Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a comforting and hearty dish packed with tender chicken, a variety of fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth. This soup is perfect for chilly days, providing warmth and nourishment in every spoonful. It’s easy to make and great for lunch or dinner with crusty bread on the side.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup potatoes, diced (or sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Chicken:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Potatoes:
- Stir in the chicken broth, potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Thicken the Soup:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and heavy cream until smooth. Gradually stir the cream mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the Chicken and Frozen Vegetables:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot, along with the peas and corn. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Ladle the creamy chicken and vegetable soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve this comforting soup with warm crusty bread or biscuits for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth makes this dish perfect for cozy family dinners!
