Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces and seasoned with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
Mushrooms
- 16 ounces button mushrooms
- 8 ounces baby portobello mushrooms
- 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 package thyme leaves, left on the stem, rinsed, dried, and tied into 2-3 bundles with kitchen twine
- 10 sage leaves, rinsed, dried, and finely chopped
Liquids and Cheese
- 5 tablespoons sweet Marsala wine
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnishes (Optional)
- Sauteed reserved mushrooms
- Sour cream
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 10 minutes until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté the mushrooms: Add all the mushrooms to the same pot and sauté for 6 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Reserve 2 tablespoons of these cooked mushrooms for garnish if desired.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the chopped onions, minced garlic, thyme bundles, chopped sage, and sweet Marsala wine. Continue to sauté for another 4 minutes to meld the flavors and soften the onions.
- Add stock and simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and let everything simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Finish the soup: Remove and discard the thyme stems from the pot. Whisk in the cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese until the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
- Prepare garnish: Optionally, pan-fry the reserved mushrooms in a little olive oil for added texture and flavor to top the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sautéed mushrooms, a dollop of sour cream, extra shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and some fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- For a thicker soup, add a little more cream cheese or simmer longer to reduce liquid.
- Marsala wine adds sweetness; you can substitute with dry white wine or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb