Looking for a bowl of warmth and comfort on a chilly day? This Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup is the perfect dish to satisfy your hunger while delivering a nutritious and flavorful meal. This easy, 30-minute recipe uses leftover chicken, a variety of vegetables, and creamy broth to create a hearty and satisfying soup that your entire family will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup
This Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile and quick to make. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken, this recipe is a great way to use up what you have while still enjoying a wholesome meal. The vegetables add a wonderful flavor and texture, and the creamy base makes it incredibly comforting. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead meal, as the soup gets even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld together.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup
To make this easy, creamy chicken vegetable soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• Chicken: This recipe works wonderfully with cooked chicken, perfect for leftover rotisserie chicken or roast chicken.
• Vegetables: A classic base of onions, celery, and carrots adds a delicious flavor to the soup. Optional corn can also be added for extra texture and sweetness.
• Chicken Broth: Use a good quality chicken broth to make the soup rich in flavor. You can also opt for vegetable stock for a slightly different taste.
• Cream: Heavy cream makes the soup wonderfully creamy and luxurious, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or even leave it out for a broth-based version.
• Seasonings: Sea salt, black pepper, and garlic help elevate the flavor of the soup. Fresh parsley can be used as a garnish to add color and a fresh burst of flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you want to make this creamy chicken vegetable soup your own, here are some ingredient swaps:
• Non-Dairy Cream: If you’re making a dairy-free version, you can swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute.
• Vegetables: You can load up the soup with your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or even potatoes.
• Chicken Alternatives: You could use turkey instead of chicken, or if you’re vegetarian, replace the chicken with beans or lentils for a plant-based protein option.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup
Follow these easy steps to make a comforting bowl of creamy chicken vegetable soup:
- Prepare the vegetables: Start by heating butter (or olive oil) in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots. Stir occasionally until the vegetables soften, about 10 minutes.
- Season the soup: Add minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper to the softened vegetables, stirring well.
- Add the chicken and broth: Add your shredded cooked chicken to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Stir to combine, and bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add cream and corn: Stir in heavy cream for that creamy texture, and if using, add corn for added sweetness. If you prefer a thinner soup, add extra chicken broth.
- Final seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup
Here are some additional tips to ensure your creamy chicken vegetable soup turns out perfectly every time:
• Adjust the thickness: If you find the soup too thick, simply add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Check the seasoning: Always taste the soup before serving and add more salt or pepper if necessary.
• Make ahead: Soups like this one always taste better the next day, so consider making it in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup before adding the cream. When ready to serve, thaw the soup, reheat it, and stir in the cream just before serving.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup
While this creamy chicken vegetable soup is hearty enough on its own, here are a few ideas to take your meal to the next level:
• Side Dishes: Serve with a side of crusty bread, biscuits, or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
• Make it a Chicken Noodle Soup: Add your favorite pasta or traditional egg noodles for a comforting twist on a classic chicken noodle soup.
• Add Extra Greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or shredded kale at the end of cooking for added color and nutrition.
If you’re making this for gluten-free diners, be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and check the labels of your other ingredients.
Seasonal and Health Benefits of Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup
This creamy chicken vegetable soup is perfect for cooler weather, especially during fall and winter when you need something to warm you up from the inside out. Packed with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of vitamins from the vegetables, it’s a nutritious meal that helps support your immune system. The creaminess adds a satisfying richness, making it a comforting choice for any season.
This recipe can easily be modified to fit your dietary needs, whether you’re looking for a lighter version or need to make it dairy-free or gluten-free. The versatility of the soup ensures everyone in your family can enjoy it.
conclusion
this Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup is not only a delicious and satisfying meal, but it’s also easy to prepare and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch, this recipe has got you covered!
FAQs About Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use a quicker method like microwaving it on a low setting. If you’re using raw chicken, make sure to cook it through before adding it to the soup.
2. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make this Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup dairy-free, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or another plant-based cream alternative. The soup will still be rich and creamy, with a slightly different flavor.
3. How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce to the soup. You can add these ingredients at the same time as the garlic to ensure they infuse their flavors into the broth.
More Relevant Recipes
- Healing Vegetable Soup: A Comforting, Nourishing Recipe for Every Season
- Tuscan Chicken Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Meal
- Hearty Vegetable Soup Recipe: A Nutritious and Comforting Meal
Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup is the perfect comforting dish for cold weather, made with leftover chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth. It’s a healthy, versatile meal that can be made in just 30 minutes, perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Butter (or Olive Oil)
- 1 large Onion, diced
- 2 ribs Celery, diced
- 2 medium Carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 3 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded (leftover or rotisserie)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup Corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (or light cream)
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter (or olive oil) in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Stir occasionally until the vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper, then add the minced garlic. Stir to combine.
- Add the shredded chicken and chicken broth, stirring well. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the optional corn and heavy cream to the soup. Stir to combine. For a thinner soup, add more chicken broth as needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- For a dairy-free version, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or potatoes for a more filling soup.
- If you want a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño during the cooking process.
- This soup is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 434 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 242mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 127mg
