Boursin Chicken and Vegetable Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 1/2 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 (5.2-ounce) package Gournay cheese with fine herbs and garlic (such as Boursin)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, or as needed (optional)

Directions

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, cooking and stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add frozen mixed vegetables and return to a boil. Cook for about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the frozen hash browns. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
6. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir in the diced cooked chicken. Cut the Gournay cheese into pieces and add to the pot, stirring until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
7. Once the cheese has melted, remove the pot from the heat. Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted.
8. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, adjusting the seasoning as needed with more salt or pepper.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 807
• Total Fat: 61g (78% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 28g (138% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 178mg (59% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1171mg (51% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 42g (15% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 6g (22% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 26g (52% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 12mg (14% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 146mg (11% Daily Value)
• Iron: 3mg (15% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 828mg (18% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

The Story Behind Boursin Chicken and Vegetable Soup

Boursin Chicken and Vegetable Soup combines the rich, creamy flavor of French Gournay cheese with classic American comfort ingredients like chicken, potatoes, and mixed vegetables. The Boursin cheese used in this recipe was originally created in Normandy, France, in 1957 by Franois Boursin, who wanted to offer a soft, herb-infused cheese that could be easily spread and incorporated into various dishes. While traditionally enjoyed with bread or crackers, Boursins unique blend of herbs and garlic found a natural companion in creamy soups, transforming ordinary chicken and vegetable soups into a luxurious, velvety experience.

Regional Characteristics

This soup exemplifies a fusion of French and American culinary traditions. In the United States, soups are often hearty and vegetable-forward, while French cuisine emphasizes delicate flavors and creamy textures. By introducing Boursin cheese, this recipe elevates a standard American chicken soup into a richer, more indulgent dish. Regional variations can include substituting locally available vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit personal taste, but the hallmark remains the creamy, herbaceous finish from the cheese.

How It Differs from Similar Soups

While many chicken and vegetable soups focus on clear broths or creamy bases with standard cream or milk, this version is distinguished by its use of Boursin cheese, which brings an intense garlic and fine herb flavor that permeates the entire dish. Unlike typical cream-based soups, the cheese melts smoothly into the broth, adding depth without overpowering the freshness of the vegetables or the tenderness of the chicken. The inclusion of diced hash browns also sets it apart, providing subtle texture and heartiness that traditional soups may lack.

Where It Is Commonly Served

Boursin Chicken and Vegetable Soup is versatile enough to be served in both casual and formal settings. It is often enjoyed as a comforting family dinner during colder months, but it can also appear on restaurant menus as a refined starter for brunches or lunch specials. Its elegant yet approachable flavor makes it suitable for dinner parties, potlucks, or even festive holiday meals where a creamy, savory soup is appreciated.

Interesting Facts

• Boursin cheese was inspired by traditional Normandy cheese-making techniques but was specifically designed for culinary convenience and versatility.
• The soup combines ingredients from multiple culinary traditions, highlighting how global flavors can be adapted into everyday American cuisine.
• Despite its richness, the soup can be customized to be lighter by using lower-fat cream or reducing the butter, without losing the essential flavor profile.
• The use of fresh spinach at the end not only adds a nutritional boost but also contributes a bright green color that enhances visual appeal.
• Because the cheese melts evenly into hot broth, this soup demonstrates an easy technique to integrate soft cheeses into liquid dishes without curdling.

FAQ about Boursin Chicken and Vegetable Soup Recipe

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