There’s something undeniably comforting about turning a classic dish into a warm, soothing bowl of soup. Creamy Chicken Caesar Soup takes everything you love about the iconic Caesar salad—savory chicken, crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and Parmesan—and reimagines it into a silky, flavorful experience that’s perfect for cozy nights in. Whether you’re craving something familiar with a twist or looking for a new way to bring salad lovers and soup fans to the same table, this recipe hits the mark.
Creamy Chicken Caesar Soup: A Cozy Twist on a Classic Salad
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy Chicken Caesar Soup transforms the iconic salad into a cozy, satisfying bowl of comfort. With tender shredded chicken, a creamy romaine and Parmesan base, and crisp Caesar croutons, this soup is a flavorful twist perfect for chilly evenings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the soup:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups water
1 russet potato, peeled and roughly chopped
1 piece Parmesan cheese rind
2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
Freshly ground black pepper
2 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
For the croutons:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
3 anchovy fillets
A dash of hot sauce
2 cloves garlic, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper
1 baguette
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the potato and Parmesan rind. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them into the pot.
4. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked, about 15 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool slightly.
5. While the soup simmers, make the croutons. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, anchovies, hot sauce, garlic, pepper, and 1 tablespoon water. Blend until smooth.
6. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Arrange on a baking sheet, brush with the mayonnaise mixture (reserve about 2 tablespoons), and sprinkle with parsley, lemon zest, and extra Parmesan. Bake until golden, about 10 minutes.
7. Add the chopped romaine and heavy cream to the soup pot. Cook until the lettuce is very tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and discard the Parmesan rind.
8. Carefully blend the soup until smooth, working in batches if needed. Return it to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Shred the chicken and stir it back into the soup. Warm gently over medium heat.
10. Serve hot, drizzled with the reserved mayonnaise mixture and topped with croutons and extra black pepper.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. To make ahead, store the soup base and croutons separately. Add cooked pasta or beans to bulk up the meal if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soups & Stews
- Method: Simmering and blending
- Cuisine: American
A Warm and Creamy Take on Caesar Salad
How Caesar Salad Inspired This Comforting Soup
The Caesar salad is a timeless favorite, loved for its balance of richness and bite, from the sharp Parmesan to the creamy dressing. But when the weather cools down and comfort food calls, tossing cold greens doesn’t always hit the spot. This soup was born from a craving for warmth without sacrificing the bold flavors that make Caesar so crave-worthy. The transformation from salad to soup might sound surprising, but once you taste it, you’ll wonder why this hasn’t always been a thing.
Reimagining Classic Flavors in a Bowl
Instead of tossing lettuce with dressing, you’ll simmer chopped romaine until it’s tender and velvety, blending it into a base built on garlic, chicken, broth, and a touch of cream. The flavors deepen, mellow, and come together in a harmony that still whispers “Caesar”—but now it’s comforting, nourishing, and spoonable.
The Secret to That Creamy Chicken Caesar Texture
One of the standout elements of this soup is its texture. It’s not just creamy—it’s lush and thick, thanks to a smart combo of russet potato and blended romaine. Heavy cream finishes it off for a decadent, yet not overpowering consistency. It hugs each spoonful of shredded chicken, creating a truly satisfying mouthfeel.
Building Flavor from the Base Up
Why the Parmesan Rind Makes All the Difference
A small but powerful player in this recipe is the Parmesan rind. As it simmers in the broth, it slowly releases umami and saltiness, enriching the soup without needing loads of added cheese. It’s a technique that elevates everything it touches, and in this soup, it ties the Caesar profile together beautifully.
Layering Aromatics and Broth for Depth
It all begins with sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil—a classic aromatic base that sets the stage for flavor. Adding chicken broth and water creates a light, flavorful liquid that carries the other ingredients. When the chicken breasts poach gently in this mix, their juices subtly enrich the broth, bringing it all together with depth and warmth.
How the Chicken Infuses the Broth with Richness
Poaching the chicken directly in the broth not only simplifies the cooking process, but also turns the broth into a subtly rich base. Once shredded and stirred back in after blending, the chicken adds body and texture, making every spoonful a satisfying bite.
