Save Experience the cozy, familiar flavors of a classic Italian-American favorite in a whole new way with this Grilled Chicken Parmesan Soup. This hearty bowl brings together the smoky char of perfectly grilled chicken with a rich, herb-infused tomato broth, creating a comforting meal that is as satisfying as it is delicious.
Save The secret to this soup's depth lies in the preparation of the chicken. By grilling it separately before adding it to the pot, you lock in savory juices and add a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish. Combined with melted mozzarella and fresh basil, it is a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 (28 oz / 800 g) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (20 g) fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup (60 g) garlic croutons or toasted bread cubes
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
- Step 2
- Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow to rest, then dice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 5
- Stir in the grilled chicken. Simmer for another 5 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 6
- Just before serving, stir in half of the Parmesan and mozzarella until melted.
- Step 7
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top each with remaining cheeses, fresh basil, and a handful of garlic croutons.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure your grill pan is hot before adding the chicken to get those distinctive grill marks that add visual appeal and flavor. When simmering the broth, do not rush the process, as the 10-minute simmer allows the vegetables and tomatoes to fully integrate with the chicken broth. Use a sturdy ladle to ensure every bowl gets a fair share of the hearty chicken and vegetables.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a quicker version, substitute the grilled chicken with a store-bought rotisserie chicken. To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely. If you want to increase the heat, add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during step 4.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this Grilled Chicken Parmesan Soup with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chianti for a complete Italian-themed dinner. It also goes wonderfully with extra toasted bread on the side to soak up every bit of the savory tomato broth.
Save This soup is a true celebration of Italian-American comfort. With its rich broth and melted cheese, every spoonful offers a taste of the classic dish in a warm, comforting new format. Enjoy your meal!
Cooking Guide
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup actually improves after sitting in the refrigerator overnight as the flavors meld together. Store without the croutons and add fresh garnishes when reheating.
- → What can I substitute for the grilled chicken?
Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a quicker version. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or even brown ground chicken if you prefer a different texture.
- → Is this suitable for freezing?
Yes, freeze without the cheese garnish and croutons. Portion into airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- → How can I make this lighter?
Reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim varieties. You can also increase the vegetables and decrease the chicken slightly while maintaining plenty of protein.
- → What bread pairs best with this soup?
Crusty Italian bread, garlic knots, or focaccia are excellent choices. The soup already includes croutons, but additional bread for dipping is always welcome.