Creamy chicken soup
Creamy chicken soup is a comforting dish, perfect for chilly days or moments when you need a warm hug on a plate. With a velvety texture and delicate flavor, this soup is an excellent choice for family meals or to impress guests. Over time, creamy soup has been adapted in countless ways, but its essence remains to bring comfort and joy.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
The basic ingredients needed for this recipe are:
- 60 g butter
- 40 g flour
- 500 ml chicken broth
- 250 ml milk
- 1 chicken breast, finely chopped
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Now that we have the ingredients ready, let's get to work!
Step 1: Preparing the base
In a medium pot, add the 60 g of butter and melt it over medium heat. Make sure the butter doesn’t burn, but just becomes liquid and starts to release its inviting aroma. Once the butter is completely melted, add the 40 g of flour. Stir constantly with a spatula or whisk for 2 minutes, until the mixture turns golden. This is a crucial moment, as a well-prepared roux will give your soup consistency and flavor.
Practical tips: Use high-quality flour, preferably white or type 00, to achieve a fine texture.
Step 2: Incorporating the liquids
Remove the pot from the heat and start adding the chicken broth gradually, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then, add the milk and continue to stir. Once you have a homogeneous mixture, you can put the pot back on the heat.
Step 3: Cooking the chicken and celery
In a separate pan, add a little oil or butter and sauté the finely chopped chicken breast along with the chopped celery. Be careful not to overcook them, just enough to lightly brown and retain their juiciness. This step will add depth of flavor to your soup.
Step 4: Finishing the soup
After the chicken and celery are ready, add them to the pot with the soup and let everything simmer on low heat for about 15–20 minutes. At this stage, it’s time to add the heavy cream. This will give the soup a wonderful creaminess and rich taste. Mix well and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
Step 5: Serving
When the soup is ready, pour it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. The flavors will combine perfectly, and the appearance will be truly appetizing.
Serving suggestions: Creamy chicken soup is delicious served alongside crunchy croutons or a slice of buttered toasted bread. You can also accompany it with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade to balance the flavors.
Possible variations: You can transform it into a creamy chicken and mushroom soup by adding sautéed fresh mushrooms along with the chicken. You can also experiment by adding spices like nutmeg or rosemary for a distinctive flavor.
Nutritional benefits: This creamy chicken soup is rich in protein due to the chicken and milk, providing an approximate caloric intake of 350 kcal per serving. Additionally, the cream adds healthy fats, while the celery and parsley contribute to the intake of essential vitamins and minerals.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I substitute the cream with a lighter product? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or light cream to reduce calories.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a little cayenne pepper or chili flakes during preparation.
- What other ingredients can I add? Vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can add extra flavor and color.
I conclude this recipe with a friendly thought: cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to experiment and add a personal touch. So, don’t hesitate to put your stamp on this creamy chicken soup! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 60 g butter, 40 g flour, 500 ml chicken broth, 250 ml milk, 1 chicken breast, chopped finely, 250 ml heavy cream, 1 stalk of celery, chopped finely, parsley for garnish