The Role of Romaine and Croutons in Soup Form
Cooking Lettuce Without Losing Its Character
It might sound counterintuitive to cook romaine lettuce, but when done right, it softens into a smooth, slightly grassy base that enhances the Caesar theme. Simmering it just until tender before blending preserves its integrity and adds a layer of complexity to the soup’s flavor.
Crisp Homemade Caesar Croutons
No Caesar-inspired dish is complete without croutons, and these aren’t your basic cubes. A tangy, umami-packed mayonnaise mixture—blended with anchovies, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan—is brushed onto baguette slices, then baked until golden. Topped with parsley and extra cheese, they become crunchy, flavorful toppers that are good enough to snack on by themselves.
Finishing Touches That Bring the Caesar to Life
Just before serving, a drizzle of the reserved Caesar mayo mixture gives the soup that signature tang and richness. Paired with the croutons and a final crack of black pepper, it ties the whole dish together with unmistakable Caesar flavor—without the need for a salad plate.
Making Creamy Chicken Caesar Soup a Weeknight Favorite
Fast Prep and Simple Simmering
With just 10 minutes of prep and a straightforward simmer-and-blend process, this recipe slides effortlessly into a weeknight dinner rotation. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, letting you prep croutons or set the table while the flavors build in the pot.
Tips for Prepping Ahead and Freezing
You can easily prep components of this soup in advance. The croutons can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. The soup itself also freezes beautifully—just leave out the cream and add it after reheating to preserve the silky texture.
Best Pasta Options for Simple Chicken and Pasta Soup
If you’re craving something heartier, this soup pairs wonderfully with small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo. Add cooked pasta after blending and reheating for an easy way to turn this into a simple chicken and pasta soup that still honors its Caesar roots.
Creative Ways to Serve and Customize
What to Serve Alongside Creamy Chicken Caesar Soup
This soup is a meal in itself, but if you’re planning to serve it as part of a larger spread, keep it simple. A bright arugula salad or even roasted vegetables make great sides. A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc also complements the creamy, savory profile beautifully.
Swaps and Add-ins for Extra Protein or Veggies
For a heartier bowl, try stirring in cannellini beans, cooked farro, or sautéed mushrooms. If you want to boost the greens, baby spinach or kale can be added along with the romaine for extra color and nutrients.
Kid-Friendly Tweaks That Keep the Caesar Vibe
If anchovies or strong flavors are a concern, you can tone down the crouton mix by using just lemon, garlic, and Parmesan. The base soup is mild and comforting, so even picky eaters might be surprised how much they love it. You can also try it with rotisserie chicken for a shortcut on busy nights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a simple chicken and pasta soup that tastes like Caesar salad?
This Creamy Chicken Caesar Soup captures the spirit of a Caesar salad but delivers it in a warm, spoonable form. To make it a pasta-based version, stir in cooked pasta after blending for a hearty hybrid that feels both familiar and fresh.
How much pasta should I add if I want to bulk up the soup?
For a balanced texture, start with 1 to 1½ cups of cooked pasta per batch. Ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work well. Too much pasta can soak up the broth, so add gradually based on your desired consistency.
Can I make this soup dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternative to go dairy-free. For a gluten-free version, skip the croutons or use gluten-free bread, and ensure your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What’s the best way to reheat Creamy Chicken Caesar Soup?
Reheat gently over medium-low heat to preserve the creamy texture. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth. Avoid boiling after adding cream to keep the texture smooth.
Conclusion: A Flavorful Fusion Worth Repeating
Creamy Chicken Caesar Soup takes a bold leap from salad to soup, and the result is nothing short of delicious. It’s the kind of cozy, clever comfort food that feels both indulgent and balanced. Whether you’re making it as a weeknight dinner or serving it up for friends on a chilly weekend, this soup brings warmth and personality to every bowl. For more ways to enjoy chicken in a creamy, creative form, don’t miss this hearty chicken Alfredo chowder that’s also perfect for soup season.
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