Sour cream is a game-changer when it comes to making chicken soup rich, creamy, and tangy. Just a dollop can transform a simple broth into a velvety, comforting dish with a luscious texture and a hint of tanginess that balances the savory flavors perfectly.
Whether stirred in at the end for a smooth finish or used as a garnish, sour cream adds depth and indulgence to every spoonful. It’s an easy way to elevate your homemade chicken soup, making it taste like something straight out of a cozy, rustic kitchen.
How To Make Sour Cream In Chicken Soup?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Romanian-inspired
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
- 2 egg yolks
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Sauté The Vegetables
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic And Chicken
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. Place the chicken pieces into the pot, ensuring they’re nestled among the vegetables.
3. Pour In The Broth
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Prepare The Sour Cream Mixture
While the soup is simmering, in a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg yolks, and lemon juice until smooth. This mixture will add a rich and creamy texture to the soup.
5. Temper The Sour Cream Mixture
To prevent curdling, it’s essential to temper the sour cream mixture. Gradually add a ladleful of the hot soup broth to the sour cream mixture, whisking continuously. Repeat this process with a couple more ladlefuls until the mixture is warm.
6. Incorporate The Mixture Into The Soup
Slowly pour the tempered sour cream mixture back into the soup pot, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. Let the soup heat through for an additional 5 minutes, but avoid bringing it to a boil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Serve
Ladle the creamy chicken soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Sour Cream In Chicken Soup
Nutrition Facts Of Sour Cream In Chicken Soup
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
Tips And Variations Of Sour Cream In Chicken Soup
Adding Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms to enhance the soup’s nutritional value and flavor.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can be added for an aromatic twist.
Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Creaminess Level: Adjust the amount of sour cream to achieve your desired level of creaminess.
Health Benefits Of Sour Cream In Chicken Soup
This soup offers a balanced combination of protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables. Sour cream provides calcium and contributes to a feeling of satiety. However, for those monitoring their fat intake, consider using a light sour cream or reducing the amount used.
Note
To prevent the sour cream from curdling, always temper it before adding it to the hot soup. Avoid boiling the soup after incorporating the sour cream mixture.
Conclusion
Adding sour cream to chicken soup creates a rich, creamy texture and a delightful tangy flavor that enhances the overall dish. It balances the savory broth, adds a touch of indulgence, and pairs beautifully with herbs and spices.
Whether stirred in at the end for a velvety finish or used as a garnish, sour cream elevates a simple bowl of chicken soup into a comforting and satisfying meal. If you love a creamy, flavorful twist, don’t hesitate to experiment with sour cream in your next batch of chicken soup!
Sour Cream In Chicken Soup
Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups 1.5 liters chicken broth
- 1 cup 240ml sour cream
- 2 egg yolks
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onion becomes translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic And Chicken
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant. Place the chicken pieces into the pot, ensuring they’re nestled among the vegetables.
Pour In The Broth
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Prepare The Sour Cream Mixture
- While the soup is simmering, in a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg yolks, and lemon juice until smooth. This mixture will add a rich and creamy texture to the soup.
Temper The Sour Cream Mixture
- To prevent curdling, it’s essential to temper the sour cream mixture. Gradually add a ladleful of the hot soup broth to the sour cream mixture, whisking continuously. Repeat this process with a couple more ladlefuls until the mixture is warm.
Incorporate The Mixture Into The Soup
- Slowly pour the tempered sour cream mixture back into the soup pot, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. Let the soup heat through for an additional 5 minutes, but avoid bringing it to a boil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve
- Ladle the creamy chicken soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Hello! I am Shikha, I am a soup recipe maker. I have a lot of passion for making soup. With a journey spanning over five years in the culinary industry, I have carved a niche for myself as a distinguished soup maker whose creations are not just meals but experiences that linger on the palate and nourish the soul. My specialization in soup-making is a testament to my creativity and relentless pursuit of perfection. Beyond my skills in the kitchen, I am an avid writer, passionately sharing my knowledge and insights into nutrition through my writing. My approach to soup-making is holistic, emphasizing each ingredient’s taste and health benefits. A well-made soup can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing essential nutrients while pleasing the taste buds.