Welcome to your new favorite comfort food—Cottage Cheese Chicken Soup! This simple recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and fresh veggies for a warm meal that’s easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to share with loved ones, this soup has it all. Let’s dive into the delicious ingredients and simple steps to get you started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Nourishing: This soup combines the warmth of chicken broth with the creaminess of cottage cheese, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly days.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal in a hurry.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and cottage cheese, along with nutritious veggies, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.
- Customizable: This recipe allows for plenty of variations; feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 4 cups chicken broth
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Let’s break down these ingredients. First, we have the main items. Cooked chicken gives this soup a hearty base. I love using shredded chicken for that tender bite. Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and a bit of protein. The chicken broth brings everything together and adds depth to the flavor.
Next, we have the added veggies. Carrots and celery bring sweetness and crunch. I always dice them small so they cook evenly. Onions and garlic enhance the soup’s aroma and flavor. The onion becomes sweet when sautéed, while garlic adds warmth.
For seasoning, dried thyme and basil offer a classic taste. Salt and pepper help balance the flavors. Olive oil is key for sautéing the onions and garlic. Lastly, fresh parsley gives a pop of color and a fresh taste right before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion is soft and clear, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add 1 cup of diced carrots and 1 cup of diced celery. Stir these vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes. You want them to be tender but not mushy.
Cooking the Soup
Now it’s time to pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat. Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Let the soup simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix well.
Final Touches
After simmering, stir in 1 cup of cottage cheese. Mix it in well until it melts into the soup. Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Let the soup simmer for 5 more minutes. This step ensures everything is heated through. Finally, serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Soup
To achieve great flavor in your soup, start with fresh ingredients. Use good chicken broth for a rich base. Sautéing the onion and garlic unlocks their natural sweetness. This step adds depth to your soup. Don’t rush it; allow them to cook until soft. For a rich texture, stir in cottage cheese last. This gives creaminess without overwhelming the soup. Mix well, letting it melt slightly into the broth for the best taste.
Cooking for Special Diets
If you need low-sodium options, choose low-sodium broth. This simple swap keeps the soup healthy. You can also skip added salt or use herbs for flavor. For vegetarian versions, replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cottage cheese adds protein, making it filling and satisfying.
Time-Saving Tips
To save time, pre-cook your chicken. Shredded chicken works great and speeds up cooking. You can also use rotisserie chicken for an easy fix. Just shred it and toss it in the pot. This cuts down your cooking time, letting you enjoy your soup faster.
Pro Tips
- Use Homemade Chicken Broth: For an even richer flavor, try using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. It enhances the soup’s depth and nutrition.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in. This will create a creamier texture without adding extra calories.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like peas, spinach, or corn for added nutrition and color. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Garnish for Presentation: Fresh herbs not only add flavor but also enhance the soup’s presentation. Consider using chives or dill in addition to parsley for a beautiful touch.
Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can easily boost the soup’s taste. Adding spices gives it a nice kick. Try a pinch of cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for depth. Fresh cracked black pepper can also add a bold flavor. Herbs can change the soup’s character too. Swap dried thyme or basil for fresh ones. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can add a bright note.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want a change from chicken, use turkey or tofu. Both options work well in this soup. For a lighter choice, shredded rotisserie chicken is great too. If you’re dairy-free, replace cottage cheese with a nut-based option. Silken tofu can give a creamy texture without dairy.
Seasonal Variations
In winter, add hearty vegetables for warmth. Root veggies like parsnips or turnips add flavor and substance. In summer, lighten up the soup with fresh herbs. Basil or mint can lift the dish. You can also toss in zucchini or yellow squash for a fresh crunch. Adjusting these elements makes the soup fit any season.
Storage Info
Proper Storage Methods
To keep your Cottage Cheese Chicken Soup fresh, I suggest these simple methods:
- Refrigerating leftovers: Place any leftover soup in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing for future meals: For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Tips
When it’s time to enjoy your soup again, follow these tips:
- Best practices for reheating: Heat the soup in a pot over low heat. Stir it often for even warming. You can also microwave it in short intervals.
- Avoiding texture changes: Add a splash of broth or water while reheating. This helps keep the cottage cheese creamy and prevents clumping.
Shelf Life
How long can you store this soup?
- How long can it be stored?: If refrigerated, your soup is good for 3-4 days. In the freezer, it lasts for about 3 months.
- Signs of spoilage: Look for changes in smell or color. If it smells sour or has a strange look, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses!
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Start by cooking the chicken in your pot. Add olive oil, and then cook the chicken until it is no longer pink. Shred the chicken and use it in the soup. This will add a fresh taste to your meal.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you do not have cottage cheese, try ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt. Both options will give your soup a creamy texture. You can also use silken tofu for a dairy-free choice. Each substitute gives a unique taste, so pick what you like best.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup is great for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day. Just heat it up when you are ready to eat. It also freezes well for future meals.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add more veggies! You can include peas, green beans, or even spinach. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Just chop them up and add them with the carrots and celery. Enjoy creating your own version!
This blog post covered how to make a delicious chicken soup. We looked at the main and extra ingredients, like chicken, cottage cheese, and fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for flavor and texture, and ideas for making it fit special diets. You can even switch ingredients for new tastes. Remember to store your soup properly to enjoy it later. Cooking is fun and rewarding, so try this recipe and make it your own! Enjoy your soup-making journe
Comforting Cottage Cheese Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot, stirring occasionally, and cook for another 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and dried basil. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the cottage cheese, mixing until well incorporated and slightly melted into the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes before removing from heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
