Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup

A Cozy Soup for a Rainy Day

I love making this soup when the weather turns gray. The steam from the pot fogs up my kitchen window. It makes the whole house feel warm and safe.

My grandson calls it “hug in a bowl.” I still laugh at that. It really does feel like a warm hug. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it starts to cook?

Why This Soup is So Good For You

This soup is full of colorful vegetables. Each color is like a little bit of health magic. The carrots are good for your eyes. The peas give you strong bones.

Eating a rainbow of foods keeps your body happy. That is why this matters. It is an easy way to take care of yourself. What is your favorite colorful vegetable to add to soup?

Let’s Talk About the Magic Pot

Using an Instant Pot is like having a kitchen helper. You just put everything inside. Then you press a button and walk away.

I remember the first time I used mine. I was so nervous about the steam. Now I find it fun to hear the little hiss. It means dinner is almost ready.

The Best Part is the Topping

That warm biscuit on top is the secret. You let it soak up the creamy soup. It gets a little soft and so delicious.

*Fun fact*: Putting bread on soup is an old idea. People have been doing it for hundreds of years! It makes a simple meal feel special. Do you like to dip your biscuit or let it sink in?

Cooking Brings Us Together

Sharing a meal is about more than just food. It is about talking and laughing. It is about feeling connected to the people you love.

That is why this matters. A simple pot of soup can create happy memories. It is a way to show you care without using big words. What is a food that makes you feel loved?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Yellow onion		Diced
Carrots		Diced
Celery		Diced
Russet potato		Diced
Fresh parsley leaves
Paprika
Dried oregano
Kosher salt
Pepper
Chicken stock
Boneless skinless chicken breasts		Diced
Frozen peas
Corn kernels
Condensed cream of chicken soup	1 can	Spread over the top, do not stir
Homestyle buttermilk biscuits		For serving, baked

My Cozy Chicken & Veggie Soup

Hello, my dear! Let’s make some soup. This is my go-to recipe for a busy weeknight. It reminds me of the soups my own grandma used to make. The whole house will smell wonderful. Doesn’t that sound nice?

We just toss everything into the pot. It’s so simple. I still laugh at the time my grandson called it “dump soup.” He’s not wrong! But the flavor is just perfect. It’s a warm, creamy hug in a bowl.

Step 1: Grab your Instant Pot. Now, put in the onion, carrots, and celery. Add the potato, parsley, and all those spices. The paprika makes it such a pretty color. I love how it looks.

Step 2: Next, pour in the chicken stock. Then add your diced chicken, peas, and corn. Give it all a good stir. Now, spoon the creamy soup right over the top. (A hard-learned tip: Do not stir after this! It helps the pot come to pressure correctly.)

Step 3: Lock the lid on tight. Make sure that little valve is closed. Set it to cook on high pressure for just 4 minutes. The pot will take its time to get warm and ready. That’s normal, so don’t you worry.

Step 4: When the timer beeps, just walk away. Let the pot sit for 10 minutes. This is called a natural release. It makes the chicken so tender. Can you guess what happens if you open it too fast? Share below!

Step 5: After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve. The steam will whoosh out. When it’s safe, open the lid. Oh, that smell is amazing! Ladle the soup into big bowls. Top each one with a warm, flaky biscuit.

Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus pressure time)
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner, Soup

Let’s Mix It Up!

This soup is like a blank canvas. You can change it to suit your mood. Feel free to get creative in the kitchen. I do it all the time. It keeps things fun and exciting.

Hearty Beef Swap: Use stew meat and beef broth instead. It makes a rich, different soup.

Garden Veggie Delight: Skip the chicken. Add extra potatoes and a can of white beans. So good for meatless Monday!

Cheesy Herb Twist: Stir in a handful of cheddar cheese at the end. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill. It’s so creamy and delicious.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Bowl

Now, let’s talk about serving. A good meal is about more than just the food. It’s about the whole experience. I love setting a pretty table. It makes everyone feel special.

For sides, a simple green salad is perfect. Some crunchy garlic bread is great for dipping. You could also add a extra sprinkle of parsley on top. It looks so fresh and pretty.

What to drink? A cold glass of apple cider is lovely. For the grown-ups, a crisp Chardonnay white wine pairs nicely. It cuts through the creaminess of the soup. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Soup Cozy for Later

Let’s talk about storing this lovely soup. It keeps well in the fridge for about three days. Just let it cool completely first. I use old mason jars because they seal tight.

You can also freeze it for a future busy day. Leave out the potatoes as they get mushy. Portion the soup into freezer bags. Lay them flat to save space.

I remember my first time freezing soup. I was so proud to have a homemade meal ready. It feels like a gift to your future self. This matters because it saves you time and stress.

Reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick. A warm bowl is just minutes away. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Soup Troubles

Sometimes, our cooking needs a little help. Here are some easy fixes. First, if your soup is too thin, let it simmer without the lid. The extra liquid will cook off.

I once added too much salt by accident. It happens to everyone. Just toss in a peeled potato. It will soak up some of the salt.

If the chicken seems dry, you might have cooked it too long. Next time, cut the pieces bigger. This keeps them juicy and tender. Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence.

Getting the flavor right makes the whole meal better. It turns a good soup into a great one. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Soup Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use a gluten-free cream soup and check your chicken stock.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. The flavors get even better the next day.

Q: What other veggies can I use? A: Green beans or spinach work wonderfully. Use what you have.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You can, but do not fill the pot past the max line.

Q: Any extra tips? A: A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end is lovely. *Fun fact: A little acid makes flavors pop!* Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this creamy chicken soup. It is a hug in a bowl. Making it for my family always brings me joy.

I would be so happy to see your creations. Sharing food connects us all. Please show me your beautiful bowls of soup. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.