Soup Recipes

Cheesy Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe. This Cheesy Chicken Soup is a cozy bowl of creamy goodness that’s packed with tender chicken, savory vegetables, and, of course, the star of the show-melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day, or maybe like sitting in front of a crackling fire with your favorite blanket.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or just need a meal that’ll keep you full and satisfied, this soup hits all the right notes. It’s hearty, flavorful, and has that perfect balance of creamy richness with a touch of tangy cheese.

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And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up! With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and the chance to personalize it to your taste, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for sure. So, let’s dive in and get started on making this cheesy, chicken-filled masterpiece.

Cheesy Chicken Soup Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken Soup combines the richness of cheese with the heartiness of chicken and vegetables, all swimming in a creamy broth. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that will have you going back for seconds. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients Needed

To make this cheesy chicken soup, you don’t need anything too fancy. The ingredients list is straightforward and full of staples that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken Breast Or Thighs (Boneless, Skinless)

    You can go with boneless, skinless chicken breast for a leaner soup or thighs for a juicier option. Either works well, though the thighs will add more flavor and richness.

  • Butter

    For sautéing the vegetables and giving that initial base of flavor.

  • Onion

    Adds a savory depth to the soup. Yellow onions are ideal, but red onions can also work if you prefer a milder taste.

  • Garlic

    Fresh garlic cloves, minced, are best for that fragrant punch of flavor.

  • Carrots

    They bring in a natural sweetness and texture, balancing out the richness of the cheese.

  • Celery

    The crunchy, slightly peppery flavor of celery complements the other veggies and adds texture.

  • Chicken Broth

    This serves as the liquid base, infusing the soup with that wonderful chicken flavor.

  • Heavy Cream

    For that luxurious creaminess that takes the soup to the next level.

  • Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)

    Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for this soup. It melts beautifully and offers that rich, tangy flavor.

  • Monterey Jack Cheese (Shredded)

    This cheese adds a smooth, melty texture that complements the cheddar nicely.

  • Flour

    Helps to thicken the soup and create that creamy consistency.

  • Salt & Pepper

    Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors, so don’t skimp on this.

  • Optional: Red Pepper Flakes Or Paprika

    If you like a little heat, these spices will add a zesty kick to the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s break this down step by step:

  1. Prepare The Chicken

    • Start by cooking the chicken. You can either grill it, bake it, or pan-cook it. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside.

  2. Sauté The Veggies

    • In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.

  3. Make The Roux

    • Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and stir well. This will help thicken the soup. Continue to cook for another minute or so to get rid of the raw flour taste.

  4. Add The Broth

    • Gradually pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, stirring continuously to ensure the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

  5. Stir In The Cream

    • Add 1 cup of heavy cream and continue to stir. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken.

  6. Melt In The Cheese

    • Once the soup is thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.

  7. Add The Chicken

    • Add the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes, letting the chicken warm through.

  8. Season

    • Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or paprika.

  9. Serve & Enjoy

    • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optional: garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup serves a purpose, contributing to its rich, creamy texture and deep flavor profile:

  • Chicken: A lean protein that adds heartiness and substance to the soup. It soaks up the broth and cheese, creating bite-sized bits of deliciousness in every spoonful.
  • Cheese: The combo of sharp cheddar and smooth Monterey Jack creates a balance of tangy and creamy. Cheddar gives it that cheesy punch, while the Monterey Jack melts beautifully, making the soup extra creamy.
  • Heavy Cream: This is what transforms the soup from a brothy dish into a luxurious, creamy comfort food. It adds that rich mouthfeel that makes the soup indulgent.
  • Carrots and Celery: These vegetables aren’t just for texture. Carrots bring a touch of sweetness, while celery adds a nice bit of crunch and a subtle, fresh flavor.
  • Flour: Essential for thickening the soup, ensuring that it’s not too watery but instead has a creamy consistency that sticks to the chicken and veggies.

Expert Tips

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a rush, rotisserie chicken works great! It’s already cooked, and you just need to shred it. It adds a little extra flavor too.
  • Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly. Grate your own for a smoother, creamier texture.
  • Adjust the Thickness: If you find the soup too thick, just add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce.
  • Cheese Control: If you love cheese, feel free to add more! You can even experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
  • Leftovers?: This soup gets even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is pretty versatile, and you can tweak it in a variety of ways depending on your preferences or dietary needs:

  • Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, corn, or peas to make it even heartier and add more nutritional value.
  • Spicy Version: Stir in some diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese.
  • Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or pasta for a low-carb version of the soup.

Final Words

Cheesy chicken soup is one of those meals that’s just made for comforting moments. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, all wrapped up in a single bowl. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends, or even just enjoying solo on a chilly evening when you want to unwind.

With a few simple ingredients, a bit of time, and some seasoning love, you’ll have yourself a delicious, satisfying dish that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket of warmth. And the best part? It’s endlessly customizable. You can make it as cheesy, spicy, or veggie-packed as you like.

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