A Soul-Warming Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup Perfect for All Seasons
There’s nothing quite like a creamy chicken vegetable soup to soothe the soul and nourish the body. This delightful dish is a staple in many households, especially during the cooler months, but its vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a favorite year-round. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Homemade chicken soup has been cherished for generations, often hailed for its healing properties and comforting nature.
Why You Will Love This Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup
- Healthy and Nutritious: This soup is loaded with fresh vegetables, lean chicken, and a creamy base that doesn’t rely on heavy cream, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for beginner cooks, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring a perfect pot of soup every time.
- Versatile: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a light snack. This soup is versatile and fits into any meal plan.
- Comfort Food: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of soup, making it perfect for those chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out vegetables or add your favorite herbs and spices to make this soup your own.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
- Chicken: A great source of protein and essential nutrients, chicken adds a hearty component to this soup.
- Carrots, Celery, and Potatoes: These vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to the soup’s nutritional value and enhancing its flavor.
- Creamy Base: A combination of milk and a touch of flour provides the creamy texture without the need for heavy cream, reducing the overall fat content.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Soup
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Proper Sautéing: Sautéing the vegetables and chicken before adding the broth helps to build a deeper, richer flavor base.
- Season Gradually: Season the soup in stages to ensure that the flavors develop evenly and are well-balanced.
Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup
Description
Creamy chicken vegetable soup is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for any time of year. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying. It's easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire.
Main Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Chop the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, chop the celery, and cube the potatoes.- Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables and Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Add the carrots, celery, and potatoes, sauté for another 5 minutes.
- Add the diced chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
Create the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil.- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Make the Creamy Base:
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth.- Gradually add the milk mixture to the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes until it thickens.
Add the Final Ingredients:
Stir in the frozen peas and chopped parsley.- Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the peas are heated through.
6. Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 650mg28%
- Potassium 900mg26%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 25g50%
- Vitamin A 8000 IU
- Vitamin C 20 mg
- Calcium 100 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 50 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 25 mcg
- Thiamin 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin 0.4 mg
- Niacin 10 mg
- Vitamin B6 1 mg
- Folate 50 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Biotin 5 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 200 mg
- Iodine 30 mcg
- Magnesium 40 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.2 mg
- Chromium 10 mcg
- Molybdenum 20 mcg
- Chloride 300 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
- To make the soup dairy-free, substitute the milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
- Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving can brighten up the flavors.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips & Tricks:
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or dill can elevate the flavor of the soup.
- Homemade Broth: Using homemade chicken broth can significantly enhance the taste.
- Even Sizing: Cut all vegetables to a similar size for even cooking.
- Low Heat for Creaminess: Simmer the soup on low heat after adding the milk mixture to prevent curdling.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty baguette or garlic bread.
- Light Salad: Pair with a light green salad for a balanced meal.
- Sandwich: A grilled cheese sandwich can complement the soup perfectly.
- Garnishes: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
- Drink Pairing: A glass of white wine or a warm cup of tea can be a great accompaniment.
Dietary Restrictions:
- Not suitable for dairy-free diets without modifications.
- Not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.
- Contains gluten, not suitable for gluten-free diets without modifications.