The Best Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque You’ll Ever Taste
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword smoky chicken tomato bisque recipe
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 25 minutesminutes
Total Time 40 minutesminutes
Servings 4
Calories 2906kcal
Author Alice Ketty
Equipment
Large Bowl
Ingredients
2tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 (14.5 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
4cups chicken broth
2cups cooked, shredded chicken
1cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preparing the Base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
2. Building the Flavor
Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Blending the Bisque
Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Safety tip: When blending hot liquids, be sure to remove the center cap from the blender lid and cover it with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape.
4. Adding the Final Touches
Stir in the shredded chicken and heavy cream.
Return the pot to medium-low heat and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
Choosing the Right Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients can make a big difference in the final product. Here are some tips for selecting the best components for your bisque:
Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle smoky flavor, but if you can't find them, regular diced tomatoes will work too.
Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you're cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well.
Smoked paprika: This spice is crucial for the smoky flavor. Look for high-quality Spanish smoked paprika for the best taste.
Cream: Heavy cream gives the bisque its luxurious texture. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup won't be as rich.