Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty bowl of comforting chicken soup with carrots, celery, and potatoes, finished with a velvety cream and herb finish. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 75 minutes pairs chicken thighs, medium, sliced carrots, chopped celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 French cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups chopped celery stalks, 3 medium sliced carrots, and 2 medium diced potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, 4 cups broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Using a spoon, shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme. Cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional thyme.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (25 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup?

French chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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