Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Whole30, Paleo)
This Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup has all of the flavors of the classic comfort food casserole! It’s dairy free, gluten free, paleo, and Whole30. I’ve included a Keto option, as well!
I’m all about the comfort foods right now, and this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup might just be my new favorite! It’s creamy and delicious, and the leftovers are even better the next day. I realize not everyone has an Instant Pot, so I have included stove top directions below, as well!
If you are trying to keep things low carb or Keto, you can simply omit the potatoes. This soup will still be delicious!
What You Need to Make Whole30 Chicken Pot Pie Soup:
- Ghee
- Onion
- Celery
- Carrots
- Chicken Breasts
- 2 cups diced potato (one large or two small)
- frozen cut green beans
- chicken broth
- Sherry (omit for Whole30)
- dried sage
- nutmeg
- raw, unsalted cashews – I like to get these from Trader Joe’s.
The not-so-secret ingredient that gives this soup the creamy factor without the dairy is CASHEWS (raw, unsalted). A simple cashew cream is made from combining 1 cup of soaked (and drained) cashews with 1/2 cup of water in the blender, and blending on high until extremely thick and creamy (about 1 minute). If you aren’t able to have cashews, you can sub in 1 cup of coconut cream (or just use the thickened part on the top of a can of full-fat coconut milk).
For the chicken, I always get organic chicken breasts in my monthly Butcher Box! I love the convenience factor of having it delivered to my doorstep. It’s also nice to only have to worry about getting produce when I go shopping!
The sherry is optional, but I think it gives this soup really great flavor.
Do You Have to Soak the Cashews Before Making This Whole30 Chicken Pot Pie Soup?
If you have a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, you don’t need to soak the cashews. However it will definitely help to get your cashew cream nice and creamy without any chunks. When in doubt, soak them first! But it’s not a big deal if you don’t have time or you forget.
How to make This Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi
A while back I shared that I subbed the potatoes and instead used Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi in this soup. It tastes exactly like chicken and dumplings! The gnocchi are soft and pillowy and so good in this soup. If you want to try this method, simply add them at the same time as the cashew cream at the end! Stir and let them cook on “saute” mode for 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through.
While the ingredients for the gnocchi are Whole30 friendly, they would definitely be considered SWYPO for anyone doing a true round of Whole30! Use your best judgement and do what works best for you.
This soup makes amazing leftovers, as well!
Other Fall Recipe Ideas
Looking for some other easy & cozy fall recipes? Check out my Whole30 + Keto Green Bean Casserole or this Roundup of 25 Whole30 Soups, Stews, and Chilis!
Ok, let’s get cookin’!
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Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Whole30, Paleo)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp ghee or olive oil
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 3 pieces each
- 1 large russett potato (or 2 small - should be about 2 cups diced), peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 cup frozen cut green beans
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp sherry cooking wine, omit for Whole30
- 1.5 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp sea salt, more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cashew Cream
- 1 cup raw unsalted cashews
- 1/2 cup water
Equipment
- pressure cooker
Instructions
- Add cashews to a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak while you chop your veggies and prep the soup.
- Hit the "saute" button on your Instant Pot. Add in the tbsp of cooking fat (ghee or olive oil). Add in the onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant. Add in the chicken pieces, potatoes, green beans, chicken broth, sherry, and spices/herbs. Give everything a good stir. Lock the lid, turn the vent to "sealing", and cook on "manual" high pressure for 12 minutes.
- While it's coming to pressure, make the cashew cream. Drain the cashews and add them to a blender along with 1/2 cup of water. Blend on high for 1 minute or until VERY thick and creamy.
- Once the soup is done, manually release the pressure. Use a fork to shred the chicken right in the pot. It should be very tender! Add in the cashew cream and stir. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fresh chopped parsley and an extra drizzle of sherry, if desired. Enjoy!
Stovetop Directions:
- Heat cooking fat in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add in the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and beginning to soften. Add in remaining soup ingredients (except cashew cream). Stir. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook for 25-30 minutes until vegetables have softened and chicken is cooked through. While it's simmering, make your cashew cream using directions above. Use a fork to shred the chicken right in the pot. Add your cashew cream and stir. Serve with fresh chopped parsley and an extra drizzle of sherry, if desired. Enjoy!
