Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Introduction

This creamy chicken and vegetable soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for chilly days. With tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth, it’s a one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Serve it with a biscuit or crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup green bell peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Optional for Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Biscuits or crusty bread

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Dice and Slice: Chop all the vegetables and shred or cube the cooked chicken.
2. Measure the Ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients to make cooking easier.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the mushrooms, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Broth

1. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat. This step helps thicken the soup.
2. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

1. Add the shredded chicken, frozen peas, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika (if using). Stir everything together.
2. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add the Cream

1. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes, keeping the heat low to avoid curdling.
2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the creamy chicken and vegetable soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
3. Serve with a warm biscuit or crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Soup

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• Add More Veggies: Carrots, celery, or corn can be added for extra texture and flavor.
• Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup.

This creamy chicken and vegetable soup is a versatile recipe that’s easy to customize based on your preferences. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners at home.