Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to transform everyday ingredients into a soul-warming meal that feels both luxurious and homey, this Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken is your answer. Imagine tender chunks of chicken swimming in a creamy, tomato-rich broth, elevated by the sweet tang of sun dried tomatoes and hints of Italian herbs. Every spoonful bursts with layered flavors, unexpected comfort, and just the right amount of decadence. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or you’re planning lunch for friends, this one-pot wonder is as easy as it is unforgettable. If you love bold, zesty soup, Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken will hit all the marks!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s truly amazing how a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients can create such depth and warmth in every bite. Each of these ingredients plays its own special role in making the Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken unforgettable, so let’s break them down for easy shopping and delicious results.

• Olive oil: The base for sautéing, olive oil brings a gentle richness and helps the onion and garlic bloom with flavor right from the start.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion provides aromatic sweetness and a lovely backbone for the soup’s base.
• Garlic: Minced garlic gives a subtle heat and irresistible fragrance that deepens the taste of the broth.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these remain juicy and tender throughout simmering.
• Chicken broth: The liquid gold that keeps everything savory and comforting; choose a good quality broth for best results.
• Canned diced tomatoes with garlic and onion: Adds natural acidity, a burst of tomato flavor, and extra aromatics to the soup.
• Cream of mushroom soup: This “secret” ingredient gives a creamy texture and hints of earthy mushroom without overpowering.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, making each spoonful rich and velvety.
• Sundried tomatoes: Chopped and bold, they add sweet-tangy depth, a pop of color, and chewy texture that makes the soup sing.
• Italian seasoning: A simple mix of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Mediterranean notes in every bite.
• Bay leaf: Slowly simmers with everything to lend subtle, savoury warmth and a beautiful aroma.
• Sugar or sugar substitute: Just a touch to balance the acidity of tomatoes and bring harmony to the flavors.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s very soft so it melts smoothly for the silkiest, most decadent finish.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty punch and creamy finish when sprinkled on top, making every serving extra special.
• Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season! These final touches draw out all the flavors and bring the soup together beautifully.

How to Make Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in your favorite soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it sizzle away until it’s soft and lightly golden, about eight minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, letting its aroma bloom for a minute. This layer of salty-sweet, garlicky goodness forms the fragrant backbone of your Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken.

Step 2: Build the Brothy Base

Next, toss in the bite-size pieces of chicken thighs along with the chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes (with all their garlicky, oniony juices), cream of mushroom soup, tomato paste, sun dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and a teaspoon of sugar or sugar substitute. Stir everything together and watch as the pot fills up with bright color and irresistible fragrance. Bring the soup to a lively simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let those flavors mingle for about 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens as the chicken cooks through and the broth becomes creamy and robust.

Step 3: Make It Creamy and Finish

After simmering, carefully remove the bay leaf and turn your attention to smoothing and enriching the soup. Add in the very soft cream cheese, stirring patiently until it fully melts and disappears into a luscious, velvety texture that coats the chicken and tomatoes. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken into bowls and give each serving a good sprinkle of grated parmesan. Get ready to enjoy a bowlful of pure comfort!

How to Serve Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken

Garnishes

The final playful touch! A generous shower of parmesan cheese is essential, but don’t stop there. Add a few strips of extra sun dried tomatoes, a swirl of cream, or a scattering of fresh basil or parsley. These garnishes not only brighten your Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken but also add new texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with simple, crusty bread—think a chewy sourdough or a fresh baguette, toasted for dunking. If you want a more substantial spread, consider a side salad of bright greens tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or even a warm panini with melted cheese. Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken loves good company at the table!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or date nights, serve the soup in rustic mugs for sipping beside the fire, or pour it into mini shooter glasses alongside tiny grilled cheese wedges for a whimsical appetizer. A drizzle of herbed oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives this classic new character, making every bowl of Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken feel like a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. The flavors deepen beautifully, making Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken even more luscious after a day or two. Enjoy within 3-4 days for peak freshness and comfort.

Freezing

This soup is surprisingly freezer-friendly! To freeze, let it cool completely, remove as much air as possible from freezer-safe containers, and stash away for up to three months. The cream cheese helps the soup maintain its creamy texture, but give it a good stir as it thaws to bring everything back together.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken again, reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until just hot. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep that creamy consistency intact. A fresh sprinkle of parmesan never hurts after reheating!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer leaner meat, though thighs tend to stay a bit juicier in this creamy soup. Just be mindful not to overcook to keep the chicken tender.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

If you’re out, substitute with cream of chicken soup or even heavy cream for a silky finish, though the mushroom does add a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sun dried tomatoes.

Can I make Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth—skip the chicken entirely, and keep all the hearty flavors from the sun dried tomatoes and creamy base.

Is this soup gluten free?

In most cases, yes, but check that your cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth are labeled gluten free, since some brands add flour or thickeners. Everything else in Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken should fit perfectly into a gluten free diet.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

Of course! This soup doubles beautifully for a crowd or freezes well in small batches if you want just a few servings. Adjust your ingredients as needed and enjoy Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken whenever you please.

Final Thoughts

Take it from me, Sun Dried Tomato Soup with Chicken is one of those recipes that goes straight into the family favorites file. It’s packed with flavor, so easy to pull together, and warms you from the inside out. I hope you’ll give it a try—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will be so glad you did!

Print