Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe

There’s something about comfort food that never goes out of style, and one dish that consistently hits the mark is Chicken Parmesan. It’s savory, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. But what if I told you there’s a twist on this classic that takes it from a crispy, breaded cutlet to a soul-warming, rich, and creamy soup? Yes, you guessed it: Chicken Parmesan Soup. This cozy dish combines all the familiar flavors of the classic Chicken Parmesan-crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese-into a heartwarming bowl of goodness.

Imagine the crispy chicken soaked in rich tomato sauce, the mozzarella cheese melting perfectly into the broth, and every spoonful offering a balance of texture and flavor that’ll make you want to dig in for more. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to settle in for a lazy afternoon or a quick dinner after a busy day.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to create this comforting soup-from the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, to variations that you can experiment with. If you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, this Chicken Parmesan Soup is exactly what you need.

Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Chicken Parmesan Soup, you don’t need anything fancy, just a handful of everyday ingredients. But together, they create a dish that tastes extraordinary. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): For the protein base. The chicken gets shredded and incorporated into the soup, providing a tender, juicy texture.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the base of the soup.
• Yellow onion: This is essential for flavor and depth. Onions cook down to become sweet and aromatic in the soup.
• Garlic: No chicken Parmesan dish is complete without garlic. It adds that familiar warmth and depth.
• Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup’s base, these give the soup its rich, tangy flavor.
• Chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid to balance the tangy tomatoes and form the soup’s foundation.
• Heavy cream: This transforms the soup into a creamy, comforting delight. It helps mellow out the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the soup that luxurious texture.
• Dried oregano and basil: These herbs offer that Italian flair that makes Chicken Parmesan so iconic. Fresh would work too, but the dried versions are perfect for soup.
• Parmesan cheese: This is a must for the soup’s cheesy flavor and texture. It’s mixed into the broth and melted on top for that signature cheesiness.
• Mozzarella cheese: The crowning glory. Fresh mozzarella balls or shredded mozzarella will melt wonderfully into the soup, creating those classic cheesy strings.
• Bread crumbs (optional): To add some texture and mimic the crispy breading from the traditional Chicken Parmesan.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to make this Chicken Parmesan Soup. This is a relatively simple process that results in a deeply flavorful, hearty meal.

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with a bit of salt, pepper, and some Italian seasoning (optional).
   • Heat a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
   • Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, shred it using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Create The Soup Base

   • In the same pot, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
   • Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot, stirring to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

3. Make It Creamy

   • Once the soup has simmered, add the heavy cream and stir. This is when the soup starts to come alive with its creamy texture.
   • Season with dried oregano, basil, and salt to taste. If you’re looking for an extra punch, a splash of red wine vinegar can balance the acidity.

4. Add The Chicken

   • Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup, letting it warm through and absorb all those rich flavors.

5. Cheese, Please

   • Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
   • Add the mozzarella cheese and continue stirring until it’s fully melted and gooey.

6. Optional Crispy Topping

   • If you want to mimic the crispy breading of Chicken Parmesan, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top of the soup. You can toast them in a pan with a little butter and then sprinkle them over the finished soup.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in Chicken Parmesan Soup brings something unique to the table:

• Chicken: The protein is the main star here. Chicken breasts are lean, but chicken thighs can add a bit more flavor and richness to the soup. Using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
• Heavy cream: While this gives the soup its creamy consistency, you can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter option. However, heavy cream adds that indulgent touch that makes this soup feel like a treat.
• Crushed tomatoes: The acidity of the tomatoes is the backbone of this soup. If you prefer a smoother texture, use tomato purée or passata instead of crushed tomatoes.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan: The key to any good Chicken Parmesan is the cheese. The mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan adds sharpness and umami. You can experiment with different types of cheeses, but these two really capture the essence of Chicken Parmesan.

Expert Tips

• Make ahead: You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen. Just reheat before serving and add the fresh mozzarella when ready to serve so it stays nice and gooey.
• Texture: If you want a thicker soup, add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the broth. Stir it in while the soup is simmering, and it’ll thicken up beautifully.
• Herb substitution: Fresh basil or oregano can replace the dried versions, and they’ll add an even more fragrant kick. Just be sure to adjust the quantities since fresh herbs are more potent.
• For a spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the soup base or stir some into your bowl for a bit of heat.
• Garnish with basil: Fresh basil or parsley adds a touch of color and freshness to cut through the richness of the soup.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about Chicken Parmesan Soup is how versatile it is. You can make this recipe your own with a few small tweaks:

• Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian-friendly take on this dish. You can also add tofu or tempeh for protein.
• Pasta lover’s version: For a more traditional Chicken Parmesan feel, toss in some cooked pasta, like rigatoni or penne. This will make the soup more like a hybrid of Chicken Parmesan and pasta.
• Spicy Chicken Parmesan Soup: If you’re a fan of spice, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce. You could even swap in spicy Italian sausage for the chicken.
• Baked version: If you love the crispy topping of traditional Chicken Parmesan, you can place the soup in an oven-safe dish, sprinkle it with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake it until golden and bubbling.

Final Words

Chicken Parmesan Soup is the ultimate cozy meal that combines all the comfort of the classic Chicken Parmesan with the warm, hearty goodness of soup. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor with every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat or a dish to share with friends, this soup is bound to become a new favorite.