Prepare to fall in love with a soup that redefines weeknight comfort: the Velvety Boursin Chicken Mushroom Soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a luxurious, creamy concoction that brings gourmet flair to your dinner table with surprising ease. Featuring tender cubes of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and the star ingredient – Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese – every spoonful is a harmonious blend of rich flavors and smooth textures. This Boursin chicken mushroom soup promises a cozy, satisfying experience that will quickly become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Velvety Boursin Chicken Mushroom Soup
This Velvety Boursin Chicken Mushroom Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience designed for ultimate comfort and convenience. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Uncomplicated Elegance: Despite its sophisticated taste, this soup comes together in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss.
- Irresistible Creaminess: The Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese melts seamlessly into the broth, creating an incredibly smooth, velvety texture that coats your palate with its signature garlic and herb notes.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with lean chicken and savory mushrooms, this soup is wonderfully filling, making it a complete main course that leaves you feeling content and nourished.
- French-Inspired American Comfort: It beautifully marries the aromatic complexity often found in French cuisine with the comforting, approachable style of American home cooking. If you appreciate hearty, flavorful soups, you might also enjoy the robust and warming qualities of Mexican Garlic Soup (Caldo de Ajo). And if rich, creamy chicken dishes are your passion, be sure to explore recipes like Creamy Jack Cheese Chicken.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: It showcases how a few quality ingredients, especially the distinctive Boursin, can elevate everyday cooking into something truly memorable.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward yet impactful ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful substitution ideas:
- Olive Oil: Essential for sautéing. Avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil works as well.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and moister texture, though they may require a few extra minutes to cook through.
- Cremini Mushrooms: Also known as baby bellas, they offer a deeper flavor than white button mushrooms. You can use white button mushrooms, or for an enhanced earthy profile, a mix of shiitake, oyster, or wild mushrooms.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation. White onion can be used. For a milder garlic flavor, use 1-2 cloves instead of 3.
- Chicken Broth: The base of our soup. Vegetable broth can be substituted, making the soup suitable for a pescatarian diet (if omitting chicken, consider adding more mushrooms or white beans for substance).
- Heavy Cream: Contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel. For a slightly lighter soup, half-and-half can be used, though the texture will be less rich. Evaporated milk could also work, but will alter the overall creaminess slightly.
- Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese (5.2 oz package): This is the star and gives the soup its signature flavor and velvety texture. While other herbed cream cheeses exist, Boursin’s unique blend of garlic and herbs is crucial to this recipe’s distinct taste. We highly recommend sticking to Boursin for the intended experience.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: Adds a beautiful, subtle herbaceous note. If using dried thyme, use about 1/3 teaspoon as dried herbs are more potent.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste. Always adjust seasoning at the end to ensure perfect balance.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish. It adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Chives or additional fresh thyme can also be used.
How to Make Velvety Boursin Chicken Mushroom Soup
Creating this delightful Boursin chicken mushroom soup is a straightforward process, designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor:
- Brown the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until it’s lightly browned on all sides, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This browning step is crucial for building flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion to the same pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and release their liquid, and the onion to become translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any delicious browned bits (fond). These bits are packed with flavor! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, return the cooked chicken to the pot.
- Melt in the Creaminess: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, the entire package of Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese, and the fresh thyme. Whisk gently but consistently until the Boursin cheese has completely melted and incorporated, resulting in a smooth, creamy soup base.
- Simmer and Season: Continue to simmer the soup on low for another 5-7 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and the soup to thicken slightly. Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper until it’s perfectly balanced to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot Boursin chicken mushroom soup into individual bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Velvety Boursin Chicken Mushroom Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When browning the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms, avoid overcrowding the pot. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and proper caramelization, which develops deeper flavors.
- Scrape the Fond: After cooking the chicken and vegetables, don’t forget to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot when you add the broth. This “fond” is full of concentrated flavor that will enrich your soup.
- Gentle Whisking for Boursin: When adding the Boursin cheese and heavy cream, keep the heat low and whisk gently but thoroughly. This prevents the dairy from scorching and ensures the cheese melts into a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried herbs can be used, fresh thyme and parsley add a vibrant, bright flavor that truly elevates the soup. Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish!
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The Boursin cheese is already seasoned, so add salt gradually.
- Achieving Desired Thickness: The soup should thicken naturally as it simmers. If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, you can let it simmer for a few extra minutes. If it becomes too thick, a splash of extra chicken broth or cream will help loosen it.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and satisfying Velvety Boursin Chicken Mushroom Soup is truly a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few complementary sides:
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or artisan bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread or Crostini: Elevate the experience with homemade garlic bread or toasted crostini for added texture and flavor.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a lovely contrast to the soup’s richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli would complement the earthy flavors of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
This soup is a fantastic make-ahead option, and leftovers are just as delicious:
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much in the refrigerator, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to restore its desired consistency. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
FAQ
- Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add extra mushrooms, or incorporate cannellini beans or chickpeas for added protein and substance. - Q: Can I use different types of mushrooms?
A: Absolutely! While cremini mushrooms are excellent, feel free to experiment with a mix of wild mushrooms, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for a more complex earthy flavor. - Q: Is Boursin cheese essential for this recipe?
A: The Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese is the star ingredient and provides the soup’s unique, well-rounded flavor and velvety texture. While you could technically use other herbed cream cheeses, the flavor profile would be significantly different. For the authentic “Velvety Boursin Chicken Mushroom Soup” experience, we highly recommend sticking with Boursin. - Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Dairy-based soups can sometimes separate or become grainy when frozen and then thawed due to the fat content in the cream. While technically possible, it’s generally best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. If you do choose to freeze it, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator and whisk vigorously while reheating to help re-emulsify the ingredients. - Q: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: For a touch of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
The Velvety Boursin Chicken Mushroom Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor a moment of pure comfort and culinary delight. Its effortless preparation belies its rich, complex flavors, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a gourmet-quality meal without the extensive time commitment. So, gather your ingredients, take a deep breath, and prepare to indulge in a bowl of creamy, herbaceous perfection that will warm you from the inside out. Enjoy the magic of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary!
Velvety Boursin Chicken Mushroom Soup: Your Dreamy Weeknight Comfort Bowl
Indulge in the rich, creamy embrace of this Boursin Chicken Mushroom Soup. Featuring tender pieces of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and the irresistible garlic and fine herb notes of Boursin cheese, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it the perfect comforting meal for a chilly evening or a satisfying lunch. Every spoonful is a luxurious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling cozy and content.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 5.2 ounce package Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onion to the same pot. Sauté until the mushrooms are softened and have released their liquid, and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Boursin cheese, and fresh thyme. Whisk gently until the Boursin cheese has completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Ladle the Boursin chicken mushroom soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of dry sherry (ensure it’s alcohol-free if adhering to specific dietary restrictions, or omit) with the broth. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French-inspired American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg