01 -
First things first, get your big pot or Dutch oven on medium heat and add a glug of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, toss in your cubed chicken. You want to cook it until it's just browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Don't worry about cooking it all the way through yet; it'll finish in the soup. I always make sure not to overcrowd the pan, otherwise, the chicken just steams instead of searing, and we want that nice color! Remove the chicken and set it aside, leaving any delicious bits in the pot.
02 -
Add a little more olive oil to the pot if you need it, then throw in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir them around and let them soften for about 8-10 minutes. This is where the magic starts to happen, honestly. You'll smell those sweet veggies perfuming your kitchen, and it just feels right. Don't rush this step; letting them get tender is key to a flavorful soup. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of salt here to help draw out their moisture.
03 -
Once the veggies are soft, toss in your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it's fragrant – don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made too many times! Then, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Stir it constantly for about 1-2 minutes, letting it cook into a paste with the vegetables. This is called a roux, and it's what will thicken our soup. It'll smell a little nutty, a good sign that it's doing its job.
04 -
Slowly, and I mean *slowly*, whisk in the chicken broth, a little at a time, making sure to incorporate it fully before adding more. This prevents lumps. Once all the broth is in, do the same with the milk. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly. It's a bit of an arm workout, but trust me, it's worth it for that creamy texture. This is when the kitchen starts to smell like pure comfort!
05 -
Now, bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot, along with the dried thyme and rosemary. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken is submerged. Let it simmer, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the soup has thickened to your liking. Give it a stir every now and then to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. I love watching the soup bubble and get rich!
06 -
Finally, stir in the frozen peas and corn. Let them cook for just 2-3 minutes until they're heated through and bright green. Taste the soup and season generously with salt and black pepper. This is your moment to adjust it to *your* preference. Sometimes, I add a tiny splash of lemon juice at the very end for a little brightness. Serve it up hot and enjoy that wholesome goodness! It should look creamy, vibrant, and utterly inviting.