving, this soup offers a satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling overstuffed. The protein and fiber combination helps stabilize blood sugar levels, making it a great option for anyone watching their calorie intake.
I often serve this when I want comfort without the heavy feeling that comes with richer dishes. The crispy crust adds minimal calories but maximum satisfaction!
Meal Prep Convenience
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping because it reheats well while maintaining its nutritional benefits. The protein and fiber content help keep you full throughout the day, making it an excellent option for busy schedules.
I make double batches on Sundays so I have hearty lunches ready for the week ahead. The Campbell's soup base also contains added vitamins and minerals, giving you extra nutrients with minimal effort. 💡
Digestive Benefits
The combination of lean protein, fiber from vegetables, and healthy fats makes this soup gentle on digestion while still being filling. The thyme and garlic in the recipe also have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can aid digestion.
I've found that this soup sits well after a long day, providing comfort without weighing me down. The creamy texture is also soothing for those with mild digestive sensitivities.
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this soup without Campbell's soup?
For a homemade version, simmer 2 cups shredded cooked chicken with 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/4 cup flour to make a roux. Add 2 cups chicken broth and season with 1 tsp thyme, 1.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp pepper. The texture will be just as creamy—just stir until thickened.
How do I get the crust extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, brush the pie crust strips with egg wash and bake at 400°F instead of 375°F for the last 5 minutes of baking. Pre-baking the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding the filling also helps. Store leftovers with a loose foil cover to maintain crispness.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes! Assemble the soup (without baking the crust) and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, bake with fresh crust for 25-30 minutes. For freezing, bake fully, cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What if my crust gets soggy?
Soggy crust happens when steam escapes. Fix it by brushing with extra egg wash before baking, or sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed cornflakes on top before baking. For already soggy crust, broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp it up. Always preheat your oven thoroughly to ensure even baking.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with 1.5 cups gluten-free flour blend and use a gluten-free pie crust. The recipe will work, but the texture may be slightly different. For extra binding, add 1 tbsp cornstarch to the filling. Always check labels on Campbell's soup for gluten-free certification.
