Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup – A Cozy Meal for Any Time
Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a delightful dish that warms the body and soul. With its hearty ingredients and simple preparation, this comforting soup is perfect for any season and can be enjoyed as a soothing dinner or a lunchtime favorite.
Why you’ll love it
This soup is not only tasty but also packed with nutrition. With shredded chicken and a variety of vegetables, you get a serving of protein and fiber that can help keep you full and satisfied. The creamy texture adds a rich flavor that makes this dish irresistible. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken while providing a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Substitutions & key variations
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream alternative for a lighter version. For a lower-carb option, consider using shredded zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of traditional vegetables. You can also add different herbs, like rosemary or parsley, to change the flavor profile according to your taste.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 2: Mix in the Seasonings
Once the vegetables are soft, stir in the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This step adds wonderful flavors to the soup.
Step 3: Add the Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will create a lovely base for your soup.
Step 4: Incorporate the Chicken
Add the shredded chicken to the pot and allow it to cook for an additional 5 minutes. This will ensure that the chicken is heated through and flavorful.
Step 5: Stir in the Heavy Cream
After the chicken has heated, stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through, stirring occasionally, until the soup is warm and creamy.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once everything is well combined and heated, serve your delicious Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup hot.
Success tips
- Temperature: Cook the soup over medium heat to prevent burning or sticking.
- Texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend it slightly with an immersion blender after adding the cream.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the vegetables, as they should remain slightly crunchy and not mushy.
How to serve Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Serve this soup hot, ideally with crusty bread or crackers. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor. This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each interval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup, but it’s best to leave out the heavy cream before freezing. Thaw and reheat it, then stir in the cream just before serving.
Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, but you will need to cook the chicken thoroughly before shredding it to add to the soup. You can add raw diced chicken at the start with the vegetables and cook it until done.
How do I make it gluten-free?
This recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or wheat-based products. Just make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This soup provides a good balance of protein and veggies, making it a well-rounded meal. You could also boost its fiber content by adding beans or lentils for added nutrition.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a wholesome dish that is easy to prepare and brimming with flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners or as a comforting meal for yourself. Give it a try today, and enjoy a bowl of warmth!
For more delicious recipes like this one, check out our links to related recipes below.
Links to related recipes
- Hearty Vegetable Soup
- Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Slow Cooked Chicken Stew
- Vegetable Chowder