Unleash the flavors of spring with this Chicken and Asparagus soup recipe, a delightful union of tender meat and vibrant green stalks that promises to please your palate. Start by seasoning chicken breasts with herbs and garlic, their flavors infusing the meat as it sears to golden perfection. In the same pan, sauté fresh asparagus, their grassiness complementing the savory chicken. Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine, its acidity cutting through the richness of the dish. Serve hot, drizzled with the pan juices, for a meal that’s as bright and lively as a spring day.
Immerse your senses in the delicious dance of succulent chicken and asparagus recipe. This tantalizing pairing promises a culinary expedition into the heart of wholesome simplicity.
The richly flavored chicken, tender and juicy, becomes the star of your table, beautifully offset by the fresh snap of asparagus. A gourmet dish, yet effortlessly prepared, guides your journey from kitchen to dining.
Each ingredient, though humble, contributes to a symphony of tastes, illuminating every bite. Harness the power of home cooking, embracing tradition with a modern twist. Celebrate each moment, and every conversation around your dinner table with this dish.
Dive into this enticing recipe, where chicken meets asparagus, creating more than a meal – a memory. Simple ingredients, extraordinary outcome. Unearth the joy of cooking with our chicken and asparagus recipe; a testament to taste, a tribute to togetherness. Let’s transform your everyday into gourmet today!
What Is Chicken And Asparagus Soup?
The chicken and asparagus recipe is a wholesome yet simple dish that pairs tender, flavorful chicken with fresh, crisp asparagus. Cooked often in one pan, the chicken can be seasoned with herbs and spices, then roasted, grilled, or sautéed until juicy and golden.
The asparagus is typically lightly seasoned and cooked until it’s just tender, maintaining its vibrant color and snap. This dish brings together the earthy flavors of the chicken with the slightly bitter yet sweet taste of asparagus, resulting in a balanced, healthy meal.
Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?
- Keto The basic chicken and asparagus recipe is keto-friendly since it’s high in protein and low in carbs. Just be sure to use a keto-approved oil, such as avocado or coconut. Also, avoid any added sugars in your marinade or seasonings.
- Paleo Again, chicken and asparagus are both Paleo-friendly. Stick to natural seasonings and use a Paleo-friendly oil like olive or avocado. Avoid dairy products and any processed seasonings or sauces.
- Gluten-Free This recipe should already be gluten-free, as long as you’re careful about your seasonings. Read labels carefully to ensure there’s no hidden gluten in your seasoning blends or in any pre-made marinades or sauces you might use.
- Whole30 For a Whole30-compliant recipe, make sure your chicken is organic, and your seasonings are all compliant (avoiding sugar, soy, etc.). Also, any fats used should be Whole30-compliant, such as olive oil or ghee.
- Vegetarian/Vegan You could replace the chicken with a hearty plant-based protein for a vegetarian or vegan adaptation. Tofu, tempeh, or seitan could be good substitutes. If you’re not vegan, halloumi cheese could also work well as it holds up to grilling or frying. If you’re vegan, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.Â
Recipe Directions
- Heat oil in a soup maker with a sauté function or a saucepan. Add Onion and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Transfer ingredients to the soup maker if you use a saucepan.
- Add remaining ingredients except for crème fraiche, being careful not to exceed the MAX line. If needed, add hot water up to the MIN line.
- Choose the chunky setting, cover, and cook.
- Stir in the crème fraiche and blend manually for 15 to 20 seconds after the soup.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- To add a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or a pinch of chipotle powder.
- Replace the crème fraiche with a vegan substitute like coconut milk for a vegan version.
- To make it heartier, add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Add-Ons
- For more protein, add cooked chicken, tofu, or beans.
- You can add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
- Add spices like cumin or coriander to provide a warming, earthy flavor.
Toppings
- Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Add a crunchy element by topping with croutons or toasted nuts.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can brighten the flavors.
- Add a sprinkle of cheese like grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for a salty, savory touch.
Can I Make Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Slow Cooker
- Sauté the Onion and garlic in a pan on the stove, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients except for the crème fraiche.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your slow cooker and the size of your ingredients.
- Stir in the crème fraiche just before serving, and use an immersion blender to blend the soup if necessary.
Instant Pot
- Sauté the Onion and garlic in a pan on the stove, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients except for the crème fraiche.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your slow cooker and the size of your ingredients.
- Stir in the crème fraiche just before serving, and use an immersion blender to blend the soup if necessary.
Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?
- Homemade Broth: Making your own broth allows for control over the flavor, salt content, and ingredients. You can make it in large batches and freeze it in smaller portions for future use. It can be a great way to use up vegetable scraps and leftover bones. The downside is that it requires time to prepare.
- Store-Bought Broth: This is a convenient option and can save you significant time. When purchasing store-bought broth, look for low-sodium versions so you can control the salt level in your soup. Try to find broths with natural ingredients and avoid those with MSG or other additives.
How To Serve?
- Presentation: Arrange the chicken and asparagus nicely on the plate. If you’ve sliced the chicken, fan the slices out. Lay the asparagus neatly next to it.
