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Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Soup

Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Soup - recipe card
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A hearty, satisfying soup inspired by classic chicken Parmesan, featuring tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato broth, all topped with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb crust. This one-pot meal delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until the oil shimmers. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. This builds the aromatic base of the soup.
  2. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Overcooking garlic can turn it bitter, so keep a close eye.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. While the broth simmers, season the cubed chicken breast with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot, stirring to distribute. Simmer the soup over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, about 10-12 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Once the chicken is done, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Do not let it boil aggressively, as the cream can curdle.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and a pinch of salt. Mix with a fork until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and look like wet sand. This buttered crumb topping will mimic the crunchy crust of classic chicken Parmesan.
  7. Preheat your oven’s broiler. Ladle the soup into 4 oven-safe bowls, filling them about 3/4 full. Place the bowls on a baking sheet for easy handling.
  8. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of each bowl, dividing them equally. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the breadcrumbs, also divided equally.
  9. Place the baking sheet with the bowls under the broiler, about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep a close eye, as they can burn quickly.
  10. Remove from the broiler and let the soup rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot, with a spoon to dig through the cheesy crust to the creamy soup beneath.

Notes

Storage: Cool soup completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The breadcrumb topping will soften; for best results, reheat soup in a pot over medium-low heat, then refresh the topping separately by toasting in a skillet or toaster oven. Freezing: The soup (without the breadcrumb topping) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently, then add the breadcrumb topping and broil as instructed. Reheating leftovers: Microwaves work, but stovetop reheating preserves texture better.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan soup, pioneer woman chicken parmesan soup, chicken parm soup, Italian-American soup, creamy tomato chicken soup, weeknight dinner, one-pot meal, comfort food, chicken soup with breadcrumbs

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-chicken-parmesan-soup-recipe/