Creamy Herb-infused Chicken Soup: Leona’s Comfort in a Bowl 🥣

Leona’s Cream of Chicken and Herb Soup 🍲

Description:

Indulge in the comforting warmth and rich flavors of Leona’s Cream of Chicken and Herb Soup, a delightful recipe perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a hearty, soul-soothing meal. With a blend of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy goodness, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
• Recipe Category: Chicken
• Keywords: Poultry, Meat, European, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 onion
• 1 celery stalk
• 1 carrot
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 sprigs marjoram
• 1/4 cup chopped chives
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/8 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Broth:

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   • In a large pot, combine the whole chicken, bay leaves, chopped onion, celery stalk, and carrot.
   • Cover with water and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
   • Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for approximately 1 1/2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot.
   • Discard the skin and bones, then chop the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces.
   • Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the broth.

3. Combine Chicken and Herbs:

   • Return the chopped chicken to the pot of broth.
   • Add in the thyme, marjoram, chives, ground nutmeg, ground turmeric, saffron threads, and cooked rice.
   • Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld together.

4. Prepare the Creamy Base:

   • In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
   • Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
   • Continue cooking and whisking over low heat until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.

5. Combine and Simmer:

   • Gradually pour the creamy mixture into the pot with the chicken, rice, and herbs.
   • Stir gently until the soup is smooth and thickened to your desired consistency.
   • Allow the soup to heat through, ensuring it doesn’t come to a boil.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Ladle the piping hot Leona’s Cream of Chicken and Herb Soup into bowls.
   • Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
   • Serve immediately and savor each spoonful of this comforting and delicious soup.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 1047.3
• Total Fat: 79.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 37.3g
• Cholesterol: 315.4mg
• Sodium: 603mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 29.4g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1.1g
  • Sugar: 4.1g
• Protein: 52.8g

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair this creamy soup with a crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.
• For added texture and flavor, consider stirring in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crispy bacon bits before serving.

Tips:

• To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a whole chicken from scratch.
• Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less milk and cream according to your preference.
• For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken, substituting with tofu or additional vegetables.

Make Ahead:

• Leona’s Cream of Chicken and Herb Soup can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Dietary Considerations:

• This recipe is suitable for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, with moderate adjustments to the serving size to fit within daily macronutrient goals.

Variations:

• Customize this soup by incorporating your favorite herbs and spices, such as rosemary, sage, or thyme, for a unique flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour in the creamy base.

Final Thoughts:

Leona’s Cream of Chicken and Herb Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, brimming with wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy weeknight dinner or sharing it with loved ones during gatherings, this soup is sure to warm hearts and nourish souls. Enjoy every spoonful of this homemade goodness and cherish the memories made around the table.