Everything Bagel Chicken Soup with Crunchy Bagel Croutons: A Comforting Dish for Every Season

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When the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, there’s nothing better than curling up with a warm bowl of comforting soup. If you’re someone who loves bold flavors and delightful textures, this Everything Bagel Chicken Soup with Crunchy Bagel Croutons will quickly become your go-to recipe. Packed with the savory goodness of chicken, cream cheese, and everything bagel seasoning, this soup offers a creamy, rich base that’s beautifully complemented by homemade croutons made from everything bagels.

Not only is this dish a delightful treat for the taste buds, but it also combines the rich comfort of a hearty soup with a touch of something extra. It’s an unforgettable combination of flavors and textures that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love Everything Bagel Chicken Soup with Crunchy Bagel Croutons

This soup stands out because it doesn’t just offer one texture or flavor—it delivers a perfect balance of rich and creamy with crunchy, savory goodness. Here’s why this dish will win your heart:

1. Comforting and Hearty

The creamy base of this chicken soup is made from a combination of chicken broth, cream cheese, and a dash of garlic and green onions. It’s a hug in a bowl, warm and filling, perfect for any cold day. The chicken adds protein, while the cream cheese thickens the broth, making it both hearty and satisfying.

2. A Crunch That Takes It Over the Top

What truly elevates this soup is the crispy homemade everything bagel croutons. As you dip them into the soup, they soak up the rich flavors while maintaining a satisfying crunch. It’s a texture contrast that makes each spoonful even more enjoyable.

3. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You won’t need any exotic ingredients to prepare this soup. Most of the items you’ll need are likely already in your pantry or fridge, including everything bagels, chicken, cream cheese, and chicken broth. The seasoning, especially the Everything Bagel seasoning, ties it all together, giving a uniquely savory flavor to the entire dish.

Ingredients Breakdown: Everything You Need

Before you dive into cooking, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this easy-to-make Everything Bagel Chicken Soup with Crunchy Bagel Croutons.

For the Crunchy Bagel Croutons

• 2 everything bagels – Torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – To coat the bagel pieces for crispiness

For the Chicken Soup

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour – To thicken the soup
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth – For mixing with the flour to create the roux
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon Everything Bagel seasoning – The key to the soup’s savory flavor
• 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (avocado or olive oil works well)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – Adds richness to the soup
• 1 bunch green onions – White parts sautéed with garlic for flavor, green parts reserved for garnish
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic – To infuse aromatic flavor
• 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth – The base of your soup
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese – To create a creamy texture
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper – For seasoning to taste

How to Make Crunchy Everything Bagel Croutons

These croutons are incredibly simple to make but pack an incredible amount of flavor. The best part is that they can also be made ahead of time and stored for later use. Here’s how to create those crunchy bagel croutons that will take your soup to the next level:  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our https://miarecipes.com/baked-spinach-mushroom-quesadillas-3/

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your croutons will bake evenly and get that perfect golden crispness.

Step 2: Toss the Bagel Pieces with Olive Oil

Tear the everything bagels into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the bagel pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until they are evenly coated. This will help the croutons crisp up nicely in the oven.

Step 3: Bake the Croutons

Spread the bagel pieces evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them toward the end to ensure they don’t burn. Once they’re done, set them aside to cool.

How to Prepare the Everything Bagel Chicken Soup

Now that you’ve got your croutons ready, it’s time to prepare the soup. Follow these simple steps to make this comforting dish:

Step 1: Make the Flour and Broth Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup of flour with ½ cup of chicken broth. Whisk them together until smooth. This mixture will help thicken your soup later on.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the Everything Bagel seasoning generously over both sides of the thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This will infuse the chicken with that signature savory flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. You want the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Start the Soup Base

In a large Dutch oven, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the white parts of the green onions and the minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they are tender and fragrant. This step will infuse the soup with a wonderful aroma.

Step 5: Add the Broth and Flour Mixture

Pour in the 3 ½ cups of chicken broth and the flour mixture. Stir well to combine, making sure that there are no lumps from the flour. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Incorporate the Cream Cheese

Remove the pot from heat and add in the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Whisk until it’s completely incorporated into the broth, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Return the pot to low heat and continue stirring until the soup is fully combined and creamy.

Final Touches: Finishing the Soup

Step 1: Add the Chicken

Now it’s time to add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir in the bite-sized chicken pieces and let them simmer in the soup for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 2: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. The Everything Bagel seasoning already brings a lot of flavor, but a pinch of salt and pepper will help balance the taste.

Step 3: Add the Green Onion Tops

Finally, stir in the green parts of the green onions for a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Serving Your Everything Bagel Chicken Soup

Once everything is ready, it’s time to serve! Ladle the creamy soup into bowls, and top each one with a generous amount of your crunchy bagel croutons. You can even garnish with a little extra green onion for added color and flavor.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Make it Dairy-Free: If you’re looking to make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version and swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. Use a non-dairy chicken broth or vegetable broth for the base, and your soup will still be just as delicious!

Add Extra Veggies: Want to add some veggies to your soup? Try throwing in some carrots, celery, or spinach. These additions will not only boost the nutritional value of your soup but also enhance the flavor.

Customize the Croutons: Feel free to adjust the seasoning on the croutons. You can add a sprinkle of garlic powder or parmesan cheese for even more flavor!

Conclusion: A Soup Worth Savoring

This Everything Bagel Chicken Soup with Crunchy Bagel Croutons is the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, offering rich flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a cold night or a dish that’s sure to impress your guests, this recipe has you covered. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a satisfying, flavorful soup in no time.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup today!

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