Chicken Cheese Vegetable Soup
A comforting chicken cheese vegetable soup with tender veggies, creamy cheese, and hearty chicken, perfect for a cozy meal that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer diced carrots, celery, and onion in chicken stock until tender but crisp.
- Melt butter in a large pot.
- Add flour to the melted butter and blend well.
- Heat milk to boiling, but do not let it boil.
- Slowly blend the hot milk into the flour mixture until smooth.
- Add American cheese and stir until melted.
- Strain the cooked vegetables from the stock and add the stock to the cheese-milk mixture.
- Stir until smooth with a wire whip.
- Add the cooked chicken and the strained vegetables to the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute the American cheese with a lower-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative. To enhance the flavor, add garlic or herbs like thyme or parsley while simmering the vegetables. This soup can also be thickened further by adding more flour if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Rice 'N Easy for a comforting dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs for a pop of color and serve with a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken stock to restore the original consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cheese Vegetable Soup contains roughly 1557 calories, with 21g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (83% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 972mg per serving (42% 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 other types of cheese in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute American cheese with other melting cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the soup will change slightly. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite variation!
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze it, the texture may change upon thawing due to the cheese. If you decide to freeze it, do so without the chicken and vegetables, and add them when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months for best results.
What can I add to make this soup more nutritious?
You can enhance the nutritional profile by adding leafy greens like spinach or kale, or other vegetables such as broccoli or zucchini. These additions not only boost vitamins and minerals but also add more flavor and texture to the soup.
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).