Creamy Chicken Bisque

Creamy Chicken Bisque Recipe from France | Ingredients: Chicken, Leek, Brie, and Heavy Cream

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creamy Chicken Bisque is a rich and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy brie, and leeks to create a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.

History

The origins of Chicken Bisque can be traced back to France, where bisque is a type of creamy soup traditionally made with shellfish. This recipe puts a twist on the classic bisque by using chicken as the main protein, creating a hearty and comforting dish.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large leek, chopped and divided
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup rice
1 lb (454 g) brie, rind removed and diced
0.5 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Cook the chicken in oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it turns brown, which should take about 8 minutes.
Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Cook the white part of the leek until it becomes soft over medium-high heat, which should take about 2 minutes.
Add the chicken broth and rice to the Dutch oven and bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium and cook it uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the chicken back to the Dutch oven and cook it for 5 minutes.
Stir in the brie, cream, salt, and pepper.
Continue stirring until the mixture becomes creamy and the cheese is melted, which should take about 4 minutes.
Garnish with the green part of the leek, if desired.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or crab for a seafood twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the chicken into bite-size pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Cooking the leeks until they are soft will help to release their sweet and savory flavor.

- Stirring frequently while cooking the rice will help to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

- Adding the brie and cream at the end of cooking will create a rich and creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Chicken Bisque can be served as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking the chicken until it is browned will help to develop a rich flavor in the soup.

- Stirring in the brie and cream at the end of cooking will create a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the brie with another type of soft cheese such as camembert or goat cheese.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamy Chicken Bisque can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of Creamy Chicken Bisque with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Creamy Chicken Bisque with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Creamy Chicken Bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to thin out the soup.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Bisque contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Bisque contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Bisque contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Creamy Chicken Bisque contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Creamy Chicken Bisque is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (brie and cream) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Creamy Chicken Bisque is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Creamy Chicken Bisque is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy brie, and leeks to create a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was during a summer afternoon, many years ago, when I stumbled upon the recipe for Creamy Chicken Bisque. I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her delicious homemade soups. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of simmering chicken broth and herbs filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have a special treat for you today," she said, as she motioned for me to take a seat at her kitchen table. "I'm going to teach you how to make my famous Creamy Chicken Bisque."

I watched in awe as Margaret effortlessly chopped vegetables, sautéed onions, and added just the right amount of spices to create a rich and flavorful broth. She then added tender chunks of chicken, cream, and a handful of fresh herbs, stirring the pot with a wooden spoon as the soup simmered on the stove. The kitchen was filled with the comforting sounds of bubbling soup and the clinking of pots and pans, creating a symphony of flavors that danced in the air.

As I took my first spoonful of the Creamy Chicken Bisque, I was transported to a place of pure bliss. The creamy texture of the soup melted in my mouth, while the subtle flavors of thyme and rosemary danced on my taste buds. It was a soup unlike any I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself.

Over the following weeks, Margaret patiently taught me the intricacies of making Creamy Chicken Bisque. She shared her secrets for achieving the perfect balance of flavors, the importance of using fresh ingredients, and the art of patience when it came to letting the soup simmer and develop its full potential. With each lesson, my confidence in the kitchen grew, and I found myself falling more and more in love with the process of cooking.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect my recipe for Creamy Chicken Bisque, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different herbs and spices. I shared the soup with friends and family, who all marveled at its rich and creamy texture, and begged me for the recipe. But I knew that this recipe was a treasure that had been passed down to me by Margaret, and I wanted to honor her legacy by keeping it close to my heart.

To this day, whenever I make Creamy Chicken Bisque, I am reminded of that summer afternoon in Margaret's kitchen, where I first discovered the joy of cooking and the power of sharing a meal with loved ones. The recipe for this soup holds a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the bond between friends, the beauty of tradition, and the simple pleasures of a homemade meal. And as I take a sip of the warm and comforting soup, I am filled with gratitude for all the memories and moments that have been woven into its delicious depths.