Why Make This Recipe
Hearty Chicken Tomato Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a cold day. This comforting dish is packed with flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. Made with tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and a creamy broth, it’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you need something to warm you up or a nourishing dish to feed the family, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s not only easy to make but also uses simple ingredients that you may already have on hand. Plus, this soup is a great way to use leftover chicken, making it both resourceful and delightful!
How to Make Hearty Chicken Tomato Soup
To create this delightful soup, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready will make cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant—this should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with juice) into the pot, along with the chicken broth. Stir everything together well.
Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the amount as per your preference.
Simmer the Base: Bring the soup mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Add Chicken and Cream: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and the heavy cream. This will make your soup rich and creamy.
Final Simmer: Let the soup simmer on low for another 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Serve with Garnish: Serve the soup hot, topped with fresh basil for that added flavor and a pop of color.
How to Serve Hearty Chicken Tomato Soup
Hearty Chicken Tomato Soup can be served in individual bowls, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches, making it a classic meal choice for all ages. If you are feeling extra, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an additional layer of cheesy goodness. This soup is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as a starter before a larger meal.
How to Store Hearty Chicken Tomato Soup
If you have leftovers, don’t worry; they are perfect for storing! Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it is hot again.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion as it freezes. It should last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight, and reheat as mentioned before.
Tips to Make Hearty Chicken Tomato Soup
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and basil can enhance the overall flavor of the soup. If you can, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a more vibrant taste.
Adjust Creaminess: If you’d like a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even reduce the amount of cream used.
Spicier Kick: If you enjoy some heat, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the sauté phase.
Texture Variation: For a heartier texture, consider adding some diced carrots or celery along with the onions.
Blend for Smooth Soup: If you prefer a smooth soup, you can blend the soup using an immersion blender after adding the chicken and cream. It will produce a silky texture.
Variation
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, you can replace the chicken with cannellini beans for protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Add Pasta or Rice: To make the dish more filling, consider adding cooked pasta or rice into the soup during the final simmer.
FAQs
Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
A: Yes, you can use raw chicken. Simply add it when you add the onions and garlic, sauté it until it’s fully cooked, then continue with the recipe as directed.
Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: If you want a thicker soup, you can make a slurry with cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon each) and add it to the soup while simmering.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! You can sauté the onions and garlic in a pan first, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Stir in the cream and chicken at the end.
Hearty Chicken Tomato Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a comforting meal that brings smiles and warmth to the table. With its easy preparation and delightful taste, it’s a dish you will want to make again and again! Enjoy every bowlful!
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Hearty Chicken Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This comforting soup combines tender chicken, rich tomatoes, and a creamy broth, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Gather all your ingredients.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Stir well.
- Season the soup: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the base: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add chicken and cream: Stir in shredded chicken and heavy cream until incorporated.
- Final simmer: Let it simmer on low for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with garnish: Serve hot, topped with fresh basil.
Notes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches. Add Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken soup, tomato soup, comfort food, easy soup recipes