Million Dollar Soup Indulgence

Million Dollar Soup is pure comfort in a bowl layers of creamy cheeses meet tender chicken and sweet sautéed aromatics for a soup that always feels a little bit special I love serving this on chilly evenings with fresh bread it is a true crowd-pleaser

Every time I make this my family goes back for seconds it was my go-to recipe for my first soup night with friends and instantly made everyone feel pampered

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast: Provides protein and a hearty bite Use rotisserie or poached at home for the best flavor
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth Choose onions that are firm with shiny skins
• Celery: Brings a subtle savoriness and freshness Go for stalks with crisp leaves
• Garlic: Lifts the savory background Fresh cloves work best for punchy flavor
• Butter: Gives a rich base and nutty flavor Opt for unsalted to control saltiness
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup Stick to standard white flour for best texture
• Chicken broth: Makes the soup base Use a low sodium good quality brand for flavor
• Cream cheese: Delivers that signature velvety texture Look for full fat and soften before adding
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives tang and sharp flavor Always shred your own for the smoothest melt
• Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy melt and mildness Freshly shredded melts best
• Heavy cream: Creates richness Use the coldest cream possible for a glossy finish
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings Taste and adjust as needed
• Smoked paprika: Adds gentle smokiness Choose Spanish paprika for most aroma
• Ground mustard: Lends subtle zestiness Ground is best for even mixing
• Fresh chives: Delicious optional garnish Brightens visual appeal and flavor
• Crumbled bacon: Another optional finish Adds indulgence and crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Vegetables:

Finely chop the onion and celery and mince the garlic Take time for even cuts so everything cooks at the same rate

Sauté Aromatics:

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat Add onion and celery Cook for about five minutes stirring often until the vegetables are softened and begin to look translucent

Add Garlic:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute You want to smell its aroma but not let it brown

Make the Roux:

Sprinkle in the flour over your aromatics Stir constantly and cook for two minutes The mixture will look a bit pasty This cooks out any raw flour taste and ensures smooth thickening

Add Broth Slowly:

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth Pour little by little and whisk well to prevent lumps Scrape the bottom of the pot to keep the mixture smooth

Season and Simmer:

Add shredded chicken kosher salt black pepper smoked paprika and ground mustard Stir everything well Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for ten minutes This lets the flavors meld together

Add Cream Cheese:

Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese Stir slowly until the cheese is completely melted The soup should start to take on a velvety texture

Melt in Remaining Cheeses and Cream:

Add heavy cream cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese Stir well and keep the heat low Cook for five to seven minutes continuing to stir until all cheese melts and the soup is creamy

Taste and Adjust:

Sample the soup and add more salt or pepper if desired This is your chance to make it perfect for your taste

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls Top with fresh chives and crispy bacon if using Serve right away for peak creaminess

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Best ever cream cheese is my not so secret favorite ingredient It makes every spoonful satiny and lush My kids joke that this soup tastes like a big warm hug on cold winter nights and I cannot disagree

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container Soup keeps beautifully for up to four days Be sure to cool soup close to room temperature before refrigerating For reheating do so gently over low heat stirring often Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much Avoid freezing as dairy can break and turn grainy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken you can try cooked turkey or even ham for a twist Dairy free cream cheese and milk alternatives can work for those avoiding dairy but flavor and texture will change Gluten free flour blends substitute one for one if needed for wheat intolerances Vegetable broth stands in for chicken broth for a more neutral flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve Million Dollar Soup with crusty sourdough or warm biscuits Top with extra shredded cheese or a swirl of hot sauce for those who love heat Great alongside a crisp green salad topped with nuts and a tangy vinaigrette

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Cultural and Historical Context

Rich creamy soups are a cornerstone of Southern comfort cooking drawing on kitchen staples to create something truly cozy Chicken and cheese combined with cream have been crowd-pleasers on Southern tables for generations This recipe is my own riff on those flavors tweaked over years until the name Million Dollar really stuck

Common Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and convenience. Simply shred and add as directed.

→ What cheeses work best in this soup?

Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack melt smoothly and provide a balanced, creamy base with rich flavor.

→ How can I make the soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free for a safe substitution.

→ Are there suggested additions or variations?

Sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach add extra depth. Adjust seasoning or swap broth for evaporated milk for richness.

→ What sides pair well with this soup?

Crusty bread, homemade biscuits, or a crisp salad make satisfying accompaniments to this creamy soup.