Creamy Chicken And Vegetable Soup

Name: Creamy Chicken And Vegetable Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound chicken breast, cubed; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Traditional Comfort Kitchen

I absolutely adore making Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup, especially when the chilly weather sets in. This comforting bowl of goodness not only warms me up but also fills my home with enticing aromas. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth creates a dish that is satisfying and nutritious. I love how easily this recipe comes together, and it’s one of those meals that can bring the whole family to the table. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping ahead of time!

Created by

Blair Hudson

Last updated on 2026-02-15T01:21:35.816Z

Crafting this soup is always a delightful experience for me. The first time I tried making it, I was amazed at how the flavors meld together, creating a rich and creamy consistency. One tip I learned is to sauté the vegetables before adding the chicken and broth, which really brings out their natural sweetness.

Another key element that makes this soup shine is using fresh herbs. They elevate the flavors and add a freshness that complements the creaminess perfectly. I love serving this with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping, making it a complete meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and filling, perfect for cold days
Incredibly easy to customize with your favorite veggies
One pot means minimal cleanup!

The Importance of Proper Sautéing

Sautéing the vegetables at the start is crucial to building flavor in your Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup. The softening of the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic creates a fragrant base, allowing the sweetness of the onions and the earthiness of the garlic to shine. Cooking them over medium heat for about 5 minutes will yield significantly better flavor than rushing the process over high heat, which can lead to burnt edges and uneven cooking.

When sautéing, look for the vegetables to turn slightly translucent and start to soften. This ensures that you've released their natural sugars and flavors, setting a solid foundation for the rest of the soup. If you find your vegetables are sticking to the pot, just add a splash more olive oil or water to prevent any burning.

Choosing Your Chicken Wisely

In this recipe, using boneless, skinless chicken breast is the quick choice, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other chicken parts if you prefer more flavor. Dark meat, like thighs or drumsticks, can be very tender and will add a richer taste to the soup. Just adjust cooking times a bit, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through, ideally around 7-10 minutes before adding the broth.

For a quicker, no-fuss option, consider using rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it toward the end of cooking when you're simmering the cream and peas. This cuts down on prep time and imparts the complex flavors of the pre-cooked chicken into your soup.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup can be made ahead and stored, making it an ideal option for meal prepping. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing; just remember that the cream may change in texture when thawed, so it’s best to add it fresh when reheating.

When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir continuously and add a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage. A little bit of extra seasoning might also enhance the flavors after refrigeration.

Ingredients

Gather all the fresh ingredients and let’s get started!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound chicken breast, cubed
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Now that you have everything ready, let’s move on to the cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and creamy soup.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Add Chicken and Broth

Add the cubed chicken to the pot, cooking until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Stir in Cream and Peas

Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream, frozen peas, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread.

There you have it! A warming and creamy soup in just a little over 40 minutes.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving or experiment with different herbs like basil or dill.

Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the flavor profile of your soup, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables. A quick deglaze can incorporate all the fond from the bottom of the pot, enhancing the overall taste. Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes, ensuring the alcohol evaporates, then proceed with adding the chicken and broth.

Herbs can also be experimented with; while thyme is classic, try incorporating rosemary or a bay leaf for a different aromatic flair. Add fresh herbs in the last few minutes of cooking to retain their vibrant flavors.

Customizing Your Veggies

While this recipe includes carrots, celery, and peas, feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, green beans, or even leftover roasted vegetables add a unique twist. Just chop them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking during the simmering phase.

If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a small cubed potato along with the other vegetables. As it cooks, it will break down and thicken the soup naturally, adding a comforting texture without additional thickeners.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, but for a complete meal, consider serving it with a side salad or a light sandwich. For an extra boost of flavor, I like to sprinkle some grated cheese on top before serving—the creaminess of the soup combined with the melted cheese is irresistible.

Consider garnishing your soup with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can also brighten the flavors, creating a perfect balance between creaminess and zest.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.

→ Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, the soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.