Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup (Printable)

Enjoy a creamy, protein-packed chicken and Parmesan dish. Features tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and rich cheese in a velvety broth.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Base

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced

→ Chicken

04 - 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Liquid & Dairy

05 - 4 cups chicken broth
06 - 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
07 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
09 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
10 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Optional Add-ins

11 - 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped

# How-To:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
03 - Add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to turn golden.
04 - Pour in chicken broth, add dried thyme and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors meld.
05 - Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, about 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.
06 - If using, add spinach or kale and stir until wilted, 1-2 minutes.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The creaminess comes without any flour or roux, letting the Parmesan shine while keeping it naturally gluten free
  • It comes together in 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
  • Adding cream and cheese over high heat causes separation, so reduce temperature completely first
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly while pre grated varieties often turn grainy
03 -
  • Leftover roasted chicken works wonderfully here and cuts down on prep time
  • A splash of white wine added with the broth adds subtle depth without overpowering
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