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Creamy Chicken Soup

This creamy chicken soup combines tender chicken and aromatic vegetables simmered in rich broth, finished with a splash of heavy cream for a velvety texture. The soup is gently cooked until smooth and silky, with a comforting appearance and a warm, inviting aroma. It’s a simple, hearty dish perfect for warming up on cold days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing vegetables
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 2 carrots carrots peeled and chopped
  • 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream for richness
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg a pinch, optional
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • fresh herbs parsley or thyme chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients and tools so everything is within easy reach.
  2. Melt the butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it starts to foam and smells nutty.
  3. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. You should see them become translucent and slightly golden around the edges.
  4. Stir in the diced chicken, cooking until it’s lightly browned and no longer pink inside, about 7-8 minutes. Break up the chicken as it cooks to help it cook evenly.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to cook through.
  7. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Keep the heat low and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, until it looks silky and slightly thickened.
  8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
  9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or croutons for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, sauté the vegetables in some bacon fat or add a splash of white wine during cooking. To make it dairy-free, substitute coconut cream for heavy cream. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.