Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Flaky Biscuits

Overhead shot of creamy, pale-yellow chicken pot pie soup, golden biscuits, and fresh herbs in a rustic white bowl.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Flaky Biscuits - Rich & Velvety
By Sandra
This recipe delivers a rich, velvety chicken stew topped with buttery biscuits that shatter into golden flakes with every bite. By utilizing a cold fat technique for the topping and a slow built roux for the base, we achieve professional level texture at home.
  • Time: Active 25 minutes, Passive 35 minutes, Total 60 minutes
  • Flavor/Texture Hook: Silky herb infused broth meets crisp, layered buttermilk biscuits
  • Perfect for: Cozy Sunday family dinners or cold weather meal prep
Make-ahead: Prepare the soup base up to 2 days early and bake biscuits fresh.

Imagine the smell of onions and carrots softening in a pool of golden butter, while fresh thyme fills your kitchen with that "holiday morning" vibe. That is exactly where this journey starts. Most people struggle with pot pies because the bottom crust gets soggy, or the filling feels like canned glop.

We are fixing all of that today.

This article shares the absolute best chicken pot pie soup recipe, complete with flaky biscuits. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table go silent for a few minutes while they just enjoy the warmth.

I remember the first time I made this for my family; I tried to rush the biscuits and they turned out like hockey pucks. Since then, I’ve learned the secrets to those towering, airy layers that we all crave.

We are going to build layers of flavor, starting with a proper sauté and ending with a biscuit topping that actually stays crisp. Forget the frozen pie crusts or the heavy, gloppy canned soups. This is about real ingredients coming together to create something that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Right then, let’s get the butter out of the fridge and start cooking.

Savory Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Flaky Biscuits

This soup is the ultimate solution for anyone who loves the flavor of a traditional pot pie but hates the fuss of a double crust. By turning the pie into a soup and the crust into individual biscuits, we get a much better ratio of "crunch" to "creaminess." It’s a total game changer for weeknight cooking because you can simmer the soup while the biscuits do their thing in the oven.

The magic here lies in the contrast. You have the 1.5 lbs of tender, cubed chicken breasts and the crunch of fresh carrots and celery, all swimming in a broth thickened by a blond roux. It’s light enough to eat a big bowl but rich enough to feel like a treat.

If you’ve ever felt like homemade soup takes too long, this 60 minutes timeline will prove you wrong.

When you drop a warm, buttermilk biscuit onto a bowl of this soup recipe with flaky biscuits, something special happens. The bottom of the biscuit soaks up just enough of that herby bone broth to become tender, while the top stays perfectly crisp.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to scrape the bottom of the bowl.

Why This Recipe is Your New Favorite Comfort Meal

The reason this specific soup recipe with flaky biscuits stands out isn't just luck it’s the way we handle the fats and the aromatics. We aren't just throwing everything into a pot and hoping for the best. We are following a specific order that respects how ingredients react to heat.

The Science of Why it Works The Maillard reaction creates deep flavor when we sauté the onions and celery, while the starch gelatinization from the 1/3 cup of flour ensures the 4 cups of bone broth transforms into a stable, velvety sauce.

This prevents the soup from separating or feeling watery after it sits.

  • Fat Suspension: By whisking the flour into the melted butter before adding liquid, we coat the starch granules in fat, which prevents clumping and results in a silky smooth mouthfeel.
  • Leavening Power: The 1 tbsp of baking powder reacts with the acidic buttermilk to create carbon dioxide, which is what gives our biscuits their incredible height.
  • Aromatic Infusion: Sage and thyme are fat soluble; by adding them to the butter early on, we "bloom" the herbs, intensifying their earthy notes throughout the whole pot.
  • Lamination Effect: Keeping the 6 tbsp of butter ice cold for the biscuits ensures that when they hit the hot oven, the water in the butter evaporates instantly, creating those distinct, flaky layers.

Chef's Tip: For the flakiest biscuits you've ever had, put your grater in the freezer for 10 minutes, then grate the cold butter directly into the flour. This keeps the fat pieces small and cold, which is the secret to a shattering texture.

The Culinary Science of Making Velvety Soup Bases

Understanding how our ingredients interact is the difference between a "good" soup and a "how did you make this?" soup. We use 4 cups of low sodium chicken bone broth because it contains more natural collagen than standard stock, giving the soup a natural body that feels luxurious without being overly heavy.