129 Comments on “Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup (Whole30, Paleo)”
Amazing!!! Who knew cashews would be a great substitute for a creamy base?? Flavorful and full of veggies! I can’t wait to make this again!
I’m so glad you liked it! Cashews are pretty amazing 🙂 Thanks Lindsay!
How is it Whole 30 if there are cashews in it?
I’ll reply to my own comment – I’ve done the whole 30 twice and thought cashews were OUT! this opens up a “WHOLE” new door!
Cashews and all raw nuts are fine on the Whole30.
Could you add in some crockpot instructions?
Hi Judith, I added stove top instead of slow cooker since I am worried that the potatoes may get too mushy cooking all day in the crock pot. You can certainly try it. My recommendation would be to do all of the “saute” directions on the stove top, then transfer to the slow cooker and follow the rest of the directions. Cook on low 8-10 hours and add the potatoes during the last 2-3 hours of cooking time, and stir in the cashew cream at the end. I hope it works out!
This soup was full of amazing flavour. It was easy to make too! Thanks for all you do.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Jean!
I LOVE this soup!! Really easy to make and the cashew cream works so well. It’s definitely becoming a staple in our house. Baby loves it too!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Kelly!!
This soup is seriously so good! I love soup and I’m pretty particular about it and this one impressed me! Cashew cream is such a great addition and I’m so glad Mary made this recipe for everyone to enjoy!
Thank you, Rebecca! So glad you enjoyed it!
I made this for supper tonight and it was a huge hit!! I loved it. Easy to prep ahead and it tastes amazing.
Thank you, Hope! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Absolutely delicious! I’m super excited that I found this and will become a regular menu item! I soaked my cashews for an hour in warm water !!! Dynamite!!
Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it <3
What a great comfort soup for these fall days!
Thanks! Yes, I will be making this often!
I loved this!!! I didn’t have cashews on hands Ana I was looking for something quick so I used an immersion blender to get the creaminess. So good!! I also threw in some broccoli that was on its last legs. This is going to be a great winter staple for us!!!
Yay! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
This soup is amazing!! My 2 & 4 year old gobbled it up, my husband who is not GF/DF LOVED IT and even my mother in law said it was delicious (win, win)! This will definitely be a winter stable in our house. So easy to make and really SO delicious!
Hi Katrina! Thank you! I am so glad you liked it!
WOW! This recipe is AMAZING! While I was cooking my husband came out and saw the cashews soaking and made the comment, “what are you making again??” 🤣 However, once it was served he loved it. My kiddos (3 & 1) also devoured it.
Yay! I am so glad you all enjoyed it!
The perfect soup for a cold night! It’s so yummy and no one even knew it was dairy free.
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it!
So yummy! Hearty but light… perfect for a cool, fall evening. I have a hard to please three year old and even he ate it! I did the stove top version with coconut cream instead of cashew cream and it was delicious. I’ve never used coconut cream, so I was worried about there being a sweet taste, but it was perfect and not sweet at all! Will definitely make this again 🙂
Happy you loved it! Thanks!
Made this soup yesterday, used already cooked chicken and it was quick and easy!
Husband loved it and we will make it again. Love the cream of the cashews.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
The healthy chicken pot pie soup was AMAZING! The cashew cream was a perfect substitute for dairy without giving the soup an off taste. Even my husband said the soup was great – he didn’t even notice the difference! Will definitely be making this multiple times this winter.
Woo hoo – love when it’s husband approved! Thank you!
Just made this tonight. Whole family loved it! Great recipe!!! Easy too😊👍🏻
Awesome! Thanks Lynda!
Best soup ever! I’ve made it 4 times already and my family is obsessed with it. Such a great healthy alternative especially if you can’t have dairy. Amazing!!
Thanks, Kate! Glad you enjoyed it!
Soooo delicious!! Used coconut cream instead of cashews and used the Instant Pot. Holy cow, it tastes EXACTLY like chicken pot pie. Leftovers were even better! Will definitely be making this again.
Thanks Allison! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
This soup is delicious!! We made it for lunches and tastes just as good re-heated. We swapped frozen peas for the green beans and added kale once the soup came to a boil. I only wish I had tripled the recipe! Can’t wait to make it again 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Soooo GOOD!
We made this for dinner tonight and it was so delicious! Subbed radishes for the potatoes to keep it low carb, but can’t wait to make it again! Thank you so much!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Great to know radishes work!!