- Garnish: As mentioned earlier, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of sauce for a vibrant look.
- Sides: Depending on the specifics of the recipe, you could serve it with a variety of sides. A light salad, quinoa, brown rice, or roasted potatoes could complement the dish well.
- Serve Warm: Chicken and asparagus are usually best served warm. If you’ve prepared the dish in advance, gently reheat it before serving.
- Dinnerware: Use clean, appealing dinnerware. The colors of the plate or bowl can make the colors of the chicken and asparagus pop.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Grains: A side of quinoa, brown rice, or couscous would provide a nice texture contrast and soak up any sauce from the chicken and asparagus.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes, or sweet potatoes could add a hearty, comforting element to the meal.
- Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette would be a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken and asparagus.
- Steamed Vegetables: A medley of steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots would complement the dish and add color to the plate.
- Bread: A piece of crusty whole-grain bread or a warm dinner roll could be a simple and satisfying accompaniment.
- Pasta: A light pasta side dish, such as orzo with lemon zest and fresh herbs, would complement the flavors of the chicken and asparagus.
Storage And Make Ahead
- Storage: Once cooled, transfer the soup into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the soup without adding delicate ingredients like fresh herbs or lemon juice. Store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Add these ingredients just before serving for the freshest taste.
What Can We Do With Leftovers?
- Salads: Slice the chicken and asparagus and add them to a salad for a protein-rich lunch.
- Wraps or Sandwiches: Use them as fillings for wraps or sandwiches, adding some lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce.
- Pasta: Toss them with some pasta, olive oil, and grated Parmesan for a quick and easy dinner.
- Stir-fry: Add to a stir-fry with some other leftover vegetables and a simple stir-fry sauce.
- Omelette or Frittata: Use as ingredients in an omelet or frittata, perfect for a filling breakfast or brunch.
- Pizza Topping: Top a homemade pizza with leftover chicken and asparagus.
- Soup: Make a simple soup by simmering the leftovers with broth and adding more vegetables if desired.
- Grain Bowls: Combine with cooked grains like rice or quinoa, and add some dressing for a satisfying grain bowl.
TIPS
- Broth Brilliance: Use a rich, homemade chicken broth for depth of flavor.
- Herbal Harmony: Add fresh herbs like thyme or dill for a fragrant touch.
- Creamy Consistency: Blend a portion of the soup for a creamy texture without heavy cream.
- Asparagus Addition: Reserve some asparagus tips and add them towards the end for a vibrant, crunchy element.
- Lemon Lift: A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the flavors.
- Protein Power: Boost protein by adding shredded chicken towards the end of cooking.
Chicken And Asparagus Soup Recipe (Cozy, Nutritious, And Quick)
4
servings15
minutes40
minutes215
kcalSavor the comforting flavors of our Chicken and Asparagus Soup, a delightful blend of tender chicken pieces, fresh asparagus, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection.
Ingredients
150 G 150 Cooked Chicken Breast (Diced)
400 G 400 Asparagus (Chopped)
1 1 Medium Onion (Chopped)
1 1 Garlic Clove (Crushed)
1 1 Medium Potato (Scrubbed And Chopped)
2 Tbsp 2 Crème Fraiche
750 Ml 750 Chicken Stock
Step-By-Step Directions
- Start by heating the oil in your soup maker if it includes a sauté function. If your soup maker lacks this feature, heat the oil in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
- Next, add the Onion and garlic to the hot oil. Sauté these ingredients for about 5 minutes until they are fragrant, and the onions are slightly translucent.
- If you started in a saucepan, now is the time to switch off the heat and carefully transfer the sautéed Onion and garlic to your soup maker.
- Add the remaining ingredients you have prepared for your soup to the soup maker. Be sure to exclude the crème fraiche at this stage, as it will be used later.
- Pay attention to the MAX line in your soup maker. Do not let your ingredients exceed this level. If you find that your ingredients do not reach the MIN line, you can top it up with hot water until it does.
- With all your ingredients added, secure the lid onto your soup maker and select the chunky setting. The cooking time will vary depending on your soup maker.
- Once the soup maker has finished its cycle, remove the lid and stir in the crème fraiche.
- After adding the crème fraiche, use the manual blend setting on your soup maker. You should only need to blend for 15 to 20 seconds to reach your desired consistency.
- EQUIPMENT LIST
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
- Blender or Immersion Blender
Notes
- Adjusting Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your preference, feel free to add a bit more broth or water to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer, uncovered, to reduce and thicken.
- Freshness of Asparagus: Asparagus is at its best in the spring but is available year-round in supermarkets. Look for firm stalks with tightly closed buds for the freshest asparagus.
- Prep Ahead: To save time on the cooking day, you can chop your vegetables and chicken in advance and keep them in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers: This soup stores well, and the flavors often develop even more the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Remember to store it in an airtight container.
- Spicing it Up: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can liven up the soup if you like a bit of heat.
- Vegetable Swap: If asparagus isn’t your favourite, you can swap it out for other vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach.