5 Cheesy Chicken Soup Recipes You'll Love
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
When you're craving comfort food with a hearty kick, our Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect remedy. This classic recipe will wrap you in its warmth, providing not just flavor but a generous dose of nostalgia.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- 8 cups of water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Preparation Steps:
- Poach the Chicken: Rinse the chicken inside and out, then place it in a large pot. Pour in the water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat, and let it simmer for about 1 hour until the chicken is cooked through.
- Make the Broth: Remove the chicken, letting it cool enough to handle. Keep the broth on low heat, and add the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooling, shred the meat from the bones, discarding skin and bones.
- Add Chicken and Noodles: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the egg noodles, stir, and cook for another 10 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
🍲 Note: You can strain the broth for a clearer soup, but the bits add more flavor.
Cheesy Chicken Soup with Cheddar
Now, if you're seeking a creamy and flavorful soup, our Cheesy Chicken Soup with Cheddar will melt in your mouth. It's like mac and cheese meets chicken soup in the best possible way.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Preparation Steps:
- Cook Onion: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the broth, milk, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Season: Add garlic powder, pepper, and season with salt to taste.
- Thicken: Whisk flour with some of the soup liquid to make a smooth paste. Add back to the pot and stir until the soup thickens.
- Cheese Time: Lower the heat, slowly add the cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, letting it warm through.
- Serve: Sprinkle with chives and serve.
🌟 Note: Grate your own cheese for a smoother, creamier soup.
Chicken and Broccoli Cheese Soup
If you enjoy combining classic flavors, our Chicken and Broccoli Cheese Soup will be right up your alley. This dish marries the richness of cheese with the nutrition of broccoli and chicken for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1⁄2 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps:
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, cooking until soft, then add garlic.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli, followed by the broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until broccoli is tender.
- Blend or Purée: You can use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to blend the soup until it’s mostly smooth.
- Add Dairy: Return the soup to the pot, add milk and heavy cream, and warm through.
- Cheese and Chicken: Slowly stir in the cheese until melted. Add the chicken and nutmeg, then season to taste.
- Serve: Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping.
🥦 Note: Don't overcook the broccoli, or you'll lose the vibrant green color.
Mexican Style Chicken Tortilla Soup
Bring a spicy twist to your kitchen with our Mexican Style Chicken Tortilla Soup, where the tangy tomato and spicy chiles meet creamy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1 avocado, diced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Preparation Steps:
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic.
- Simmer Base: Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and spices. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded chicken, letting it warm.
- Finish Off: Once warmed, turn off the heat and add cheese, stirring until melted.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with tortilla chips, avocado, and cilantro.
🌮 Note: Make your own tortilla chips by frying corn tortillas for an extra homemade touch.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Soup
For something familiar yet intriguing, our Cheesy Chicken and Rice Soup combines the best of creamy, cheesy comfort with the wholesome goodness of rice. It's a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 1⁄2 tsp dried thyme
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1⁄4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps:
- Cook Vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and celery until tender.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Add chicken, broth, thyme, garlic powder, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook Rice: Cover and let cook until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and cheese, letting it melt into the soup.
- Season and Garnish: Add salt, pepper, and parsley. Serve warm.
🥗 Note: You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable stock.
These recipes not only satisfy your cheese cravings but also provide a comforting warmth that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a simple dinner solution or something to impress guests, these cheesy chicken soups are versatile, delicious, and rich in flavor. The blend of creamy textures, savory ingredients, and the cozy warmth of cheese creates dishes that are both soul-satisfying and uniquely comforting. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes, and let the aroma of a simmering pot fill your home with joy and anticipation.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for these soups?
+Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great way to cut down on cooking time. Simply shred the chicken and add it according to the recipe steps.
What cheese works best in these soups?
+Cheddar and Monterey Jack are excellent choices for their melting qualities, but feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda.
How can I thicken these soups if they seem too thin?
+You can use a slurry of cornstarch and water, or flour mixed with some of the soup liquid, to thicken the soup. Add slowly, stirring to avoid clumps.