Cici’s Soup Recipe

Cici’s Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort dish, offering a delicious blend of rich flavors and nourishing ingredients that make it the perfect choice for cozy nights at home or when you want to impress guests with something homemade and hearty. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward yet packed with depth and flavor. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can make it as creamy or chunky as you prefer.

What makes this soup extra special is its versatility – it’s comforting enough to be a meal on its own but can also be paired with a salad or some warm bread. If you’re looking for a soup that feels like a hug in a bowl, this one checks all the boxes. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this easy-to-make and utterly delicious recipe!

Cici’s Soup Recipe

This soup is all about creating layers of flavor, from the sautéed vegetables to the rich broth, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. The magic happens when all the ingredients come together in one pot, making it a one-stop meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy Texture: The balance of broth and cream makes it velvety smooth without being overwhelmingly heavy.
• Nutrient-Packed: Full of fresh vegetables, lean protein, and spices that not only taste great but also nourish the body.
• Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients based on dietary preferences, whether you want it gluten-free, dairy-free, or packed with extra veggies.

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients for this recipe are simple but come together to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients

• Chicken Breast or Thighs (Boneless & Skinless): This is your source of lean protein and adds a hearty base to the soup.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic are the backbone of the soup’s aromatic foundation.
• Chicken Broth: You’ll need about 4 cups. It’s the heart of the soup, providing that comforting, savory flavor. You can go with low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
• Heavy Cream: To give the soup that rich, creamy consistency that makes each spoonful so indulgent.
• Spices & Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, thyme, bay leaves, and rosemary add aromatic depth.
• Potatoes: Adding diced potatoes helps to give the soup a bit of texture, making it feel more substantial.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and chicken to release the full flavor profile.

Optional Ingredients For Extra Flavor

• Parmesan Cheese: To add a bit of umami flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley for garnish adds a fresh, vibrant contrast.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest can balance out the richness of the soup with a light, citrusy note.
• Spinach or Kale: If you want to pack in even more nutrients, leafy greens can be added at the end for a bit of extra color and texture.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have everything prepped, let’s get cooking. Follow these steps carefully to ensure you get the perfect bowl of soup every time.

1. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
   • Add about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up.
   • Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Brown The Chicken

   • While the vegetables are sautéing, season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of rosemary.
   • Push the veggies to one side of the pot and add the chicken to the other side. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through, as it will finish cooking in the broth later.
   • Remove the chicken from the pot, set it aside, and slice or shred it once cooled slightly.

3. Simmer The Soup

   • Add the chicken broth to the pot, scraping the bottom to lift any flavorful bits that have stuck to the bottom (these are pure gold).
   • Toss in diced potatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and rosemary, then bring the soup to a boil.
   • Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Add The Chicken & Cream

   • Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
   • Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken.

5. Taste & Adjust

   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of cayenne if you like a bit of heat.
   • If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more broth or water.

6. Serve & Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Serve with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive into why these ingredients work so well together:

• Chicken: This lean protein is a staple in many comforting soups because it’s filling, easy to work with, and picks up flavors beautifully. It also provides a good source of protein, making the soup more hearty.
• Potatoes: These starchy vegetables help thicken the soup naturally and give it a creamy, satisfying consistency without needing excessive cream.
• Herbs & Spices: Thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves infuse the soup with a deep, earthy aroma that’s both fragrant and comforting. Black pepper and salt are essential to enhance the natural flavors.
• Heavy Cream: Adding heavy cream is a game-changer when it comes to making soups creamy. It brings a rich, luxurious mouthfeel and balances out the sharpness of the herbs and spices.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions (aka the Holy Trinity of vegetables) provide the foundational sweetness and savory base to the soup, making each spoonful feel nourishing and balanced.

Expert Tips

• Shred the Chicken: For an even more tender texture, shred the chicken instead of leaving it in large pieces. This helps the chicken absorb more of the broth and creates a more cohesive soup.
• Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the chicken before adding it to the soup creates a richer flavor that enhances the overall depth of the soup.
• Simmer for Flavor: Don’t rush the simmering step! Allowing the potatoes and spices to cook gently in the broth allows the flavors to marry and develop fully.
• Balance the Cream: If you want a slightly lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
• Customize the Texture: If you like your soup thicker, consider using an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, creating a creamier consistency without adding more cream.

Recipe Variations

Cici’s Soup is incredibly adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Vegetarian Version

   • Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for plant-based protein.
   • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the cream for a lighter, vegan-friendly option.

2. Spicy Kick

   • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sautéing vegetables for some heat.

3. Creamy Pesto Chicken Soup

   • Stir in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto after adding the cream for an Italian twist that’s incredibly flavorful.

4. Herb-Focused

   • Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or sage for a unique, fresh flavor. A touch of lemon zest added right at the end can bring brightness to the soup.

Final Words

Cici’s Soup is the kind of dish that brings warmth to your soul with every spoonful. It’s not just food; it’s a comforting experience that fills your home with enticing aromas and brings people together around the table. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each component to shine through, creating a balanced, hearty soup that will become a staple in your cooking rotation.