Creamy Vegetable Chicken Soup Recipe: Winter Comfort in a Bowl

Ingredients

For this creamy vegetable chicken soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 lb (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional for thickening)

Preparation Steps

Here’s how to prepare your creamy vegetable chicken soup:

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Cook Chicken: Increase heat slightly, add chicken pieces, and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Add thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt.
5. Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
6. Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the flour with a little broth in a bowl until smooth, then whisk this mixture back into the soup. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes, stirring often to avoid lumps.
7. Add Cream: Reduce heat to low, stir in the heavy cream, peas, and spinach. Cook for 3-5 minutes more until the peas are tender and spinach has wilted.
8. Serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed, and serve hot.

⚠️ Note: Be cautious when thickening with flour; always ensure it’s well combined to avoid lumps in your soup.

Variations

Here are some variations to the classic creamy vegetable chicken soup to cater to different tastes and dietary needs:

• Vegan Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Replace the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening instead of flour.
• Add Mushrooms: For an umami boost, add sliced mushrooms when sautéing the other vegetables.
• Include More Greens: Add kale, swiss chard, or other greens for extra nutrition.

🌱 Note: For a vegan version, ensure all your ingredients, including the broth, are free from animal products.

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, there's nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a bowl of creamy vegetable chicken soup. This dish not only offers comfort but also packs a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition. With its rich broth, tender chunks of chicken, and an array of vegetables, it's a perfect meal for anyone looking to warm up and enjoy something hearty yet healthy.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few suggestions on how you can serve your soup:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve the soup alongside slices of rustic bread for a complete meal.
• Over Rice: Pour the soup over cooked rice or quinoa for a filling one-pot meal.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

This creamy vegetable chicken soup recipe is more than just food; it's a comforting embrace on a cold day, a hug in a bowl. It's versatile, easy to make, and offers numerous ways to customize to personal tastes or dietary needs. Next time the cold weather rolls in, or you just need something comforting, give this soup a try. You'll find it not only warms your body but also your soul.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

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Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just ensure you cool it completely before storing, and reheat thoroughly before serving.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

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To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables like potatoes, corn, or beans for extra substance.

What are some other ways to thicken the soup without flour?

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If you want to avoid flour, consider these alternatives:

• Puree some of the cooked vegetables and return them to the pot.
• Use a potato, peeled and diced, which will break down and thicken the soup.
• Stir in a mixture of corn starch or arrowroot powder with cold water for gluten-free thickening.

What if my soup turns out too salty?

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If your soup is overly salty, you can dilute it by adding more water or unsalted broth. Another trick is to add a peeled, raw potato to absorb some of the salt. Remove the potato after 10-15 minutes. A touch of vinegar or lemon juice can also balance out the saltiness.