Description
This Creamy Protein Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender cubed chicken breast simmered with fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth, then enriched with cream or coconut milk for a luscious, creamy texture. A simple yet satisfying recipe that can be easily customized with herbs and seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the chicken and vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onions become translucent, releasing their sweetness and aroma into the base.
- Add Chicken and Veggies: Stir in the cubed chicken breast, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken loses its pink color and starts to firm up.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Add Creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk until the soup is fully combined and smooth. Continue simmering the soup just until it is heated through, ensuring the cream does not boil.
- Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, and dried thyme as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley if using, and serve the soup hot for a warm and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use coconut milk for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly alternative.
- For extra richness, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of cream and milk.
- Sauté the garlic and onions gently to avoid burning and developing bitterness.
- Add other vegetables like potatoes or peas for extra nutrition and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent cream from curdling.
