What is the best way to store chicken tomato soup?

Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What is the best way to reheat the soup?

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to ensure even temperature.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Soup

Name: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Soup
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1″ pieces; 5 cups chicken broth; 14½ ounces canned diced tomatoes with garlic and onion; 10 ounces cream of mushroom soup; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 bay leaf; 8 ounces low fat or regular cream cheese, very soft; ½ cup parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute (optional); salt and pepper to taste

Experience the ultimate comfort of a rich, velvety soup that combines savory chicken with the deep, tangy essence of sun-dried tomatoes. This one-pot meal is designed for busy evenings when you crave a restaurant-quality dinner without the complexity. With a silky base enhanced by melted cream cheese and aromatic herbs, this dish provides a hearty and satisfying experience in every bowl.

List of ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1″ pieces
5 cups chicken broth
14½ ounces canned diced tomatoes with garlic and onion
10 ounces cream of mushroom soup
3 tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
8 ounces low fat or regular cream cheese, very soft
½ cup parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon sugar or sugar substitute (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

step-by-step instructions

Step: Preheat olive oil in a soup pot over medium high heat. Saute onion until tender, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 1 minute.
Step: Add chicken, broth, diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Stir to combine.
Step: Bring to a simmer, turn heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Step: Remove bay leaf. Whisk cream cheese with a couple of ladles of soup broth until creamy. Stir into soup, warm if needed. Salt and pepper to taste. Top with parmesan cheese.

Refining the Flavor Profile

Balancing the Acidity of Tomatoes

Tomatoes naturally contain acids that can sometimes make a soup taste overly sharp or tangier than intended. If you find your pot leans too much toward the sour side, start by adding a half-teaspoon of sugar or a sugar substitute. Taste the broth carefully after stirring, as the sweetness should mellow out the intensity of the tomato paste and sun-dried elements without making the soup cloyingly sweet.

Maximizing the Depth of Aromatics

The foundation of this soup relies on the initial sauteing process for the onions and garlic. By cooking the onions until they are soft and golden rather than just translucent, you unlock natural sugars that contribute to the final richness of the broth. Always ensure the garlic is added at the very end of the sauteing process to prevent it from scorching, which can result in a bitter aftertaste.

Selecting and Preparing Proteins

Advantages of Using Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the ideal protein for this soup because they contain enough natural moisture to remain tender throughout the simmering process. Unlike breasts, which can become dry and stringy if boiled for too long, thighs hold their texture beautifully in a liquid-heavy environment. Cutting them into uniform 1-inch pieces ensures that they cook at the same rate and provide a satisfying mouthful in every serving.

Handling Premade Poultry

If you have leftover rotisserie or poached chicken on hand, you can certainly incorporate it to save time. Add pre-cooked chicken only during the final 5 minutes of the simmer so that it merely warms through rather than overcooking. If the poultry is already shredded, be aware that it will absorb the broth differently than raw cubed thighs, potentially thickening the soup slightly more.

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Consistency

Softening Cream Cheese Efficiently

Integrating cream cheese into a hot liquid can be tricky if the cheese is cold, as it will likely result in small, stubborn white clumps. Take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you start cooking to ensure it reaches room temperature. For an even smoother texture, you can microwave the block for 10 seconds, but be cautious not to melt it completely into a liquid state.

Creating a Smooth Tempering Blend

The technique of whisking the cream cheese with hot broth before adding it to the pot is essential for a professional finish. This process, known as tempering, gradually brings the temperature of the cheese closer to that of the soup, preventing it from curdling. Once the mixture is perfectly smooth in your small bowl, pouring it back into the pot will create a uniform, velvety texture that coats the back of a spoon.

Storage and Reheating Strategies

Managing Leftovers Safely

Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, move it into airtight storage containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, which makes it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Because this recipe uses dairy, avoid keeping it at room temperature for longer than two hours to ensure the best safety and quality standards.

Gentle Reheating Techniques

When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, use the stovetop for the best results. Reheat the soup on low heat while stirring frequently to distribute the warmth evenly and prevent the bottom from scorching. If using a microwave, reheat in short 60-second bursts, stirring between each interval to break up any thicker spots caused by the cooling of the cream cheese and fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I successfully freeze this soup?

You can freeze this soup, though the texture of the dairy may shift slightly upon thawing. Store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months, and always allow it to thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You may notice the cream cheese separates, but a quick, vigorous whisk while reheating should bring the emulsification back together.

What is the best way to make this dish dairy-free?

If you need to avoid dairy, substitute the cream cheese with a high-quality coconut cream or a plant-based cream cheese alternative. You can skip the parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast to retain that signature umami flavor without using animal products. Keep in mind that different brands of dairy-free cheese may thicken the soup differently, so adjust the amount added based on your preferred thickness.

Is it possible to make this soup using a slow cooker?

Yes, this recipe adapts perfectly to a slow cooker by following the same ingredient sequence. Sauté the onions and garlic on the stove first, then combine all ingredients except for the cream cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, then stir in the whisked, softened cream cheese during the final 15 minutes of cooking to maintain the desired creamy texture.

Should I use fresh or dried herbs?

This recipe calls for Italian seasoning, which is a blend of dried herbs; these work perfectly for a long simmer because they release their flavor slowly into the broth. If you choose to use fresh herbs like basil or oregano, add them only at the very end as a garnish. Fresh herbs often lose their color and subtle brightness if cooked for the full 20 minutes in a high-acid tomato broth.

Serving Ideas for Any Occasion

Complementary Sides and Garnishes

Elevate a simple bowl by adding fresh textures that contrast with the creamy soup. A side of crusty sourdough bread is ideal for soaking up the remaining broth, while a crisp Caesar salad adds a necessary crunch to the meal. For a pop of color, garnish each individual bowl with freshly torn basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped green onions just before serving.

Hosting with Small Bread Bowls

For a festive presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out small bread bowls. This transforms a casual soup into a substantial centerpiece that looks impressive for lunch guests or cozy weekend gatherings. Ensure the bread bowls are toasted slightly in the oven before ladling the soup inside to prevent the bread from becoming overly soggy during the meal.