Hearty Chicken Soup That Feels Like Comfort Food

Warm up with this delicious homemade creamy spring chicken soup, featuring tender chicken, leeks, and greens for a comforting meal.

This hearty chicken soup recipe is perfect for a cozy evening and makes a wonderful addition to your collection of delicious soup recipes.

Discover the details on how to create this soul-soothing dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for a bowl of warmth and flavor.

Creamy Spring Chicken Soup

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

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Description

Warm up with this delicious homemade creamy spring chicken soup, featuring tender chicken, leeks, and greens for a comforting meal. This hearty chicken soup recipe is perfect for a cozy evening and makes a wonderful addition to your collection of delicious soup recipes. Discover the details on how to create this soul-soothing dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, eager for a bowl of warmth and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced and thoroughly rinsed

2 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

4 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens, roughly chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced leeks to the same pot, adding a splash more olive oil if needed. Saute the leeks for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are softened and translucent. They should look wilted and slightly sweet-smelling.

3. Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The kitchen will start to smell wonderfully aromatic at this point.

4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. These bits add a lot of flavor to the soup. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.

5. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Continue to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to heat through completely. The soup should be lightly bubbling, not boiling vigorously.

6. Finally, add the fresh spinach or mixed greens to the pot. Stir until the greens have wilted, which usually takes only 1-2 minutes. The vibrant green color will pop against the creamy broth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: stovetop
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl

Keywords: chicken soup, creamy soup, leek soup, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, chicken and leek, spinach soup, hearty soup, quick soup

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This hearty chicken soup is a true weeknight hero, perfect for busy families and anyone craving a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. What makes it so special is its incredible balance of tender chicken, sweet leeks, and vibrant greens, all swimming in a rich, creamy broth. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, offering both protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice for dinner. This recipe is designed for ease and accessibility; even beginner cooks will find it straightforward to follow. It’s ideal for a chilly evening, a cozy weekend lunch, or whenever you need a little culinary hug. The flavors are universally appealing, making it a hit with both adults and children, and it’s versatile enough to be served as a light dinner or a more substantial main course.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this hearty chicken soup is simple, focusing on fresh, accessible items you can find at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way a few key ingredients come together to create something truly delicious and comforting.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced and thoroughly rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 4 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens, roughly chopped

For the chicken, you can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be a bit more forgiving and stay moister, but breasts work perfectly fine if you prefer leaner meat. When preparing the leeks, make sure to rinse them very well after slicing, as they can often hide a lot of grit and dirt between their layers. Any good quality chicken broth will work here, whether it’s store-bought or homemade. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the soup will be less rich. Fresh spinach is a classic choice for greens, but feel free to experiment with other tender greens like baby kale or Swiss chard, just be sure to chop them finely.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this creamy spring chicken soup is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time, paying attention to the visual cues for doneness and flavor development.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced leeks to the same pot, adding a splash more olive oil if needed. Sauté the leeks for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are softened and translucent. They should look wilted and slightly sweet-smelling.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The kitchen will start to smell wonderfully aromatic at this point.
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. These bits add a lot of flavor to the soup. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
5. Return Chicken and Cream: Add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper. Continue to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to heat through completely. The soup should be lightly bubbling, not boiling vigorously.
6. Stir in the Greens: Finally, add the fresh spinach or mixed greens to the pot. Stir until the greens have wilted, which usually takes only 1-2 minutes. The vibrant green color will pop against the creamy broth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This hearty chicken soup is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to customize for different tastes or occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or even some small pasta shapes (like ditalini or orzo) cooked separately and added to individual bowls. If you want to boost the vegetable content, consider adding finely diced carrots or celery along with the leeks in step 2. For a touch of extra richness, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese over each serving is always a welcome addition.

This soup is perfect as a standalone meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or a grilled cheese sandwich for a more substantial dinner. For a buffet or party setting, keep it warm in a slow cooker and provide various toppings like fresh herbs (parsley or chives), croutons, or a swirl of extra cream for guests to customize their bowls. You can also make it a little spicier by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for can help you achieve perfect results every time.

• Overcooking the Chicken: If the chicken is cooked too long initially or allowed to boil vigorously in the soup, it can become dry and stringy. Cook it until just browned and mostly cooked through in the first step, then allow it to finish cooking gently in the simmering broth.
• Not Rinsing Leeks Thoroughly: Leeks are notorious for trapping dirt and sand between their layers. If not rinsed properly, you’ll end up with gritty soup. Always slice the leeks first, then place them in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, separating the layers with your fingers to ensure all grit is removed.
• Boiling the Cream: Adding heavy cream to a vigorously boiling soup can sometimes cause it to curdle or separate. Always add cream when the soup is at a gentle simmer and avoid bringing it to a rolling boil afterward.
• Under-seasoning: Chicken soup relies on good seasoning to bring out its flavors. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end. A little extra salt can make all the difference.
• Wilting Greens Too Soon: Adding the spinach or other greens too early can result in them becoming mushy and losing their vibrant color. Stir them in at the very end, just until they are wilted, to maintain their texture and freshness.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This hearty chicken soup is wonderful for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week. Proper storage ensures it stays delicious.

To store leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

For making ahead, you can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the greens. Store the base (chicken, leeks, broth, cream) in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until simmering, then stir in the fresh greens just before serving. This prevents the greens from becoming overcooked and mushy.

This soup also freezes well, though the texture of the cream can sometimes change slightly upon thawing, becoming a bit grainy. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring well. If the texture is a concern, you can omit the cream before freezing and stir it in when reheating.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions about making this hearty chicken soup, along with helpful answers.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken, shred or cube it and add it to the soup along with the broth and cream in step 5, allowing it to heat through. This will further reduce the cooking time

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.