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Creamy Chicken Soup

Creamy Chicken Soup

Creamy chicken soup is a soothing and hearty dish combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, velvety cream base. Perfect for cold days or anytime comfort food is desired, this easy-to-make soup uses simple ingredients and fresh herbs to create a nourishing bowl full of warmth and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, shredded or diced

Fats

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Herbs & Seasoning

  • 2 tsp fresh thyme or 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 12 potatoes, peeled and diced (optional for extra heartiness)
  • 1 cup noodles (regular or gluten-free)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Poach or sauté the chicken breast or thighs over medium heat until fully cooked and tender. Once cooked, shred or cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and onions turn translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic last and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Build the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the vegetables to release their sweetness and blend flavors. If using potatoes or noodles, add them at this stage to cook through.
  4. Add the Cream and Chicken: Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half until the soup is silky and smooth. Fold in the cooked chicken, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
  5. Season and Finish: Add fresh thyme or parsley, and season the soup generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Warm the soup through (do not boil) to marry the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth if available for a deeper flavor.
  • Gently reheat soup to prevent cream from curdling.
  • Shred chicken while warm for easier shredding and better flavor absorption.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking and texture.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth if too thick or more cream for richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken soup, comfort food, chicken soup, creamy soup, easy chicken recipe, gluten free soup