Whenever winter rolls around or someone in my house starts sniffling, I immediately reach for my trusty soup pot. There’s just something magical about a steaming bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s packed with flavor like this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup. The first time I made this recipe, my husband took one bite and said, “This tastes like a hug in a bowl!”, and honestly, that’s exactly how I’d describe it too.
What makes this soup special? Those sun-dried tomatoes! They add this incredible depth of flavor – sweet, tangy, and slightly caramelized – that makes the soup taste like it’s been simmering all day when really it comes together in under 30 minutes. The creamy texture (thanks to either heavy cream or coconut milk for my keto friends) balances perfectly with the juicy chicken and savory broth.
This soup has become our family’s go-to meal when we need something comforting yet nutritious. It’s packed with protein from the chicken, healthy fats, and all those good-for-you nutrients from the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, need a quick weeknight dinner, or just want something deliciously cozy, this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup never disappoints! This soup has become our family’s go-to meal when we need something comforting yet nutritious.
Print30-Minute Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup Magic
A creamy and flavorful sun-dried tomato chicken soup that is both comforting and nutritious. Perfect for cold weather or when you need a quick, healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for keto
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add heavy cream (or coconut milk) and spinach. Stir well.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For a keto version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more nutrients.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup
Let me count the ways this soup will become your new favorite:
- Ready in just 35 minutes, faster than takeout!
- That luscious creaminess makes it feel indulgent (but it’s actually good for you)
- Sun-dried tomatoes pack an incredible flavor punch
- Easily adaptable, keto, paleo, or traditional versions
- Packed with immune-boosting ingredients perfect for cold season
A Nutritious and Comforting Meal
This isn’t just empty comfort food, every spoonful delivers real nutrition. The chicken provides lean protein to keep you satisfied, while sun-dried tomatoes are loaded with lycopene (great for fighting inflammation). Using homemade chicken broth adds collagen for gut health. And if you toss in that optional spinach? Bonus vitamins! It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel warm inside and out, whether you’re fighting off sniffles or just need a cozy pick-me-up.
Ingredients for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed soup, I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have in your kitchen! The star ingredients are those gorgeous sun-dried tomatoes (trust me, don’t skip these) and good-quality chicken. I’ve included my favorite keto swap too.
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for sautéing (avocado oil works too)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, chopped, yellow or white both work great
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder if you’re in a pinch)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, I prefer the oil-packed ones for extra flavor
- 4 cups chicken broth, homemade if you have it, but store-bought is fine
- 1 cup heavy cream, or coconut milk for keto/dairy-free
- 1 tsp dried oregano, rub it between your fingers to wake up the oils
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste, I’m generous with both
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional but adds nice color and nutrients)
See? Nothing fancy! Just good, wholesome ingredients that come together to make something magical. The only thing I’m strict about? Those sun-dried tomatoes, they’re what makes this soup taste like you spent hours cooking when really it comes together in no time. If you enjoy creamy chicken dishes, you might also like this creamy garlic herb chicken soup.
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup
This soup comes together so quickly you’ll barely believe how good it tastes! Here’s exactly how I make it, follow these simple steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality soup in no time.
- Heat the oil in your favorite soup pot over medium heat. You want it shimmering but not smoking.
- Brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until those beautiful golden bits appear on the edges. Don’t crowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of browning!
- Add onions and garlic, stir them in and let them soften for about 3 minutes until fragrant. That smell means flavor is building!
- Toss in the tomatoes along with broth and herbs. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom, that’s pure gold for flavor. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, this melds all the flavors together perfectly. You’ll see the broth darken slightly.
- Add cream and spinach, stir well and let it heat through for about 5 minutes more. The spinach wilts quickly!
- Taste and season, add salt and pepper until it sings. I always add an extra pinch of basil at this point too.
Tips for the Best Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup
Here are my little secrets for making this soup unforgettable:
- For extra depth, toast the sun-dried tomatoes in the oil for 30 seconds before adding other ingredients.
- Want it thicker? Simmer uncovered longer. Thinner? Add more broth.
- Leftovers taste even better next day! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freeze without cream for best results, add fresh cream when reheating.
The soup thickens as it cools, so don’t panic if it seems thin at first. Just give it a good stir before serving! If you are looking for other comforting chicken meals, check out this cozy homestyle chicken soup pot recipe.
Variations of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup
One of my favorite things about this soup is how easily you can switch it up! Craving something different? Try these tasty twists:
- Turkey bacon version: Swap chicken for chopped turkey bacon, crisp it first for amazing smoky flavor
- Extra veggie boost: Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the onions
- Keto superstar: Stick with coconut milk and add extra chicken fat for richness
- Low-calorie option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and load up on veggies
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving
The base recipe is so forgiving, once you’ve mastered it, feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients! For another flavorful option, consider trying a marry me creamy Tuscan chicken soup.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup
Oh, how I love serving this soup! My favorite way is with a big hunk of crusty bread for dipping, that golden crust soaking up the creamy broth is pure heaven. For a lighter meal, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon. And for kids? Try serving it with fun-shaped pasta floating on top, my niece calls it her “sunshine soup”!
Nutritional Information for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (based on using heavy cream):
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 25g, keeps you full for hours!
- Carbs: 12g (just 5g sugar)
- Healthy fats: 18g total
Remember, these numbers are estimates, they’ll change slightly depending on your exact ingredients. Using coconut milk instead of cream? You’ll save about 50 calories per serving while keeping that dreamy texture!
FAQs About Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Soup
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Just freeze it without the cream (add fresh when reheating). It keeps beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove while stirring in your cream or coconut milk.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth if you’re sensitive, some brands add wheat-based thickeners. I always use homemade or certified GF broth to be safe.
How can I make it spicier?
Easy! Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes with the herbs, or stir in a spoonful of harissa paste. My husband loves it with a drizzle of chili oil on top, gives that perfect slow burn!
Can I make this in my Instant Pot?
You bet! Sauté chicken first using the Sauté function, then add everything except cream. Pressure cook 5 minutes, quick release, stir in cream. Done! One of my favorite quick chicken soup recipes for busy nights.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
While they’re the star, you can use 2 tbsp tomato paste plus 1/2 tsp sugar in a pinch. It won’t be quite the same, but still tasty! Next time though, grab those tomatoes. They’re worth it!
Is this soup good for colds?
Absolutely! Between the chicken broth’s collagen, garlic’s immune boost, and tomatoes’ vitamin C, it’s my go-to healthy chicken soup recipe when sniffles strike. Steam from the hot broth helps clear congestion too!
Okay, now it’s your turn! I want to hear all about your adventures with this soup, did you stick to the classic version or try one of the fun variations? Maybe you discovered a brilliant new twist I haven’t thought of yet! Leave a comment below and tell me:
- What your family thought (my kids still argue over who gets the last spoonful!)
- Any clever ingredient swaps you tried
- How it turned out if you made it in your Instant Pot or slow cooker
And hey, if you snapped a photo of your beautiful bowl, share that too! Nothing makes me happier than seeing your cozy soup moments. Tag me if you post it, I’ll be the one drooling over your creation while pretending I’m not already planning to make another batch tomorrow.