Bertucci'S Vegetable Chicken Chowder
A hearty vegetable chicken chowder featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy broth, perfect for comforting family dinners and cold weather gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 tsp. flour
- 1/2 gal. chicken broth ⓘ
- 8 oz. carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces ⓘ
- 8 oz. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. raw chicken breast, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 12 oz. uncooked potatoes, diced into 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 8 oz. broccoli florets ⓘ
- 4 oz. green peas ⓘ
- 1 pt. light cream
- 8 oz. cauliflower florets ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large stock pot (2 gallons), melt the butter over low heat.
- Add flour and mix to form a paste, ensuring it does not burn.
- Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced potatoes, and raw chicken breast to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables and chicken are cooked through, about 20 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets, green peas, and cauliflower florets, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in light cream and heat through before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier chowder, consider using half-and-half instead of light cream. You can also swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand; for example, frozen mixed vegetables can work well in place of fresh ones. Make sure to stir continuously when adding the broth to avoid lumps. This recipe can be adapted to incorporate flavors from Chicken Can-Can.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a comforting side, consider serving with Noodle Rice Pilaf for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the chowder thickens too much upon refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bertucci'S Vegetable Chicken Chowder contains roughly 599 calories, with 12g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (171% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1083mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the chicken and add it towards the end of cooking to heat through, as it's already cooked. This will help maintain the moisture and flavor without overcooking the chicken in the chowder.
Is it possible to make the chowder vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the flavor and texture while keeping it hearty and nutritious.
What can I do if the chowder is too thick?
If the chowder becomes too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir it well while heating to ensure a smooth texture. Adjust the seasoning as needed after adding additional liquid.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).