This Everything Bagel Chicken Soup with Crunchy Bagel Croutons is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any season. It combines a creamy, rich chicken soup with the savory punch of Everything Bagel seasoning and a satisfying crunch from homemade bagel croutons. It’s hearty, creamy, and bursting with delicious textures that elevate the traditional chicken soup experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crunchy Bagel Croutons

2 everything bagels (torn into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Chicken Soup

¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon Everything Bagel seasoning
1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (e.g., avocado or olive oil)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 bunch green onions (white parts for sautéing, green parts for garnish)
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

Directions

Make the Crunchy Bagel Croutons

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, toss the bagel pieces with olive oil until well-coated.
Spread the bagel pieces evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Chicken Soup

In a small bowl, whisk together flour and chicken broth until smooth. Set aside.
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with Everything Bagel seasoning.
Heat neutral cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the white parts of the green onions and minced garlic, and sauté for 3 minutes until tender and fragrant.
Add chicken broth and the flour mixture, stirring to combine. Let simmer for a few minutes until the soup thickens.
Remove the pot from heat, then stir in cream cheese until fully incorporated. Return to low heat, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Add the chopped chicken to the soup and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Stir in the green parts of the green onions for extra flavor.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crunchy bagel croutons. Garnish with extra green onions, if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 700mg
Potassium: 500mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g

Enjoy this rich and flavorful Everything Bagel Chicken Soup with Crunchy Bagel Croutons—comfort in every bite! 🍲

The Flavor Profile

The foundation of this recipe is a rich, creamy chicken soup. The full-fat cream cheese helps create a velvety smooth texture, while the low-sodium chicken broth adds depth and savory warmth. The chicken itself is seasoned with Everything Bagel seasoning, which includes a blend of garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds, giving the soup a savory punch that elevates the entire dish. The addition of sautéed green onions and fresh garlic further enhances the flavor, providing a fragrant base for the soup.

The crowning glory of this soup is the crunchy bagel croutons. Homemade croutons made from everything bagels add an extra layer of texture and flavor, giving each spoonful of soup a satisfying crunch. The croutons are seasoned and baked to perfection, creating a crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup. Together, the creamy soup and crunchy croutons make for a meal that is both comforting and exciting to eat.

Why Everything Bagels?

Everything bagels are a popular and flavorful choice in many dishes, from breakfast to snacks. Their signature combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion gives them an irresistible savory profile that works well in both casual and gourmet meals. In this soup, the Everything Bagel seasoning not only provides bold flavor but also ties the dish together. It complements the chicken, adding complexity to the broth and offering a satisfying savory kick. The seasoning brings a delightful contrast to the richness of the cream cheese, balancing out the flavors in a way that feels both fresh and comforting.

Homemade Bagel Croutons: The Perfect Crunch

One of the key elements that make this dish truly stand out is the homemade bagel croutons. They provide a crispy, golden finish to the soup, adding texture and a burst of flavor. Making your own croutons from everything bagels ensures that they are perfectly crunchy and flavorful. Tossing the bagel pieces in olive oil before baking ensures that they are evenly coated and crispy, while also infusing them with a slight richness. The croutons provide a fun and unexpected contrast to the creamy, smooth soup, creating a dynamic eating experience.

Not only do these croutons add crunch, but they also enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup. Their seasoning ties in beautifully with the Everything Bagel flavor already in the soup, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Whether you prefer your croutons extra crispy or just lightly toasted, they will add a delightful dimension to every bowl of soup.

How to Customize Your Soup

While this Everything Bagel Chicken Soup with Crunchy Bagel Croutons is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you could opt for reduced-fat cream cheese or substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. If you’re looking for more protein, you can easily add extra chicken or even throw in some beans or lentils for added heartiness.

For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup to give it a little kick. You can also experiment with different types of bagels, such as garlic or onion bagels, to create a new flavor profile. If you’re not a fan of green onions, feel free to swap them for other herbs like fresh parsley or chives, or even try a different vegetable like leeks for a slightly milder flavor.

The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility, so feel free to make adjustments based on what you have on hand or what you personally enjoy.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This Everything Bagel Chicken Soup with Crunchy Bagel Croutons is perfect for meal prep. The soup itself can be made in large batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just be sure to keep the croutons separate from the soup to maintain their crispness. You can easily reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through.

If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze the soup base without the cream cheese and croutons. Once you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the soup and then stir in the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. For the croutons, bake them fresh each time to ensure they stay crunchy and don’t get soggy.

The Health Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it also provides a good balance of nutrients. The chicken adds lean protein, which is important for muscle health and keeping you full longer. The Everything Bagel seasoning offers a blend of aromatic spices that not only enhance the flavor but also have anti-inflammatory properties. The low-sodium chicken broth helps keep the soup on the healthier side by reducing unnecessary salt intake, while the green onions provide a fresh burst of vitamins and antioxidants.

Cream cheese adds a rich, satisfying texture to the soup, but it’s important to note that it’s also high in fat. If you’re looking to make the soup a bit lighter, you can always use a reduced-fat version or swap it out for a dairy-free alternative. The bagel croutons, while flavorful and crunchy, do add some carbs, but they’re a great way to enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Everything Bagel Chicken Soup with Crunchy Bagel Croutons can be served as a stand-alone meal or paired with a light salad for a more complete dinner. A fresh arugula or spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the richness of the soup perfectly. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple grain like quinoa or rice.

You can also serve this soup for gatherings or family dinners. It’s easy to make in large batches, and the combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser. If you’re entertaining guests, consider offering extra bagel croutons on the side for those who like an extra crunch.

Conclusion

Everything Bagel Chicken Soup with Crunchy Bagel Croutons is an exceptional dish that combines comfort and creativity in one bowl. Its creamy texture, savory seasoning, and crispy topping make it a deliciously unique take on traditional chicken soup. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its satisfying flavors and textures. It’s the kind of recipe that brings warmth and joy to the table, making it an instant favorite in any kitchen. Enjoy every comforting bite!

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