5 Creamy Chicken Soups You Must Try

The allure of chicken soup is universal, spanning cultures and cuisines with its comforting warmth and rich flavors. While the classic chicken soup holds a special place in many hearts, there's an entire world of creamy chicken soups waiting to be explored. These soups not only provide comfort but also bring a velvety texture and a depth of flavor that can make any meal special. Here, we delve into five creamy chicken soups that you absolutely must try, each offering a unique taste profile and culinary adventure.

1. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Soup

Overview: This soup brings the rustic charm of Italy to your table, featuring ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a hint of garlic, all bound together by a creamy, flavorful broth.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into chunks
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
  • 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
  • Add chicken chunks, cook until they turn white, then stir in the Italian seasoning.
  • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for about 10 minutes.
  • Add cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, then cook for another 5 minutes until the soup is heated through and spinach is wilted.
  • Season with salt and pepper, serve hot with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

🌟 Note: For an extra layer of flavor, soak the sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 20 minutes before using.

2. Coconut Curry Chicken Soup

Overview: Infuse your kitchen with the aromatic scents of the Far East with this soup that marries the creaminess of coconut milk with the spice of curry.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
  • 1 can (13.5 ounces) of coconut milk
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Instructions:
  • Heat coconut oil in a pot, add sliced onions and curry powder, cook until onions are soft.
  • Add chicken and brown slightly, then pour in coconut milk and chicken stock.
  • Stir in bell pepper, mushrooms, and fish sauce, simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt, serve garnished with cilantro.

🌶 Note: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or spicy curry powder, and for a vegan twist, substitute chicken with tofu or add more vegetables.

3. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Overview: A Midwest favorite, this soup combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with a creamy base, perfect for chilly evenings.

• Ingredients:
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  • In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil, add wild rice, and cook according to package instructions.
  • In another pot, melt butter over medium heat, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until tender.
  • Whisk in flour, thyme, and pepper, cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the cooked rice with its broth, bring to a simmer.
  • Add shredded chicken, then stir in heavy cream, simmer for about 5 more minutes.
  • Season with salt, serve warm.

4. French Velouté Chicken Soup

Overview: A refined soup from France, the Velouté showcases the elegance of simplicity with its smooth, silky texture, achieved through careful technique rather than heavy ingredients.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound chicken meat, diced
  • Fresh chives, finely chopped for garnish
  • Salt and white pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour to make a roux, cook for 2 minutes.
  • Gradually add chicken stock, stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
  • Add chicken, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and white pepper, heat without boiling.
  • Serve in bowls, garnished with chives.

🍲 Note: The key to a true velouté is the smooth integration of ingredients without lumps; use a sieve if necessary to strain out any impurities.

5. Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Overview: A twist on the traditional Tex-Mex dish, this soup combines creamy texture with spicy, bold flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (4 ounces) green chiles
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound chicken breasts
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • Tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, avocado for toppings
• Instructions:
  • In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
  • Add tomatoes, chiles, chili powder, and cumin; cook for 5 minutes.
  • Pour in chicken broth, add chicken breasts, bring to a boil then reduce to simmer, cooking until chicken is done.
  • Remove chicken, shred, return to pot, stir in cream and corn, simmer for 10 more minutes.
  • Serve with tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices.

Each of these creamy chicken soups brings something unique to the table, from the subtle flavors of France to the bold tastes of Tex-Mex. They offer a range of textures, ingredients, and cultural influences that can inspire anyone looking to explore beyond the conventional chicken soup. Whether you're looking for warmth on a cold day, a sophisticated dish to impress at dinner, or a fusion of flavors that excites the palate, these soups are perfect examples of how versatile and comforting chicken soup can be. Exploring these recipes not only provides a cozy experience but also introduces you to a world of culinary delights that go well beyond the ordinary. Enjoy these creamy delights with good company, and let each spoonful transport you to different corners of the world, right from the comfort of your home.

Can these soups be made in advance?

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Yes, most creamy chicken soups can be made in advance. For the best taste and texture, reheat gently, and avoid boiling to keep the soup from separating. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Some soups, like the Velouté, are better prepared fresh due to their delicate nature, but they can still be refrigerated for a day or two.

What are some vegetarian alternatives for these soups?

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For a vegetarian take on these soups, you can substitute chicken with ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, or various types of beans. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. For example, use mushrooms in the Coconut Curry Soup for a similar texture, or add chickpeas to the Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup.

How can I thicken my creamy chicken soup if it’s too thin?

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To thicken soup, you can:

• Add a roux (butter and flour mixture cooked and whisked into the soup).
• Use a slurry of cornstarch and water, then stir into the soup and let it simmer.
• Incorporate pureed starchy vegetables like potatoes or beans for a natural thickening effect.
• Cook the soup uncovered for a longer time to reduce the liquid.