Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave something hearty and flavorful. Packed with tender chicken, rich Parmesan, and fragrant herbs, it’s easy to make and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Step 2: Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink on the outside and starting to turn golden.
3. Step 3: Pour in chicken broth, then add dried thyme and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chicken to cook through completely.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly until melted and the soup is creamy. If desired, stir in fresh spinach or kale until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block instead of pre-grated for smoother melting and better texture.
• Add Parmesan gradually on low heat while stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter version of the soup.
• Include fresh spinach or kale for extra nutrition and vibrant color, but it’s optional.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. If soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen chicken breasts cut into pieces. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to maintain even cooking and food safety.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and cheese?

You can try using coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute, but the flavor and texture will differ. Nutritional yeast can be added to mimic the cheesy taste if avoiding dairy.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 110 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, fragrant garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese. Perfect for chilly days, it combines sautéed onions and garlic with tender chicken breast simmered in flavorful broth, finished with heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan for a decadent but simple homemade soup.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside and begins to turn golden.
3. Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and ensure the chicken cooks through fully.
4. Incorporate Dairy and Greens: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly into the soup and prevents clumping. If using, add fresh spinach or kale and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block to achieve a smoother melt and better texture compared to pre-grated options.
• Add Parmesan gradually (1/4 cup at a time) on low heat while stirring constantly to avoid clumping.
• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter soup.
• Fresh spinach or kale is optional but adds extra nutrition and vibrant color to the soup.
• Equipment needed: Large pot or Dutch oven (4-6 quart capacity).

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, easy chicken soup recipe, comfort food soup, homemade chicken soup, parmesan cheese soup