This Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque is an easy-to-make, comforting dish that brings warmth to your table. The combination of tender chicken, smoky spices, and rich tomato flavors creates a soup that is both satisfying and full of depth.
Table of Contents
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Rest Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 35 minutes | 5 minutes | 4 |
Ingredients Needed For Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque
If you’re craving a rich and hearty soup, the Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque is your answer. This recipe combines tender chicken, ripe tomatoes, and a blend of spices to create a warm, flavorful experience. Let’s dive into the ingredients needed for this delicious bisque.
Chicken Selection (Choose one)
Choosing the right chicken is crucial for this bisque. The texture and flavor of the chicken can make or break the dish. Here are some options:
- Chicken Thighs (for rich flavor): 2 large thighs, cooked and shredded.
- Chicken Breasts (for a lighter bisque): 2 medium breasts, cooked and shredded.
- Rotisserie Chicken (for convenience): 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken.
For the best results, use fresh, high-quality chicken. If you’re using raw chicken, ensure it’s cooked through before adding it to the bisque. You can also season it with a bit of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Tomato Varieties
Tomatoes are the star of this bisque. Choosing the right variety can elevate the taste. Here are some options:
- Roma Tomatoes: 4 large, chopped, or Canned Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz) whole or crushed
Always use ripe tomatoes. They should be firm yet slightly soft to the touch. If using canned tomatoes, go for whole or crushed ones. They have a better texture and flavor than diced tomatoes.
Vegetables
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, washed and chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Bay Leaves: 2 leaves (remove before serving)
- Sugar: A pinch (to balance acidity)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (divided)
- Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch, for heat
- Fresh Basil or Thyme: 1 tablespoon, chopped, added at the end
Liquids
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Preparation Steps
Craving a hearty and smoky chicken tomato bisque? This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings. Let’s dive into the preparation steps to ensure your bisque is flavorful and delicious.
Chicken Prep
Preparing the chicken correctly is crucial for a delicious bisque. Start by choosing fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts. Make sure they are clean and free from any unwanted parts.
- Cleaning: Rinse 2 medium chicken breasts under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Seasoning: Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Cooking:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Shredding: Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Tomato Prep
Tomatoes add a rich and tangy flavor to the bisque. Using fresh tomatoes will enhance the taste. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Choosing: Use 4 large Roma tomatoes or a 28 oz can of whole or crushed tomatoes.
- Washing: Rinse fresh tomatoes under cold water.
- Blanching (for fresh tomatoes):
- Bring a pot of water to boil. Add the tomatoes and boil for 30 seconds.
- Transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to loosen the skins.
- Peeling: Once cooled, peel off the tomato skins.
- Chopping: Cut the tomatoes into quarters and remove the seeds for a smoother texture.
- Pureeing: Place the chopped tomatoes in a blender and blend until smooth.
Vegetable Chopping
Chopping the vegetables finely ensures they cook evenly and blend well in the bisque. Follow these steps to prepare the vegetables:
- Onions: Peel and finely chop 1 large onion.
- Garlic: Peel and mince 3-4 cloves of garlic.
- Carrots: Peel and dice 2 medium carrots.
- Celery: Wash and chop 2 celery stalks.
- Combine all chopped vegetables in a bowl.
Cooking Process
Cooking a delicious Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque involves a series of steps that ensure every bite is full of rich flavors.
Sautéing Aromatics
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onions, garlic, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Continue to sauté for another 2 minutes to blend the spices with the aromatics.
Simmering The Base
Once your aromatics are perfectly sautéed, it’s time to build the base of your bisque.
- Pour in the tomato puree (or canned tomatoes) and 4 cups of chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 20-25 minutes.
Blending Techniques
After simmering, the next step is to blend the bisque to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender, then return the soup to the pot.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream for a velvety finish.
