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- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 cup frozen peas - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Optional: Crusty bread for serving When making Million Dollar Chicken Soup, quality matters. Choose fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor. Opt for organic, if possible. Fresh herbs like parsley can elevate your soup. Use low-sodium broth for a healthier twist. This helps you control the salt. You can make this soup even better. Consider adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Spinach or kale can boost nutrition. Try adding corn for sweetness. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Each add-in can change the flavor and make it fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 cup frozen peas - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Optional: Crusty bread for serving Now, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken. Cook it until it turns brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to be tender and fragrant. Next, return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Stir in the dried thyme and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat. Let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend. After simmering, add the frozen peas and heavy cream to the pot. Keep simmering for an additional 5 minutes. This step makes the soup rich and creamy. After simmering, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving. Serve the soup hot. You can pair it with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy this comforting and rich dish! To get tender chicken, start with good quality meat. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into small pieces for even cooking. Sear the chicken in olive oil until browned. This locks in moisture and flavor. Remove it from the pot before adding other ingredients. This step helps avoid overcooking. Add depth to your soup with fresh herbs. Use thyme and oregano for a classic taste. Don’t rush the sautéing process. Cook onions, carrots, and celery until soft. This builds a flavorful base. For extra richness, add heavy cream at the end. It gives the soup a luxurious texture. Adjust salt and pepper based on your taste. Always taste as you go. To thicken the soup, use a few tricks. The heavy cream adds richness and body. If you want a thicker texture, mash some of the vegetables. This will help create a creamy consistency. Another method is to add a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water, then stir it into the soup. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes. This will help achieve the desired thickness while keeping the flavor intact. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a brighter flavor than dried. Add it just before serving for maximum freshness. Perfect Chicken Texture: To avoid overcooking, remove the chicken when it’s just browned and return it later to keep it tender. Adjusting Creaminess: For a lighter soup, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative. Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like green beans or corn for added texture and nutrition. {{image_2}} To make this soup gluten-free, choose low-sodium chicken broth that is certified gluten-free. Most brands offer this type. Use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken. Just mix it with water before adding to the soup. This will keep your soup thick and creamy without any gluten. For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables. Try mushrooms, chickpeas, or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more carrots, celery, and peas for flavor. You can also toss in some spinach or kale at the end for added nutrients. Serve your soup with crusty bread for dipping. You can also offer a sprinkle of cheese on top. Try adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. Each of these ideas will make your soup special and fun to eat. To store your soup, let it cool first. Use airtight containers for storage. Place the soup in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. Always label the container with the date. This way, you won't forget when you made it. For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Pour the cooled soup into these containers. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. When ready to eat, reheat the soup on the stove. Use medium heat for even warming. Stir it often to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick, add a bit of water or broth. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Cover it loosely to allow steam to escape. Enjoy your warm, tasty soup! Million Dollar Chicken Soup stands out for its rich flavors and creamy texture. The mix of fresh veggies, tender chicken, and herbs creates a warm hug in a bowl. The heavy cream adds a luxurious touch that makes this soup feel like a treat. Each sip brings comfort and joy, making it perfect for any day. Yes, you can use leftover chicken! It’s a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add it to the pot after you sauté the veggies. This method adds great flavor and helps the chicken stay tender. To spice up Million Dollar Chicken Soup, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can also stir in a splash of hot sauce for extra heat. Adjust it to your liking for a warm, zesty kick! This article covered all you need for Million Dollar Chicken Soup. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, tips, and variations. You can use leftover chicken for a faster meal. Remember, adding spices or herbs can make your soup even better. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy and keeps the soup tasty. Explore all the ways to enjoy this dish. Try different flavors and make it your own. Enjoy cooking and savoring each bowl!

Million Dollar Chicken Soup

A rich and creamy chicken soup loaded with vegetables and flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • optional crusty bread for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  • Return the browned chicken to the pot, and pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the dried thyme and oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes.
  • After simmering, add the frozen peas and heavy cream to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in the fresh parsley before serving.
  • Serve hot, with optional crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken soup, comfort food, creamy soup