Ok- this is amazing. I have NEVER left a comment on a recipe but I had to for this soup!!! Already excited for the leftovers tomorrow. It’s so good!
Yay! Thank you so much!
Love this! I’ve made it twice now, the second time I used up left over turkey and turkey broth.
I’m so glad you like it! Thanks!!
THE BEST SOUP EVER
Thank you so much!
Do you have the macros per serving for this soup?
Delicious! Thank you for sharing this!!
Can you use cashew milk instead of soaking raw cashews? If cashew milk won’t work, I’ll try with the coconut cream instead!
I haven’t tried it but my initial thought is that it won’t make it creamy enough! I would just do the coconut cream 🙂
This soup is awesome! Comfort in a bowl. 🙂
Thanks, Lisa! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Can you use a different nut? We have a cashew allergy
coconut milk – I’ve detailed that option in the blog post 🙂 Unfortunately no other nut has the same texture as cashews.
I’ve made this soup three times and shared the recipe with all my friends!!! It’s soo good!
Thanks for spreading the word, Katie!!
Delish!
Such a delicious soup!
This has been a winter of soups in my house, I make soup at least once a week. This is definitely one of our favorites, I think I made it three weeks in a row. I love the versatility of being able to switch vegetables…broccoli is great! The fact that it is creamy but dairy free is definitely a bonus. Thank you Mary!
You’re so welcome Heather!
This is amazing!!! Easy, satisfying and you’d never know it was dairy free, Whole30 and keto approved. We love all of your recipes but this might be at the top of the list!!
Yay! Thanks Melissa- So glad you love it 🙂
I’m not one to typically leave reviews, but I made this soup tonight for this week’s lunches, and it’s one of the best soups I’ve ever had! Reminds me of Panera’s cream of chicken and wild rice soup, but Whole30 compliant/healthier. Definitely going to keep this as a staple in our house – thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it – Thanks, Danielle!!
Any suggestions of substitutions for the creamy part of cashews and coconuts are both not options due to allergies?
Unfortunately I haven’t tested it with anything except cashews and coconut milk – if you tolerate regular dairy, heavy cream or 1/2 and 1/2 would work! 1/2 cup!
SO DELICIOUS!
Thanks Taylor!
Omg was this good!!!! Ty for the recipe!!
Thank you so much, Niki! Glad you enjoyed it!
Oh my goodness! this is delicious! I just made it yesterday, subbed peas for the green beans and added Trader Joe Gnocci! Walked some over to my neighbor and EVERYONE loved it!!
Thank you Mary!!
another 5 star rating 🙂
woo hoo! thank you Terri!
Did you cook the gnocci first or throw in frozen?
No, just add them from frozen when you add the cashew cream at the end. Cook on sauté mode for a few minutes until they’re warmed through.
Is there nutritional information for this soup? We make it every week! Thats how much we love it! It is soo delicious!
Hi Kaylee! So glad to hear you love the soup! Unfortunately I do not have nutritional values/tracking available on my site yet but hope to change that soon!
How many people does this recipe serve?
4-6 people!
Delicious! The cashew cream is such a nice change from the usual Paleo ingredient of coconut milk. Really easy to make also. Thanks!!
Thank you Konika! I love the cashew cream as well!
So good!!! Tomato based soups are hard on my husbands stomach, so I am always looking for healthy broth based soups! This one was sooo good!!! Love how the cashews give it such a creamy indulgent feel but without heavy cream.
Thanks Tracey! I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Mary! I don’t have sherry. Anything else you suggest to give the soup an extra punch of flavor? Thank you!
Hi! I would just omit it – honestly it will still be delicious!
Love your blog!
Does Healthy Chicken Pot Pie soup freeze well?
Thank you!
Yes it does 🙂 Thanks!
I ran out of cashews! Can I used just coconut milk? If so, how much?
Yes – I mention in the blog post to sub 1 cup full fat coconut milk (just the solid part) 🙂
Amazing! Second time I made it, we added the Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi which just took it to an even higher level!!!!
I love adding those! So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks Christina!
This review is long overdue. This is hands down one of the best soups we’ve ever made. It’s so popular in my house my mom comes over demanding it! Thank you yet again! It’s deliciously perfect!
Woo hoo! Glad to hear it!
I love this soup, and my family loves it so much we even have it on a hot summer day!
Really delicious and I would highly recommend!