- Reheat the bisque over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Adding Smoky Flavor
Adding smoky flavor to your Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque elevates the dish to a whole new level. The combination of rich, creamy tomato bisque with smoky undertones creates a comforting and hearty meal.
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika is a wonderful way to add smoky flavor to your bisque. This spice is made from peppers that are dried and smoked over an oak fire, giving it a distinct and rich flavor. Here’s how to use smoked paprika effectively:
- Quantity: Use one to two teaspoons depending on your taste preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Timing: Add smoked paprika during the sautéing stage with onions and garlic. This allows the spice to release its flavors fully.
- Pairing: Combine smoked paprika with other spices like cumin and coriander for a depth of flavor.
Smoked paprika also adds a vibrant color to your bisque, making it visually appealing. Be sure to store your smoked paprika in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency.
Liquid Smoke Options
Liquid smoke is another excellent option for adding a smoky touch to your bisque. This ingredient is made by condensing smoke from wood chips, capturing the essence of a smoky flavor in liquid form. Consider these points:
- Types: There are different types of liquid smoke, such as hickory and mesquite. Each type offers a unique smoky flavor.
- Quantity: Start with a few drops and taste as you go. Liquid smoke is potent, so a little goes a long way.
- Usage: Add liquid smoke towards the end of cooking to maintain its flavor. Stir well to ensure it is evenly distributed.
Liquid smoke is a convenient option, especially when you don’t have the time or equipment to smoke ingredients yourself. It’s readily available in most supermarkets and online stores.
Wood-smoked Chicken
Wood-smoked chicken brings an authentic smoky flavor to your bisque. Smoking chicken over wood chips adds a deep, rich taste that permeates the entire dish. Follow these steps for best results:
- Preparation: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Let it marinate for at least an hour.
- Smoking: Use a smoker or grill with wood chips. Hickory and applewood are great choices for a balanced smoky flavor.
- Cooking: Smoke the chicken at a low temperature until fully cooked. This can take a few hours, so be patient.
Once the chicken is smoked, shred it and add it to the bisque. The smoky chicken infuses the soup with a rich, deep flavor that’s hard to beat. This method requires more effort but offers the most authentic smoky taste.
Nutritional Benefits Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque
This hearty soup combines the rich flavors of smoked chicken and ripe tomatoes, making it a perfect dish for any season. Let’s explore the nutritional benefits of Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque in more detail.
Protein Content
Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The chicken in the bisque provides a significant amount of high-quality protein. Here are some benefits of the protein content in this soup:
- Muscle Repair: Chicken contains all the essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth.
- Satiety: Protein helps you feel full longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
- Metabolism Boost: A high-protein diet can increase your metabolic rate, helping you burn more calories.
Below is a table summarizing the protein content in a typical serving of Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 grams |
Vitamin Richness
Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque is rich in various vitamins that are crucial for maintaining good health. The tomatoes in the bisque are particularly high in vitamins A and C. Here are some of the key vitamins found in this soup:
- Vitamin A: Supports eye health and boosts the immune system.
- Vitamin C: Promotes healthy skin and aids in the absorption of iron.
- Vitamin B6: Helps in brain development and function.
Here is a table highlighting the vitamin content in a typical serving of Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque:
| Vitamin | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 750 IU |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 mg |
Low-calorie Options
Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque can be a low-calorie meal option without sacrificing flavor. This soup is ideal for those who are watching their calorie intake. Here are some tips to make it even lower in calories:
- Use Lean Chicken: Opt for skinless chicken breast to reduce fat content.
- Increase Vegetables: Add more vegetables like bell peppers and spinach to increase volume without adding many calories.
- Low-Fat Dairy: Use low-fat milk or yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Below is a comparison table to show how you can make a low-calorie version of Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque:
| Ingredient | Regular Version | Low-Calorie Version |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Thighs | Breasts |
| Dairy | Heavy Cream | Low-Fat Milk |
| Vegetables | Standard Amount | Increased Amount |
