mary berry cream of chicken soup
Mary berry cream of chicken soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that’s perfect for cold weather or when you’re feeling under the weather. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs and spices, and finished with a luxurious cream sauce, this soup is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a hearty dinner,
Why people also love mary berry cream of chicken soup?
People love Mary Berry’s cream of chicken soup because it is comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs and spices, and creamy sauce creates a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. This soup is also adaptable, as you can add in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to your liking. Overall, Mary Berry’s cream of chicken soup is a classic dish that delivers on both taste and comfort, making it a beloved favorite for many people.
Ingredients:
- 25g (1oz) butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1.2 litres (2 pints) chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 350g (12oz) skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 150ml (5fl oz) double cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- First of all,Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic,and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened but not browned.
- Pour in the chicken stock, and add the bay leaves and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the chopped chicken to the pan, and simmer gently for a further 10-15 minutes or until cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the pan, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the double cream until fully combined.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Serve hot with fresh bread or croutons.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with fresh bread or croutons and a side salad.
- Tips: To make this recipe even easier, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also substitute other vegetables, such as leeks or potatoes, or add in some chopped bacon or ham for extra flavor.
- Nutrition Information: Each serving contains approximately 390 calories, 22g fat, 17g carbohydrates, 30g protein, and 2g fiber.
- Presentation: Garnish the soup with some fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, and a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche for an extra touch of richness and flavor. Serve in a warm bowl and enjoy!
Variations and substitutions for Mary berry cream of chicken soup:
- Vegetarian: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken stock for vegetable stock and omit the chicken. You can also add in some extra vegetables, such as sweet potato or butternut squash, for more flavor and texture.
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels on any packaged ingredients, such as stock cubes or croutons, to ensure they are also gluten-free.
- Dairy-free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the butter for a plant-based margarine or oil and use coconut cream instead of double cream.
- Spicy: Add some heat to your soup by adding in a diced red chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Vegetable Soup: Replace the chicken witha variety of your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or peas, to create a creamy vegetable soup instead.
Recommendations and notes
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs, good quality chicken stock and cream will make a big difference in the overall taste of the soup.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables or the chicken, as this can lead to mushy or tough textures.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip the blending step and leave the soup as is.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts. Simply shred the chicken before adding it to the soup.
- The soup may thicken as it cools, so you can thin it out with a little more chicken stock or cream if needed.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in therefrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for up to one month. Just be sure to reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- When blending hot liquids, always be careful to allow steam to escape by opening the blender’s vent or removing the center piece of the blender lid. You can also blend in batches to avoid overfilling the blender.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip the vegetable frying step and simply add them directly to the pot with the chicken stock.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper or herbs as needed.
FAQ for mary berry cream of chicken soup
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to one month. Let it cool completely before freezing in a safe container.
Yes, you can definitely use cooked chicken in this recipe. Simply shred the chicken before adding it to the pot with the other ingredients.
Yes, you can use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative if you need to make this recipe vegan or lactose-free.
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and you can add other vegetables such as leeks, potatoes, carrots, or sweetcorn to the soup to make it even more flavorful.
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm and enjoyable.
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, croutons, or a side salad. You can also garnish it with chopped fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra popof flavor.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s cream of chicken soup is a nourishing and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly day. The combination of vegetables, chicken, herbs, and cream create a flavorful and hearty soup that’s easy to make and customize. By following the simple steps above, you can whip up a batch of this delicious soup in no time. Whether enjoyed for lunch or dinner, Mary Berry’s cream of chicken soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.
