Cozy Chicken Mozzarella Soup for Dinner
Warm up your evening with a creamy, flavorful Chicken Mozzarella Soup made with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). This comforting soup combines savory broth, hearty ingredients, and gooey cheese for a dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. Perfect for dinner any day of the week, it’s simple to make and packed with wholesome textures and tastes you’ll love diving into again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a bowl: Each spoonful delivers warmth and creaminess perfect for chilly evenings.
- Simple ingredients: Uses fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) that you probably already have on hand.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely dinners.
- Family-friendly: Mild and flavorful, this soup satisfies both kids and adults alike without overpowering spices.
- Versatile: Easily customized with your favorite veggies or proteins to fit dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Mozzarella Soup relies on simple yet essential ingredients that balance flavor, texture, and nutrition beautifully. Each component plays a special role in creating the cozy and creamy experience you’ll crave.
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Tender and juicy, they form the hearty protein base.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal): Melts perfectly to create a luscious creamy texture.
- Carrots and celery: Add natural sweetness and fresh crunch, boosting flavor and color.
- Yellow onion: Provides depth of flavor and a mild aromatic base.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse warmth and a subtle kick to the broth.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties all the ingredients together.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté vegetables and add richness without overpowering.
- Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley): Brighten the dish with earthy, fragrant notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- Optional spinach or kale: For a boost of color and nutrients.
Variations for Chicken Mozzarella Soup
Feel free to make this Chicken Mozzarella Soup your own by mixing in your favorite ingredients or adapting based on what’s available in your kitchen. This recipe is flexible and easy to tweak depending on dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for hearty mushrooms or white beans for protein-rich options.
- Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for subtle heat.
- Low-carb option: Replace carrots and celery with zucchini or cauliflower for fewer carbs.
- Extra cheesy: Stir in additional shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) or swirl in a spoonful of ricotta cheese for creaminess.
- Herb swap: Use basil or oregano instead of thyme for a different aromatic profile.
How to Make Chicken Mozzarella Soup
Step 1: Prepare the chicken and vegetables
Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Wash, peel, and chop the carrots, celery, and onion into uniform pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. This prepped base ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
Step 2: Sauté vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until they soften and release their sweet aroma, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another minute to bring out its fragrance without burning.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Add the diced chicken to the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken pieces are browned and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes. This step locks in flavor and ensures tender meat in every bite.
Step 4: Build the broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. If using fresh herbs, add them now to infuse the broth with their subtle, earthy notes.
Step 5: Add cheese and finish
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Allow it to melt smoothly into the soup creating a rich, creamy texture. Optionally, stir in chopped spinach or kale for freshness and color. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Mozzarella Soup
- Use fresh shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal): Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect melting quality.
- Simmer gently: Avoid boiling vigorously after adding cheese to prevent curdling.
- Add veggies uniformly: Cut your carrots, celery, and onion into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Season gradually: Taste as you go to avoid over-salting the soup.
- Make it more filling: Stir in cooked pasta or grains like quinoa just before serving to bulk up the meal.
How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Soup
Garnishes
Top your bowl with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) for melty goodness. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of black pepper will add a finishing touch that makes each serving shine.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a fresh green salad to balance the creamy richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple grilled vegetable platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a toasted baguette on the side to dip. For a fun twist, ladle the soup into hollowed-out mini bread bowls or even individual ramekins, then sprinkle cheese on top and briefly broil for a golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the soup covered tightly to preserve freshness and prevent absorption of fridge smells.
Freezing
Chicken Mozzarella Soup freezes well, but cheese-based soups can sometimes change texture after thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers and consume within 2 months for best flavor. Avoid adding fresh leafy greens before freezing to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to re-incorporate melted cheese and avoid scorching. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency. Microwave reheating works too but stir halfway through to prevent hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly as a leaner option, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender in the soup.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for a few days and can be frozen for longer-term meal prep convenience.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, or use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor.
What herbs go best with Chicken Mozzarella Soup?
Thyme, parsley, and basil are excellent choices that complement the creamy cheese and chicken flavors beautifully.
Can I add pasta or rice to the soup?
Yes, small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini work well. Add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking or cook separately and add when serving to avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Mozzarella Soup is the perfect cozy dinner recipe to add to your repertoire. It’s comforting, creamy, and totally flexible to match your taste and pantry. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, it’s the kind of meal that warms the heart and satisfies deeply. So grab your pot, gather the ingredients, and dive into this delicious, cozy bowl tonight!
