Nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of creamy chicken veggie soup, it’s like a hug in a bowl! This recipe has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially on those chilly evenings when you need something nourishing but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I first discovered this magical combination when my youngest was battling a stubborn cold, and now it’s our family’s favorite remedy for everything from sniffles to bad days at school.
What makes this creamy chicken veggie soup bowl special is how simple ingredients transform into something truly extraordinary. Tender chicken, fresh carrots, celery, and onions simmer in rich broth before getting swirled with creamy goodness. The best part? It’s packed with immune-boosting nutrients while still tasting indulgent. My kids don’t even realize they’re eating their vegetables when it’s this delicious!
Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe through countless batches, tweaking the seasoning here, adjusting the creaminess there. Now it’s just right, with the perfect balance of comforting richness and fresh vegetable flavor. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just craving something cozy, this creamy chicken veggie soup bowl always hits the spot. For other cozy chicken ideas, check out this cozy winter chicken chowder recipe.
PrintHearty Creamy Chicken Veggie Soup Bowl That Warms Your Soul
A creamy chicken veggie soup bowl is a comforting and nutritious meal. It combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth for a satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add chicken breasts and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and seasonings.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Notes
- Use turkey bacon for extra flavor.
- Add spinach for extra nutrients.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Veggie Soup Bowl
Trust me, this isn’t just any soup, it’s the kind of meal that makes you pause after the first spoonful and think, “Wow, I need to make this again!” Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:
- Comfort in every bite: That creamy texture wraps around the tender chicken and veggies like a cozy blanket on a cold day
- Quick and easy: From chopping to serving, you’re only about 40 minutes away from soup heaven
- Nutrient powerhouse: Packed with immune-boosting garlic, vitamin-rich carrots, and protein-packed chicken
- Customizable: Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you have on hand, it’s forgiving and flexible
- Kid-approved: The creaminess makes even picky eaters forget they’re eating vegetables
What I love most is how this soup manages to feel indulgent while still being genuinely good for you. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and nutritious meal all in one bowl! If you enjoy creamy comfort food, you might also like this creamy chicken and corn soup recipe.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Veggie Soup Bowl
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, comforting soup, I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have! The magic happens in how these basic ingredients come together:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), I prefer fresh, but frozen works too (just thaw first!)
- 1 cup chopped carrots, about 2 medium, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup chopped celery, 2-3 stalks, leaves included for extra flavor
- 1 cup chopped onions, yellow or white work great here
- 3 cloves minced garlic, fresh is best, but 1 tsp jarred works in a pinch
- 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium if you’re watching salt
- 1 cup heavy cream, the secret to that dreamy texture
- 1 tsp each salt & black pepper, adjust to taste later
- 1 tsp dried thyme, rub between your fingers to wake up the flavor
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something, this soup is super adaptable! For extra smoky flavor, toss in some chopped turkey bacon when sautéing the veggies. Dairy-free? Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk (just shake the can first). Want more greens? Stir in a couple handfuls of spinach at the end. I’ve even used sweet potatoes instead of carrots when that’s what I had, still delicious! For more recipe inspiration, visit familytastes.com.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Veggie Soup Bowl
Making this soup is as easy as humming your favorite tune while you cook! Here’s exactly how I do it, just follow these simple steps for the creamiest, dreamiest chicken veggie soup you’ve ever tasted.
Step 1: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your favorite soup pot over medium heat. When it shimmers (that’s when you know it’s ready!), toss in those chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir them around for about 5 minutes until they start getting friendly with each other, you’ll notice the onions turning translucent.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic, oh, that heavenly smell!, and cook for just 1 minute more. Don’t let the garlic brown or it might get bitter. Pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring everything to a lively boil.
Step 3: Carefully drop in the chicken breasts. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer (those little bubbles should just barely break the surface), cover the pot, and let it work its magic for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Fish out the chicken with tongs and let it rest for 5 minutes, this makes shredding way easier. Use two forks to pull it apart into bite-sized pieces while it’s still warm. Return all that juicy chicken back to the pot.
Step 5: Now for the grand finale! Pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in your seasonings, and give everything a good stir. Let it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes to let all the flavors get to know each other. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Veggie Soup Bowl
Here are my tried-and-true tricks for soup success: Shred the chicken while warm, it’s ten times easier! For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter with the cream. Don’t skip letting the soup rest for 5 minutes off heat before serving, this helps all the flavors meld beautifully. And always taste before serving, sometimes it needs just another pinch of salt to really sing! If you are looking for a similar recipe made in a slow cooker, try this slow cooker creamy chicken stew soup recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Veggie Soup Bowl
Oh, how I love dressing up this soup for different occasions! My favorite way is with a crusty baguette for dipping, the way it soaks up that creamy broth is pure magic. For lighter meals, I’ll pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice. When feeling fancy, I sprinkle fresh parsley and grated parmesan on top. My husband always asks for extra crackers crumbled in his bowl, the crunch contrasts perfectly with the creamy texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This creamy chicken veggie soup bowl actually gets better the next day, if you can resist eating it all at once! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags (lay flat to save space) for up to 2 months.
When reheating, go slow and steady! Warm refrigerated soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Frozen soup? Thaw overnight in the fridge first. If it separates a bit after freezing, a quick whisk brings it right back together. Pro tip: Add a splash of broth when reheating if it seems too thick, the creaminess will still be perfect! For another creamy option, check out this creamy garlic chicken noodle soup recipe.
Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Veggie Soup Bowl
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (remember, these are estimates, your exact amounts may vary slightly): One serving packs about 320 calories with a satisfying 25g of protein to keep you full. You’re getting 12g carbs (3g fiber) and 18g fat (10g saturated). It’s got 800mg sodium, so go easy on the salt if you’re watching that!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this creamy chicken veggie soup bowl dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk, just shake the can well before using. The soup will have a slightly tropical twist, but still be wonderfully creamy. I’ve also had success with cashew cream for a nuttier flavor.
Is this soup good for colds and sore throats?
You bet! Between the immune-boosting garlic, hydrating broth, and soothing creaminess, it’s my go-to chicken soup for cold and flu season. The steam helps clear congestion while the nutrients support healing. Sometimes I add extra garlic and ginger when we’re feeling under the weather.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This creamy chicken veggie soup bowl freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer bags (leave some room for expansion) and lay flat to freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove. Give it a good stir, sometimes the cream separates a bit during freezing.
How can I make this soup lower in calories?
For a low calorie chicken soup version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and increase the veggies. You can also use turkey bacon for extra flavor without as much fat. It’ll still be creamy and satisfying! If you are interested in a lighter chicken soup, consider this healthy low-carb chicken soup recipe.
What other veggies work well in this recipe?
Get creative! I often add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes. Spinach or kale stirred in at the end makes a great nutrient boost. This soup is perfect for cleaning out the veggie drawer!