Thanks Megan!!
I don’t have cashews (don’t even like them lol) could I sub with a cauliflower purée?? 🤔
Yes that could work! Or you can just do coconut cream/the hard part of a can of coconut milk! It won’t be as creamy but still delicious!
This soup is AMAZING. I seriously make it once a week in the colder months. Today was my first time making it since March, and my soul was so happy. Make this! You won’t be disappointed.
Thanks Chelsea!
I love this blog and the recipes. This chicken pot pie soup is the bomb. Healthy and comforting, yet the creaminess comes from cashews instead of butter and cream. I took the soup to a friend recovering from surgery and she loved it, too! A dairy free meal was just what she needed. I’m always looking for easy and nutritious recipes for the Instant Pot and this one is a winner. I have 2 instant pots, so this weekend I doubled the recipe to make some soup for the freezer. Gold star! Thank you!
Thanks Laura!
Great flavor! Used coconut cream because I couldn’t find cashews, but still delicious! I love a white based soup. Can’t wait to dry this with gnocchi…. would be delicious!!
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
I made this today and used the coconut cream. It is amazing!! My husband reminded me twice to save this recipe so I can make it again!
Delicious and easy to make! Very warming and comforting as the seasons start to change here. Interested to try it with gnocchi next time (I will definitely be making it again)!
I’ve made this numerous times but am now trying to reduce my carbs. So, instead of eliminating the potatoes I used radishes (don’t knock it until you try it!). This is from Natalie at Tastes Lovely. She does that a lot in her soups/stews that she’s made Keto. I just used a small package of radishes cut in half (if they are pretty big) and it turned out great. My husband even says you don’t miss the potatoes at all.
In any case, this soup has the BEST flavor!
Yes radishes are a great low carb swap! So glad you enjoyed it, Melanie!
This soup was so wholesome and so good! Thanks Mary for another smashingly good recipe!
Amazing creaminess. I felt like I was having a meal from a nice restaurant. I ate it for dinner, then warmed up for lunch. I couldn’t believe I had made it! It’s one of those meals that you could serve to people with out any diet restrictions and they wouldn’t know it! We served it with Udi’s crusty bread.
Wow! This tastes amazing! So easy to make too! The instant pot makes this a breeze!
This was SOOOO good! My daughter is celiac and dairy free so it is wonderful to have a familiar comfort food that is easy to make. We are going to try it next time with the gnocchi from Trader Joe’s.
This is beyond good. Thank you for the awesome recipe.
So wonderful ! I used kitehill almond Cream cheese – Instead of cashew and our whole family was in heaven !
You should be very proud !
Thank you for sharing!
Tried this last night using what was left of our Thanksgiving turkey and it was so delicious! Easy to make and packed full of flavor. Our 5 year old even called dibs on the leftovers! Will definitely be making again.
The perfect chilly weather soup! The first time I made this I used roasted cashews by accident. This time I made sure to use the right kind and it was SO delicious! You can’t taste the cashews at all if you use unroasted, unsalted nuts. I did the cauli gnocchi instead of potatoes this time too and man, I’d give this recipe 10/10 if I could!
Thanks Chelsea!!
This literally left me wanting to lick my plate. I had to use beef broth because that’s what I had on hand, and it was great. I will definitely be making this again. Bless you Mary!!! P.S. could this be made into a GF pie or would it need to be thicker?
Thanks Olivia! It would probably need to be thicker – I will work on creating a pie version with a topping!
Made it both with and without the sherry…was good without, but let me tell you… That sherry made my taste buds sing the loveliest of melodies, I love this soup and I’m usually an anti soup gal. Trust me, this is way more than just ingredients floating around in hot water.
This recipe has a 4.99 star rating for a reason! Delicious and comes together quickly- I’ve made it a few times now and every time it’s been great!
Loved this recipe! Comfort food meets healthy alternative. So delicious, even my kids didn’t complain 👍🏻
Umm this was amazing! I’m blown away by how delicious, flavorful and satisfying this soup was! My non-dairy free husband also loved it. So excited that I have leftovers and will definitely make again!
Thanks so much, Kacy!
Loved this! Made it on the stovetop and it was still very easy
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!! Used leftover Christmas Turkey. Marys recipes are always a hit.
This is AMAZING! I can’t believe how much flavor Mary manages to pack into such a simple soup.