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Amazing Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe: 15-Min Prep
There’s just something about a big ol’ bowl of homemade soup, isn’t there? Especially when it’s chilly out, or you’re just feeling a little… blah. That’s when I reach for my creamy chicken soup recipe. I’ve been making variations of this for years, and this one? It’s just *chef’s kiss*. It’s got that perfect balance of savory chicken, tender veggies, and a rich, creamy broth that just hugs you from the inside. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm blanket on a cold day, and honestly, it’s one of my go-to’s when I want something truly satisfying without a ton of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Soup
Seriously, this recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s the kind of soup that makes you feel good from the moment you start cooking it. It’s super straightforward, which is a huge plus in my book. Plus, the taste? Oh my goodness, it’s just pure comfort in a bowl. It’s one of those dishes that just makes everything feel a little bit better.
Quick and Easy Preparation
You won’t believe how fast this comes together! With only about 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious, homemade creamy chicken soup on the table in under an hour. It’s perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something wholesome and tasty.
Rich and Flavorful Taste
This soup hits all the right notes. The chicken is tender, the veggies are perfectly cooked, and that creamy broth? It’s absolutely divine. The herbs add just the right amount of savory goodness, making every spoonful incredibly satisfying. It’s got that homemade flavor that you just can’t get from a can!
Perfect Comfort Food
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy chicken soup to chase away the chills or just lift your spirits. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in, or when you need a little something special to make you feel cared for. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Soup
Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready for this amazing creamy chicken soup! It’s pretty straightforward, and having everything prepped makes the cooking part a breeze. Trust me, the little bit of chopping is totally worth it!
Chicken and Aromatics
You’ll need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just cut them up into nice, bite-sized pieces – you know, easy to scoop up with a spoon. Then, for our veggie base, grab one cup each of chopped yellow onion, carrots, and celery. I like to chop them pretty uniform, about half an inch or so. And don’t forget two cloves of garlic; just give them a good mince. That little bit of garlic really wakes up the flavor!
Broth and Seasonings
We’re going to need six cups of good old chicken broth. I usually go for a low-sodium one so I can control the salt better myself. Then, for that classic soup flavor, we’ll add one teaspoon of dried thyme and one teaspoon of dried rosemary. Lastly, just have your salt and black pepper handy – we’ll season it to taste later on.
Creamy Elements
Now for the magic that makes it *creamy*! You’ll need half a cup of heavy cream. This is what gives our soup that luscious, comforting texture. And to finish it all off with a pop of freshness, grab two tablespoons of fresh parsley, all chopped up. It looks so pretty sprinkled on top!
How to Make This Creamy Chicken Soup
Okay, making this soup is a breeze, I promise! It really is as simple as putting things in a pot and letting them do their thing. Just follow along, and you’ll have a bowl of pure comfort in no time.
Browning the Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken going. Grab a big pot or a Dutch oven – whatever you’ve got that’s nice and roomy. Pop it on the stove over medium heat and add that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering a bit, toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. You want to let them cook until they’re nicely browned on all sides. This step really adds so much flavor! Once they’re browned, just scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate for a bit. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through just yet.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Now, into that same pot (don’t you dare wash it!), add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Give them a good stir and let them soften up. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them tender, but not mushy. Then, toss in your minced garlic and give it another stir for just about a minute until you can really smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
Simmering the Soup Base
Time to make it soupy! Pour in all six cups of that chicken broth. Scrape up any little browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where all the flavor is hiding! Now, add your dried thyme and rosemary. Give it all a good stir and bring it up to a nice boil. Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down to low, pop a lid on (or leave it slightly ajar), and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This is when all those lovely flavors meld together and the vegetables get perfectly tender.
Finishing the Creamy Chicken Soup
Almost there! Now, bring your browned chicken back into the pot. Give it a good sprinkle of salt and black pepper – taste as you go, you know the drill! The final, magical step is stirring in that heavy cream. Gently mix it in until everything is combined and the soup takes on that beautiful, creamy color. Heat it through for a few minutes, but please, *please* don’t let it boil once the cream is in, or it can get a bit weird. Just warm it up gently. And that’s it! Ladle it into bowls, sprinkle with your fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Soup
You know, even with a simple recipe like this creamy chicken soup, a few little tricks can really make it shine. I’ve picked up a few things over the years that just help ensure it comes out just right every single time. It’s all about those little details!
Achieving the Right Consistency
If you like your soup a little thicker, don’t worry! It’s super easy to adjust. Right after you add the vegetables and before you pour in the broth, just sprinkle in about 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir it around and let it cook with the veggies for a minute. It’ll help thicken the whole pot of soup beautifully once it simmers. No more watery soup!
Ingredient Quality Matters
Honestly, the better your ingredients, the better your soup will taste. Using fresh vegetables makes a huge difference – you can really taste the difference compared to using older produce. And for the chicken broth, try to use a good quality one, or even homemade if you’re feeling ambitious! It really does elevate the whole dish and makes this creamy chicken soup extra special.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Soup
This creamy chicken soup is practically a meal in itself, but it’s even better with a little something on the side! A warm, crusty bread or some flaky biscuits are perfect for dipping into that luscious broth. You could also serve it alongside a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Honestly, though, a big bowl of this soup all on its own is pure bliss!
Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Chicken Soup
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let that delicious creamy chicken soup cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll be good in the fridge for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Give it a good stir to make sure it warms through evenly, and definitely don’t let it boil once the cream is in there!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Soup
Got questions about this wonderful creamy chicken soup? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those recipes that has a few little tweaks you can make, and I get asked about them all the time.
Can I use different types of chicken for this creamy chicken soup?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are super convenient, you can totally use chicken thighs if you prefer. They add a bit more richness, which is lovely. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken is another fantastic shortcut! Just shred it up and add it in during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering to warm through. Easy peasy!
How can I make this creamy chicken soup dairy-free?
Making this dairy-free is totally doable! You can swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk (the kind in a can, not the drinking kind). It adds a subtle creaminess and a hint of coconut flavor that actually works really well with chicken soup. Just make sure to heat it gently, as you would with regular cream, and don’t let it boil!
What can I add to make this creamy chicken soup more hearty?
Oh, you want to bulk it up? Great idea! You can easily add some cooked noodles, like egg noodles or elbow macaroni, during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering. Rice is another great addition – cook it separately and stir it in just before serving, or add it to the soup pot during the last 15-20 minutes if you like your rice really soft. Cubed potatoes are also delicious; add them with the other vegetables and let them simmer until tender!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for homemade recipes like this creamy chicken soup can really vary depending on the exact brands of ingredients you use and how you prepare it. So, consider these numbers a general guide rather than a hard-and-fast rule! It’s always best to calculate it yourself if you need super precise details for dietary tracking.
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Amazing Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe: 15-Min Prep
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy chicken soup recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and add thyme and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Return chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in heavy cream and heat through, but do not boil.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with the vegetables and cook for 1 minute before adding the broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy chicken soup, chicken soup recipe, easy chicken soup, homemade chicken soup, comfort food
