Creamy Chicken Soup with Vegetables

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by prepping your vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and peel and dice the potatoes. If you’re using fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, chop them finely as well.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to soften. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Once the vegetables are softened, add the chicken broth to the pot. Stir in the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, so the vegetables can become tender and the flavors begin to meld.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Potatoes

Next, add the cooked chicken and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine. Continue simmering for another 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker, creamier texture, you can use a bit of flour to thicken the broth. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour with a couple of tablespoons of the hot broth from the soup until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture back into the soup, then let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your liking.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Frozen Peas

Once the soup is thickened to your preference, add the heavy cream to the pot, stirring it in gently. The cream will give the soup its velvety texture and rich flavor. Then, add the frozen peas (or any other vegetable you like). Stir to combine, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 7: Final Adjustments and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want a little extra brightness, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to balance the richness of the cream. Once everything is hot, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, remove the soup from the heat.

Ladle the creamy chicken soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, comforting meal.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Soup

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it’s the perfect addition to this soup. It saves time and adds a rich, savory flavor to the broth. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
2. Customize with Veggies: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables in your soup. Besides peas, you can add corn, green beans, or even some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
3. Make it Lighter: If you’re looking to make the soup a bit lighter, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. You may need to adjust the thickness and flavor to your liking.
4. Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves will infuse the soup with more complex flavors. Just make sure to remove any whole herbs like bay leaves before serving.
5. Blend for Creaminess: For an even creamier soup, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender. This will make the broth velvety and smooth while still keeping some of the veggies intact for texture.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Soup

This Creamy Chicken Soup with Vegetables is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich and creamy without being overly heavy, and it’s packed with hearty vegetables and tender chicken. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold winter day, serve a comforting meal to your family, or simply enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

Not only does it provide a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasonings, swap in your favorite vegetables, or make it as creamy as you like. And best of all, it’s simple to make, with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

So, next time you’re craving something satisfying and cozy, pull out your soup pot and make this Creamy Chicken Soup with Vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that warms your body and soothes your soul, one delicious spoonful at a time.