This Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. It’s a wonderfully simple yet deeply flavorful dish that brings together a medley of fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a meal that is both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. The soup begins with a classic aromatic base of sautéed onion, carrots, and celery, which is then combined with tender cubes of chicken, a colorful assortment of vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth. The addition of Provencal herbs and a hint of curry powder gives this soup a unique and complex flavor profile that is both warm and inviting. Perfect for a chilly evening, a comforting lunch, or a wholesome family dinner, this soup is a fantastic way to enjoy a complete meal in a single pot. It is a testament to the idea that a truly spectacular dish doesn’t need to be complicated, and that the best flavors often come from the simplest, freshest ingredients.

 

Full Recipe

Ingredients

 

• For the Base and Filling:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 250 g (about 9 oz) chicken fillet, cut into cubes
• 800 ml (about 3 ¼ cups) broth (chicken or vegetable)
• For Seasoning and Thickening:
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of Provencal herbs
• ½ teaspoon curry powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• For the Final Additions:
• 300 ml (about 1 ¼ cups) heavy cream
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1 head broccoli, chopped into small florets
• A handful of fresh green onion, chopped, for garnish
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• A few sprigs of thyme, for cooking

 

Cooking Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a separate skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the cubed chicken fillet and cook until it is golden brown and cooked through. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and black pepper while it cooks.
3. Create the Roux: Once the vegetables are softened, add the thyme sprigs to the pot. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux that will thicken the soup.
4. Add Liquid and Seasoning: Gradually pour in the 800 ml of broth, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the 1 teaspoon of Provencal herbs, ½ teaspoon of curry powder, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the green peas and the broccoli florets.
6. Simmer and Finish: Let the soup simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the 300 ml of heavy cream. Heat gently, but do not let the soup boil after adding the cream, as it may curdle.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onion and parsley before serving.

 

Nutrients

• Calories per serving: (Varies based on portion size and ingredients)
• Protein: (Varies)
• Fat: (Varies)
• Carbohydrates: (Varies)
• Fiber: (Varies)
• Sodium: (Varies)

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a dish that you will absolutely adore for its perfect combination of flavor, comfort, and simplicity. It’s a true one-pot wonder, providing a complete meal that is both deeply nourishing and incredibly satisfying. The base of the soup, a classic mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery, provides a foundation of sweet, earthy flavors that is enhanced by the aromatic garlic and herbs. The texture is a delight, with tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a creamy, rich broth that coats every spoonful. This is the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, making it an ideal choice for a cold evening or a simple, wholesome family dinner. The unique addition of Provencal herbs and a hint of curry powder adds an unexpected depth of flavor that sets it apart from a typical chicken soup. It’s a recipe that is both easy to follow and rewarding to make, leaving you with a delicious and impressive meal that everyone will love.

 

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The concept of a hearty, creamy soup with chicken and vegetables is a staple in many culinary traditions around the world. These soups, often referred to as chowders or stews, were born out of a desire to create a fulfilling and economical meal by combining available ingredients in a single pot. The foundation of this recipe—sautéing onions, carrots, and celery—is a classic French technique known as a mirepoix, which is the aromatic base for countless soups, sauces, and stews. The use of a roux (flour cooked with fat) to thicken the soup is also a traditional French method that has been adopted globally. The inspiration for this specific dish is a delightful fusion of these classic techniques with a more modern, global pantry. The addition of Provencal herbs, a blend typically featuring thyme, basil, and oregano, brings a taste of the South of France, while the hint of curry powder, a spice blend from Indian cuisine, adds a layer of warm, savory complexity that makes the soup truly unique. It’s a testament to how traditional recipes can be adapted and enriched with flavors from different cultures to create something new and exciting.

 

Ingredient Spotlight

Each ingredient in this Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup plays a vital and intentional role. The chicken fillet provides a lean source of protein and a neutral canvas that readily absorbs the flavors of the broth and seasonings. The onion, carrots, and celery form the indispensable aromatic base, or mirepoix, which is the secret to the soup’s deep, savory flavor. Garlic adds a pungent, flavorful kick that complements the other vegetables perfectly. The butter and vegetable oil are used to sauté the ingredients and create the roux, which is a crucial step for achieving a rich, thick texture. The broth is the liquid foundation, and using a high-quality chicken or vegetable broth will significantly enhance the final taste. The combination of Provencal herbs, thyme, and a touch of curry powder creates a warm, aromatic, and complex flavor profile that elevates the soup beyond the ordinary. The cream is what gives the soup its luxurious, velvety texture and rich flavor. The green peas and broccoli add color, freshness, and a boost of vitamins, while the fresh parsley and green onion are the perfect finishing touch, adding a bright, clean flavor that cuts through the richness.

 

Storage and Reheating Tips

This soup is an excellent dish for meal prep and leftovers. The flavors often deepen and meld together overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Once the soup has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the best method is to gently warm it in a pot on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let the soup come to a rolling boil after adding the cream, as this can cause it to curdle. If the soup is too thick after reheating, you can thin it out with a little extra broth or water. You can also freeze this soup, but it’s best to do so before adding the cream. Freeze the broth with the chicken and vegetables in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, reheat it on the stove, and then stir in the cream just before serving.

 

Common Variations to Try

The beauty of this soup is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. For the protein, you could substitute the chicken with diced turkey, pork, or even some cooked sausage. For a vegetarian version, you can simply omit the chicken and use a hearty vegetable broth, adding extra vegetables like potatoes, corn, or mushrooms. You can also play with the seasonings; for a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. For a different flavor profile, you could swap the Provencal herbs for a blend of herbs like oregano and basil. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. You can also add a little more flour to make the soup even thicker, or a little less for a lighter consistency.

 

Pairing Recommendations

This Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments. A slice of warm, crusty bread is the perfect companion, ideal for soaking up every last bit of the creamy broth. You can also serve it with some homemade croutons for added texture. For a lighter meal, pair the soup with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. If you want a more substantial lunch, a grilled cheese sandwich or a chicken salad sandwich on the side would be a delicious choice. For drinks, a glass of dry white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, or a light beer would complement the soup’s rich, savory flavors.

 

Health Benefits

This recipe for creamy chicken and vegetable soup offers a wide range of health benefits, making it a delicious and nourishing meal. It is packed with a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and broccoli, which are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The chicken fillet provides a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. While the soup does contain butter and cream, it is a homemade dish, which means you have complete control over the quality of the ingredients and can moderate the amounts to your liking. When enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, this soup is a fantastic way to consume a variety of wholesome ingredients in a single, delicious bowl.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Hearty Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup is a truly remarkable recipe that combines the comfort of a classic dish with a modern, global twist. It’s a testament to the idea that a simple, home-cooked meal can be both incredibly flavorful and deeply satisfying. The process is straightforward, and the result is a beautiful, golden-hued soup that is perfect for any occasion. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike. This soup will not only fill you up but will also warm your soul, proving once again that the best food is often the food that is made with care and shared with those you love.