IngredientScience RolePro Secret
Heavy CreamEmulsificationAdd at the very end to prevent the high heat from "breaking" the dairy fats.
All Purpose FlourThickening AgentCook the flour with butter for at least 2 minutes to remove the "raw grain" taste.
ButtermilkAcidic LeavenerThe acidity tenderizes the gluten in the flour, making the biscuits soft rather than chewy.
Frozen PeasFlash CookingAdd these last; their residual heat is enough to cook them while keeping their bright green color.

When you're building the base, don't rush the onions. They need to go past the "raw" stage and into the "translucent" stage where their natural sugars begin to release. This provides a subtle sweetness that balances the salty bone broth and the earthy dried sage. If you want to dive deeper into classic techniques, the method here is quite similar to what I use in my Grandmas Homemade Chicken recipe, where the focus is on extracting every bit of flavor from the aromatics.

Planning Your Meal Prep with Success Checkpoints

To keep your kitchen stress free, follow this timeline. It ensures the soup and biscuits finish at the same time so everything is served at peak temperature.

  1. Prep Phase (0-20 mins): Chop the chicken into 1/2 inch cubes and dice the vegetables. Cube the 6 tbsp of butter for the biscuits and put it back in the fridge.
  2. Sauté Phase (20-35 mins): Get the 5 tbsp of butter bubbling and sauté the chicken and veggies. This is where you build the "fond" (the brown bits on the bottom of the pot).
  3. Simmer & Bake (35-60 mins): Once the broth is in, simmer the soup. While it bubbles, mix and bake the biscuits. They take about 15 minutes to reach that perfect golden brown.
Temperature
Ensure the buttermilk and butter are below 40°F before starting the biscuits.
Size
Cut chicken into uniform 1/2 inch cubes; any larger and they won't cook evenly with the veggies.
Consistency
The soup should coat the back of a spoon. If it's too thin, simmer for 5 more minutes uncovered.

Essential Pantry Items and Clever Ingredient Swaps

This chicken pot pie soup with flaky biscuits relies on high-quality staples, but I know what it’s like to realize you're out of something halfway through. Here is exactly what you need and how to pivot if necessary.

1.5 lbs chicken breasts
Why this? Provides lean, clean protein that absorbs the herb flavors beautifully.
2 cups yellow onion
Why this? The essential aromatic base for sweetness and depth.
1 cup carrots & 1 cup celery
Why this? The "mirepoix" foundation of all great comfort soups.
4 cups chicken bone broth
Why this? Higher protein and richer flavor than standard stock.
1/3 cup flour & 5 tbsp butter
Why this? These create the roux that thickens the soup.
1 cup heavy cream
Why this? Adds that signature velvety mouthfeel.
1 cup frozen peas
Why this? A pop of color and sweetness in every bite.
Herbs
1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 tsp dried sage, salt, and pepper.
2 cups all purpose flour
Why this? The best balance of protein for a tender crumb.
6 tbsp unsalted butter
Why this? Must be ice cold for maximum flakiness.
3/4 cup buttermilk
Why this? Provides tang and works with baking powder for lift.
Original IngredientSubstituteWhy It Works
ButtermilkMilk + 1 tsp Lemon JuiceThe acid mimics buttermilk's chemistry. Note: Slightly less tangy.
Chicken BreastsRotisserie ChickenSaves time. Note: Add at the end so it doesn't get tough.
Heavy CreamFull fat Coconut MilkSimilar fat content. Note: Adds a very subtle nutty undertone.

If you find yourself making this often, you'll see it shares many DNA markers with a Classic Comfort recipe, especially in how we treat the flour and butter to get that perfect "pot pie" flavor profile.

Modern Kitchen Equipment for Hassle Free Soup Making

Elegant serving of chicken pot pie soup with flaky biscuit, garnished with bright green parsley, in a white ceramic bowl.

You don't need a professional kitchen, but a few specific tools make this "Best Chicken Pot Pie Soup Recipe with Flaky Biscuits" much easier to execute.

  • Dutch Oven: A heavy bottomed pot like a Le Creuset or Lodge is essential. It holds heat evenly, which prevents the bottom of the soup from scorching while it simmers.
  • Pastry Cutter: This helps incorporate the cold butter into the flour without the heat from your hands melting it. If you don't have one, two forks work, but a cutter is much faster.
  • Bench Scraper: Great for folding the biscuit dough to create those layers without overworking the gluten.
  • Whisk: Necessary for making sure your roux and bone broth are fully emulsified.

