Chicken soup with tarragon and croutons

Chicken soup with tarragon and croutons is a comforting and flavorful dish that revives childhood memories when family meals were filled with warmth and kindness. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for cool days when you need a bowl of comfort and care. Let's embark on this delicious soup-making adventure together!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, cooked chicken thighs (about 300 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 55 g butter
- 600 ml chicken broth (can be homemade or from cubes)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 2 slices of toast bread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by finely chopping the onion. This will add a sweet flavor and deep aroma to your soup. If you have fresh tarragon on hand, it's ideal; its distinct aroma will blend perfectly with the chicken. Also, make sure the chicken thighs are cooked and boneless so you can work quickly.

2. Sautéing the onion:
In a deep pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. This step will intensify the flavors and make the soup even more delicious.

3. Adding the chicken:
Cut the chicken thighs into thin strips and add them to the pot over the sautéed onion. Mix well to combine the ingredients and allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the onion.

4. Cooking the soup:
Pour half of the chicken broth into the pot (if you used water to boil the chicken, add a chicken cube for extra flavor). Let everything come to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This simmering time will allow the flavors to develop and intensify.

5. Blending:
After the soup has simmered, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the mixture until creamy. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can leave some whole strips of chicken for garnish.

6. Finalizing the soup:
Add the remaining chicken broth and the finely chopped tarragon to the pot. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Here, the tarragon will add a fresh and aromatic note, turning the soup into a true feast for the taste buds.

7. Preparing the croutons:
Meanwhile, prepare the croutons. Cut the toast bread into small cubes, place them in a bowl, and drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Arrange them on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (Gas 4) for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy. These croutons will add a delicious texture to your soup.

8. Serving:
When you're ready to serve, add the liquid cream to the soup and stir gently to create a creamy consistency. Then, pour the soup into bowls, add some croutons on top, and if desired, sprinkle a little fresh tarragon for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations
To turn this soup into a complete meal, you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to the soup for a note of acidity that will enhance the flavors.

If you enjoy experimenting, you can add vegetables like carrots or celery during the simmering for a heartier version. Also, substituting chicken with turkey or adding mushrooms can provide an interesting twist.

Nutritional Benefits
This chicken soup with tarragon and croutons is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken provides essential proteins, while tarragon is known for its antioxidant properties. The liquid cream adds extra calcium, and whole-grain croutons can provide a source of healthy carbohydrates.

Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving, depending on the ingredients used and the exact quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, make sure to completely thaw it before cooking.
- What other herbs can I use? Instead of tarragon, you can use dill or parsley, which pair well with chicken.
- Can I make the soup vegetarian? Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu and the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to prepare this comforting chicken soup with tarragon and croutons. I invite you to enjoy every bite and share this recipe with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!