If you’re craving a soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, look no further than this Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe. It’s a creamy, comforting bowl filled with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and just the right balance of herbs and lemon to brighten every spoonful. This soup is a perfect blend of nourishing ingredients and rich flavors that come together quickly, making it a go-to meal whether you need a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe, it will become one of your favorite kitchen staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but carefully selected to create a delicious and hearty soup. Each one plays a vital role whether it’s building the depth of flavor, adding fresh texture, or bringing that signature creamy finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps sauté the veggies without overpowering the soup.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Brings a silky mouthfeel and balances the olive oil for a perfect sauté base.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Offers a sweet, aromatic foundation once softened in the pot.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of fragrance that infuses the broth beautifully.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced: Introduce a natural sweetness and subtle earthiness for balance.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Provide a mild crunch and an herby freshness that rounds out the flavor.
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The heart of the soup, it imparts savory depth without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender protein that shreds into juicy bites throughout the soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Delivers a gentle herbal note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon dried basil: Adds a touch of sweet herbal warmth to the broth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors just right without being too salty.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle peppery kick for subtle spice.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess that makes this soup truly comforting.
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped: Adds beautiful color and a fresh, healthy bite.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): Brightens the richness with a zesty finish that balances the cream.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Begin by warming up the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing them for about five minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Adding the garlic last and cooking it for just 30 seconds will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and ensure it doesn’t burn. This step is all about layering those foundational flavors that make the soup happily familiar.
Step 2: Build the Broth and Simmer the Chicken
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add your seasoned chicken breasts or thighs along with dried thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and fully infused with the herbal broth. This simmer not only cooks the protein but also marries all the flavors harmoniously.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Add the Cream and Spinach
Remove the cooked chicken and shred it effortlessly with two forks—this textural step is so satisfying! Return the shredded chicken back to the pot. Now stir in the heavy cream and the vibrant chopped spinach. Let the soup simmer for another five minutes until the spinach wilts just right and the soup heats through, becoming a rich, creamy delight perfect for any day.
Step 4: Final Touch with Lemon Juice and Seasoning
If you’re using lemon juice, add it now to give the soup a bright and fresh zing that lifts the creamy base beautifully. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch more salt or pepper if you like. Your Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe is now ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of cracked black pepper on top adds visual appeal and layers of flavor that invite you to take the first comforting sip.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs amazingly well with rustic crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic breadsticks or a warm baguette also make fantastic companions, soaking up every last bit of that creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic bowls that keep it piping hot longer. Adding a swirl of crème fraîche or a few toasted pine nuts on top can make your Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe feel extra special without much fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it perfect for cooking ahead and enjoying all week without sacrificing freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Because it contains cream, it’s best to slightly undercook the spinach and add any delicate ingredients fresh after thawing to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream from curdling. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can revive the soup’s luscious texture and flavor just like the first time.
FAQs
Can I use dark meat instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Dark meat, such as thighs, tends to stay juicier during cooking and offers a richer flavor. Both breasts and thighs work wonderfully in this soup, so choose based on your preference.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream if you want a lighter version. Keep in mind the soup will be less rich but still delicious and comforting.
Can I add pasta or rice to make it more filling?
Definitely! Adding cooked pasta, rice, or even quinoa turns this soup into a hearty meal perfect for satiating bigger appetites. Stir them in towards the end of cooking to warm through.
What can I use instead of fresh spinach?
While fresh spinach adds vibrant color and texture, you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water diluting the soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure any broth or added items you use are labeled gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe feels like a warm, cozy embrace in a bowl and is simple enough to whip up any night of the week. The creamy texture, tender chicken, and fresh spinach make every bite comforting yet bright. You owe it to yourself to give this recipe a try and discover how effortlessly satisfying homemade soup can be. It’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen!
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Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Florentine Soup is a creamy, comforting American soup featuring tender shredded chicken simmered with fresh spinach, aromatic herbs, and a rich blend of heavy cream and chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this gluten-free soup offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add broth and chicken: Pour in the chicken broth. Add the whole chicken breasts or thighs, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the soup pot.
- Add cream and spinach: Stir in heavy cream and chopped baby spinach. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
- Finish and season: Add lemon juice if desired, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Add cooked pasta or rice to make the soup more filling.
- This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture if preferred.
