Creamy chicken soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day or when you need something warm and comforting. This soup is made with tender pieces of chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth that is rich and savory.
How To Make:
To make creamy chicken soup, you will need a few key ingredients. These include chicken breasts or thighs, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, flour, and butter. You can also add other vegetables like potatoes, peas, or mushrooms depending on your preference.
To start, you will need to cook the chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven until it is browned on both sides. The chicken should then be taken out of the pot and placed aside. In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until they are soft and fragrant.
Next, add chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the broth simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the vegetables to cook through. Melt the butter in a different pan and stir in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add the roux to the soup, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Once the roux has been incorporated, add the cooked chicken back to the pot along with any other vegetables you want to include. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Finally, stir in heavy cream to give the soup its creamy texture and rich flavor.
You can serve the creamy chicken soup with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs. It is also delicious with a crusty piece of bread or a side salad. Whether you are looking for a cozy dinner or a warm and comforting lunch, creamy chicken soup is a great choice.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken in the soup.
If you prefer a thicker soup, add more roux or cornstarch to the broth.
For a healthier version, use low-fat milk or yogurt instead of heavy cream.
To add more depth of flavor, try adding herbs such as thyme, parsley, or rosemary.
Avoid overcooking the vegetables since they may lose their firmness and become mushy.
Variations:
Add different vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini to the soup for a different flavor and texture.
Use different types of meat such as turkey or ham instead of chicken for a different taste.
For a spicier version, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the soup.
Add noodles or rice to the soup for a more filling meal.
Use different types of broth such as vegetable or beef broth for a different taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley
Instructions:
Over medium-high heat, preheat a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pot and cook until browned on both sides. The chicken should be removed from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and fragrant.
Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the broth simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the vegetables to cook through.
Melt the butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux. The mixture should be cooked for 1-2 minutes, or until browned.
Slowly whisk the roux into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Add the cooked chicken back to the pot along with any other vegetables you want to include. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Finally, stir in the heavy cream to give the soup its creamy texture and rich flavor. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
If desired, serve hot with chopped fresh herbs as a garnish.