Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 medium carrots, sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 bell pepper (yellow or red), diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the base:**
– In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. **Add the vegetables:**
– Add the sliced carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.

3. **Add the broth and chicken:**
– Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded or diced chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

4. **Prepare the cream mixture:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth.

5. **Combine and simmer:**
– Stir the cream mixture into the soup, making sure it’s well combined. Add the broccoli florets and dried thyme. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and the broccoli is tender.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. **Serve:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Enjoy your homemade creamy chicken and vegetable soup!