Creamy Everything Bagel Chicken Soup Delight

Hey there! So, let me tell you about this magical concoction that saved my weeknight meals – Creamy Everything Bagel Chicken Soup. I stumbled upon this idea during one of those pantry raids, you know, the kind where you’re hungry but too lazy to go grocery shopping. I remembered how much I love that everything bagel seasoning and thought, why not spice up my chicken soup with it? Turns out, it was a stroke of genius (or just plain hunger desperation).

Why You’ll Love This

I whip this up whenever I need a quick, cozy meal that feels a bit more special than regular chicken soup. My family goes nuts for it, probably because it’s got that comfort food vibe with a twist. Sometimes I find myself sneaking a bowl late at night (don’t tell my diet). Plus, if you’ve ever thought soup was too bland, this version will change your mind. Believe me, I’ve tried many that just didn’t hit the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning (store-bought or make your own)
• 1 pound of chicken breast, cooked and shredded (leftovers work great!)
• 4 cups chicken broth (I sometimes use vegetable broth if that’s all I have)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 onion, chopped (red onion gives it a nice kick)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re a garlic lover like me)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (any cooking oil works fine)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they’re nice and fragrant. This is where I usually sneak a taste (just to be sure).
2. Add the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it around to soak up all that garlicky goodness.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the whole thing to a gentle simmer. Don’t worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage – it always does, trust me.
4. Stir in the everything bagel seasoning and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. This is when the magic starts to happen.
5. Slowly add the heavy cream, mixing it well into the broth until it’s all creamy and lovely. I think it’s the best part.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I like mine with a good pinch of each.
7. Serve hot and enjoy! Maybe pair it with some crusty bread if you’re feeling fancy.

Notes from My Kitchen

You know, I once tried adding a splash of white wine at the simmering stage – not bad, just different. Also, if your soup ends up too thick, a bit more broth should do the trick.

Variations I’ve Tried

Once, I threw in some chopped potatoes, and it turned out pretty good, though a bit heavier. I also attempted adding spinach for color, but it lost that bagel flavor focus. Lesson learned!

Tools You Might Need

Just the usual suspects – a large pot and a stirring spoon. If you don’t have a garlic press, the side of a knife works fine too (just watch those fingers).

Storing This Soup

It’ll keep in the fridge for a couple of days, though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day! Reheats well, too.

How I Like to Serve It

We usually have it as is, but I like to sprinkle a bit more everything bagel seasoning on top before serving. My kids love it with a side of buttered toast.

Pro Tips

Don’t rush the simmering stage. I once tried skipping it, and the flavors just didn’t meld as they should. Take your time – it’s worth it!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver (and delicious).

Is there a vegan version of this? You could swap the chicken for chickpeas and use coconut milk instead of cream, but I haven’t tried it myself.

What if I can’t find everything bagel seasoning? You can make your own! Just mix sesame seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and poppy seeds. Easy peasy.