Chef's Tip: If you want to deepen the flavor of the soup base, add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a tiny splash of soy sauce. It won't taste like soy; it just adds a hit of umami that makes the chicken taste "meatier."

Master Every Stage of the Cooking Process Today

Let's walk through the steps. Pay close attention to the visual cues cooking by sight and smell is much more reliable than just watching the clock.

  1. Sear the chicken. Melt 2 tbsp of butter in your pot over medium high. Add chicken cubes and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 5 minutes until the edges are golden and the meat is opaque. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics. Add the remaining 3 tbsp of butter to the same pot. Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 8 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  3. Build the roux. Sprinkle 1/3 cup flour over the veggies. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until the flour smells slightly nutty and looks like a thick paste.
  4. Incorporate broth. Slowly pour in the bone broth while whisking. Bring to a simmer. Add the thyme, sage, and remaining salt/pepper.
  5. Simmer. Return chicken to the pot. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the carrots are fork tender.
  6. Mix biscuit dough. In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the ice cold butter until it looks like coarse crumbs with some pea sized chunks.
  7. Form biscuits. Stir in buttermilk until just combined. Fold the dough over itself 3-4 times on a floured surface. Cut into 6 circles. Brush with beaten egg.
  8. Bake topping. Place biscuits on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes until the tops are deeply bronzed and the layers have visibly puffed up.
  9. Finish soup. Stir the heavy cream and frozen peas into the pot. Let sit for 2 minutes until the peas are bright green and the soup is glossy.
  10. Serve. Ladle the soup into wide bowls and place a hot biscuit right in the center.

Fix Common Issues Before They Ruin Your Dinner

Even the best cooks have days where things don't go as planned. If your chicken pot pie soup with biscuits isn't looking quite right, don't panic. Most things are fixable.

Why Your Soup is Too Thin

This usually happens if the roux didn't cook long enough or the broth was added too quickly. If it's watery, the flavor won't carry the biscuits well.

ProblemRoot CauseSolution
Thin/Watery SoupFlour wasn't hydratedSimmer uncovered for 10 mins or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp starch + 1 tsp water).
Tough BiscuitsOverworked doughUse a light touch; stop mixing the second the flour disappears.
Bland FlavorNot enough salt/acidAdd a squeeze of lemon juice or another pinch of kosher salt to brighten the herbs.

Why Your Biscuits Are Flat

The most common culprit here is warm butter. If the butter melts into the flour before it hits the oven, you lose the steam pockets that create the rise. Always keep your butter in the fridge until the very second you need it.

Also, check your baking powder if it's older than six months, it might have lost its "oomph."

Creative Recipe Twists to Keep Dinner Exciting

Once you've mastered this easy chicken pot pie soup, you can start playing with the flavors. It’s a very forgiving base that handles additions well.

The Freezer Friendly Prep

You can freeze the soup base (before adding the cream) for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight, bring it to a simmer, and then stir in the cream and peas. You can even freeze the unbaked biscuit rounds! Just bake them from frozen, adding about 5 minutes to the total bake time.

Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Pot Pie Twist

If you want something even heartier, reduce the flour in the soup to 1/4 cup and add 2 cups of wide egg noodles during the last 8 minutes of simmering. It combines the best parts of chicken noodle soup with the creamy indulgence of a pot pie.

This is a great variation if you're out of buttermilk for the biscuits.

Easy Weeknight Shortcut

Don't have time to make biscuits from scratch? Use a tube of high-quality refrigerated biscuits (the "grands" style works best). To make them feel homemade, brush them with melted butter mixed with a pinch of dried sage before baking. It’s a quick chicken pot pie soup hack that still tastes fantastic.

Storing Your Soup and Reducing Kitchen Waste

This soup recipe with flaky biscuits actually tastes better the next day because the herbs have more time to infuse into the cream.

Fridge
Keep the soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store the biscuits separately in a sealed bag at room temperature so they don't get soggy.
Freezer
The soup (without cream) lasts 3 months. Biscuits freeze well for 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium low heat. Add a splash of broth if it has thickened too much in the fridge. To crisp up the biscuits, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes avoid the microwave for the biscuits, or they'll turn chewy.

Zero Waste Tips: Don't throw away your vegetable scraps! Save the onion skins, celery ends, and carrot peels in a bag in your freezer. When the bag is full, boil them with water to make your own vegetable stock for future recipes.

Also, if you have leftover biscuits, they make incredible breakfast sandwiches the next morning with a fried egg and a slice of cheddar.

Perfect Pairings to Serve with Your Hearty Bowl

While this Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Flaky Biscuits is a complete meal on its own, a few side dishes can really round out the experience. Since the soup is rich and creamy, you want something bright or crunchy to balance it out.

  • A Crisp Green Salad: Use a simple vinaigrette with plenty of lemon and dijon mustard. The acidity cuts right through the heavy cream in the soup.
  • Roasted Broccoli: Toss some florets with olive oil and garlic, then roast until the edges are charred. The bitterness of the charred bits is a great contrast to the sweet carrots and peas.
  • Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts: A little bit of sweetness and crunch goes a long way here.

When you serve this, make sure the biscuits are the star. I like to split them in half and place them face up in the bowl so they act like little rafts for the chicken and veggies. It’s visually stunning and ensures you get a bit of biscuit in every single spoonful.

Trust me, once you try this method, you'll never go back to the frozen "pot pie" boxes again. It’s old fashioned chicken pot pie soup soul with a modern, easy to execute twist. Enjoy every bite!

Creamy, close-up shot of velvety chicken pot pie soup with golden brown baked biscuit and fresh herbs in a white bowl.

High in Sodium

⚠️

980 mg mg of sodium per serving (43% % of daily value)

The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to about 2,300mg per day for overall cardiovascular health.

Tips to Reduce Sodium in Your Chicken Pot Pie Soup

  • 🥣Low-Sodium Broth-30%

    Switch to a low-sodium or no-sodium chicken bone broth. This simple swap significantly cuts down on sodium without sacrificing flavor.

  • 🧂Reduce Added Salt-25%

    Halve the amount of added salt called for in both the soup and the dough recipe. You can always add more to taste, but it's better to start with less.

  • 🧈Unsalted Butter-15%

    Ensure you are using truly unsalted butter in both the soup and the dough. Even 'lightly salted' butter contributes sodium.

  • 🌿Fresh Herbs

    Use plenty of fresh herbs to enhance the flavor of the soup. Consider adding more thyme and sage to compensate for the reduced salt.

Estimated Reduction: Up to 60% less sodium (approximately 392 mg per serving)

Recipe FAQs

What makes the biscuits so flaky in chicken pot pie soup?

Keeping the butter ice cold is key. When the cold butter hits the hot oven, it creates steam pockets that separate the dough into distinct, flaky layers.

Can I make the soup base ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely. Prepare the soup base up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before adding the cream and peas, and bake the biscuits fresh for serving.

My biscuits turned out tough. What did I do wrong?

You likely overworked the dough. Mix the biscuit ingredients until just combined; overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough texture. Use a light touch when forming the dough.

My soup is too thin. How can I thicken it?

Simmer it uncovered or add a cornstarch slurry. If the roux didn't thicken enough, simmering the soup longer will reduce the liquid. Alternatively, whisk 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tsp water and stir it into the simmering soup until thickened.

Is it necessary to sauté the vegetables before adding the broth?

Yes, it builds essential flavor. Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery allows them to soften and release their natural sugars, creating a deeper, more complex flavor base for the soup, similar to the foundational steps in Creamy Homemade Potato Soup Silky Velvety and Never Gluey.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, it's a great shortcut. Shredded rotisserie chicken can be added at the very end of the soup cooking process, just before serving, to prevent it from becoming dry or tough. It absorbs the flavors beautifully.

How can I make this soup even heartier?

Add wide egg noodles during the last 8 minutes of simmering. This transforms the dish into a delightful hybrid, reminiscent of the satisfying textures found in Ultimate Comfort: How to Make Soup Crack Chicken Creamy Bliss.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup Biscuits

Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Flaky Biscuits - Rich & Velvety Recipe Card
Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Flaky Biscuits - Rich & Velvety Recipe Card
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Preparation time:20 Mins
Cooking time:40 Mins
Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts:

Calories785 kcal
Protein49 g
Fat41 g
Carbs47 g
Fiber3 g
Sugar4 g
Sodium980 mg

Recipe Info:

CategoryMain Course
CuisineAmerican

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