Cream Of Chicken And Vegetable Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, wholesome meal to warm up on a chilly day or just want something hearty and flavorful, Cream of Chicken and Vegetable Soup is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. This classic soup brings together tender chicken, a mix of vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy base that’s sure to fill you with cozy satisfaction. What makes this soup stand out is not only the depth of flavors but the versatility to make it your own based on what you have available. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using some shortcuts, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Let’s dive into how to make this tasty, creamy soup and what you can do to elevate it!

Cream Of Chicken And Vegetable Soup Recipe

This soup combines the comfort of chicken with the freshness of vegetables in a creamy base. The result is a velvety, nourishing bowl of goodness that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a starter for a special meal.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this rich and flavorful soup:

• Chicken breast (or thighs) – About 2 medium-sized breasts (skinless and boneless), chopped into bite-sized pieces.

• Vegetables

  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced (optional for added heartiness)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn (for color and sweetness)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (adds depth of flavor)
• Chicken broth – About 4 cups (for the savory base)
• Heavy cream – 1 cup (this is what gives it that rich, velvety texture)
• Butter – 2 tablespoons (adds a creamy richness)
• Flour – 3 tablespoons (for thickening the soup)

• Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)

Cooking Instructions

Making this creamy soup is a pretty straightforward process that will take you around 40 to 45 minutes, but it’s well worth the time. Follow these steps to create your homemade bowl of comfort:

1. Prep Your Ingredients

   • Chop the chicken into bite-sized cubes.
   • Dice the vegetables: carrots, celery, potatoes, and onion.
   • Mince the garlic.

2. Sauté The Chicken

   • In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

3. Cook The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add the butter. Once melted, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and the vegetables start to soften.
   • Add in the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring to release the aroma.

4. Make The Soup Base

   • Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir it in. Cook the flour mixture for about 2 minutes, this will help thicken the soup.
   • Gradually add in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once everything is combined, bring it to a simmer.
   • Add the thyme and rosemary. Let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

5. Add Cream And Chicken

   • Stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and bring it back to a simmer.
   • Add salt and pepper to taste. For extra creaminess, you can even throw in a splash more cream if you want a richer texture.

6. Final Touches

   • Once everything is simmered together and the soup has thickened to your liking, toss in your peas or corn for a burst of color and sweetness.
   • Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to let the peas or corn warm through.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy! This is great served with a side of crusty bread or crackers for that perfect dip-and-scoop experience.

Ingredient Insights

When making Cream of Chicken and Vegetable Soup, each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor profile, texture, and nutritional value:

• Chicken: Chicken breast is lean and high in protein, making it the perfect addition to keep the soup hearty yet light. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can opt for chicken thighs, which have more fat and give a deeper taste.
• Vegetables: The mix of carrots, celery, and potatoes creates a balanced base of flavors. Carrots add sweetness, celery brings a slight bitterness and crunch, while potatoes (if you choose to include them) add substance and creaminess to the texture when they break down during cooking.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient is essential for creating the soup’s signature rich and velvety texture. It’s what transforms a simple broth-based soup into something creamy and indulgent.
• Herbs: Thyme and rosemary are the go-to herbs in this recipe, providing that earthy, aromatic backbone that complements the chicken and vegetables. Their presence elevates the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
• Butter and Flour: The flour acts as a thickening agent to give the soup its creamy consistency, while butter enriches the flavor and mouthfeel. The combination of both is crucial for the silky texture.

Expert Tips

To take your Cream of Chicken and Vegetable Soup to the next level, here are some expert tips:

• Sear the chicken: Before adding the chicken back into the soup, try searing it with some spices and herbs like paprika or garlic powder. This will enhance the depth of flavor in your broth.
• Use bone-in chicken: For even more flavor, you could use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. They will add richness to the broth as they cook.
• Fresh herbs over dried: If possible, swap dried herbs for fresh ones. Fresh thyme and rosemary make the soup taste fresher and more vibrant.
• Thicken with a cornstarch slurry: If you prefer a slightly lighter option than flour, you can create a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a little cold water) and stir it into the simmering soup to thicken.
• Don’t skip the cream: While you can use milk instead of cream for a lighter version, nothing beats the richness that cream adds to the texture of the soup. If you want to cut down on calories, try half-and-half.

Recipe Variations

Want to get creative with your Cream of Chicken and Vegetable Soup? Here are some variations you can try:

• Add More Veggies: You can incorporate other vegetables like green beans, corn, or even spinach to change the flavor and texture of the soup.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. This adds a zesty, spicy twist to your classic soup.
• Chicken and Rice: Add some cooked rice to the soup for a heartier version. This transforms the dish into a more filling meal, perfect for those with bigger appetites.
• Use Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free alternative, swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk. This adds a subtle sweetness and makes the soup suitable for those with lactose intolerance or a vegan diet (just substitute the chicken for tofu or a plant-based protein).

Final Words

Cream of Chicken and Vegetable Soup is an enduring favorite that combines the best of both worlds-comfort and nutrition. The way it balances hearty chicken, tender vegetables, and a silky creamy base makes it not just a meal but an experience that warms the heart. It’s flexible, customizable, and can be adapted based on your tastes, dietary preferences, or what you have in your kitchen at the time.