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Creamy Chicken Soup with Cheesy Croutons

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A cozy, creamy chicken soup filled with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich broth—topped with crisp, cheesy croutons for the ultimate comfort meal in a bowl.

Ingredients

  • 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken stock or broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
  • For the cheesy croutons:
  • 2 cups cubed rustic bread or baguette
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)

Instructions

  1. In a large soup pot, melt butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to form a light roux. Cook for about 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Add chicken pieces, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  6. Stir in the milk or cream and cook for 3–5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss bread cubes with melted butter, spread on a baking sheet, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake 5–8 minutes until golden and crisp.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls, top with cheesy croutons, and garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for richer flavour.
  • For added vegetables, stir in peas, corn, or spinach near the end.
  • For a lighter soup, use milk instead of cream and reduce butter.
  • Store croutons separately to keep them crisp.
  • Soup can be frozen (without croutons) for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-chicken-soup-with-cheesy-croutons/