There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of creamy chicken and vegetable soup. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal that feels like a gentle hug.
This soup combines tender pieces of chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, creamy broth that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is simple to make yet packed with flavor and nutrition.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious soup. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to customize it, the nutritional benefits, and some tasty serving suggestions.
If you love hearty, homemade meals, this creamy chicken and vegetable soup recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy chicken and vegetable soup strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition. It’s loaded with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and potatoes, which add natural sweetness and texture.
The tender chicken provides a great source of lean protein, making it a well-rounded meal.
The creamy broth is made without heavy cream, using a blend of milk and a little flour to thicken it naturally, so it stays light but indulgent. This soup is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs, making it versatile enough to suit any taste or season.
Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that comes together quickly, leaving you with minimal cleanup but maximum flavor. If you enjoy dishes like our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade, you’ll find this soup just as satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 medium (about 1 lb) | Cut into bite-sized pieces |
Carrots | 2 medium | Chopped |
Celery stalks | 2 | Chopped |
Yellow onion | 1 medium | Finely diced |
Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
Potatoes | 2 medium | Peel if desired, diced |
Frozen peas | 1/2 cup | Optional |
Chicken broth | 4 cups | Low sodium recommended |
Whole milk | 1 cup | Or use half-and-half for richer soup |
All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp | For thickening |
Butter | 3 tbsp | Unsalted |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing |
Dried thyme | 1 tsp | Or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves |
Bay leaf | 1 | |
Salt | To taste | |
Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground |
Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp | Chopped, for garnish |
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Ladle for serving
- Optional: immersion blender or regular blender (for a smoother texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Chop the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in your pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion turns translucent.
- Add garlic and chicken: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the cubed chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns white on the outside but is not fully cooked through (about 3-4 minutes).
- Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
- Add broth and herbs: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.
- Add potatoes and peas: Stir in the diced potatoes and frozen peas. Continue to simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Finish with milk: Slowly add the milk while stirring. Heat the soup gently—do not boil—to avoid curdling the milk. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the soup is creamy and heated through.
- Season to taste: Remove the bay leaf. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. If you want a smoother texture, this is the moment to use an immersion blender carefully, blending part of the soup.
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
“For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with coconut milk or almond milk and use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour to thicken.”
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux or blend more of the soup with an immersion blender to your desired consistency.
Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on seasonality or preference. For example, green beans, zucchini, or corn make wonderful additions.
You can also substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor or use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
To add an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when deglazing after sautéing the chicken and before adding the broth.
If you enjoy hearty soups, check out our Baked Chicken Thigh with Vegetable Recipes for Easy Dinner or explore other comforting meals like the Pasta Shrimp and Vegetable Recipes for Quick Healthy Me.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 28 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Sodium | 450 mg* |
*Using low sodium broth can help control sodium content.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken and vegetable soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with warm crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple pasta dish. If you want to try something a little different, our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious makes a flavorful complement to this soup.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken and vegetable soup recipe is a wonderful addition to your cooking repertoire. It’s not only delicious and comforting but also packed with nutritious ingredients that fuel your body and delight your taste buds.
The creamy texture combined with tender chicken and fresh vegetables makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, this recipe is straightforward and flexible. You can easily adapt it to your preferences, dietary needs, or what’s available in your pantry.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal that warms you from the inside out.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more comforting meals on our blog, such as the Vegan Chocolate Milk Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a sweet finish or the Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor for exciting flavor adventures.
Happy cooking and stay cozy!
📖 Recipe Card: Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup
Description: A comforting and creamy chicken soup loaded with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal any time of the year.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in carrots, celery, and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to coat.
- Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add shredded chicken and thyme; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 12 g
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