Rustic Smoky Chicken and Roasted Tomato Bisque
This hearty bisque combines deep flavors of oven-roasted tomatoes with tender, smoky chicken in a velvety base. Fresh herbs and honey balance the acidity, while smoked paprika and chipotle add warmth. Finished with cream and Greek yogurt, it offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Baking sheet
- Immersion blender or standard blender
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces [900g]
Produce
- 3 lbs Ripe tomatoes halved [1.4 kg]
- 2 Medium yellow onions quartered
- 1 Whole head of garlic top sliced off
- 4 Celery stalks roughly chopped
- 2 Carrots roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil leaves chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves
- 1 Lemon zested and juiced
Dairy
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream [120ml]
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt for garnish [120g]
Dry Goods
- 4 cups Water [946ml]
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste [30g]
- 1 tbsp Honey
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Chipotle pepper powder
- 1/4 cup Olive oil divided
- 2 tsp Salt plus more to taste
- 1 tsp Black pepper plus more to taste
- 2 Bay leaves
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup Toasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
Roast Vegetables
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a large baking sheet, arrange tomatoes (cut-side up), onions, whole garlic head, celery, and carrots. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.
- Roast for 30 minutes until vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized.
Prepare the Chicken
- While vegetables roast, heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken pieces with remaining 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
- Add chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
Create the Base
- In the same pot, squeeze roasted garlic cloves from their skins and add all roasted vegetables, including any juices from the baking sheet.
- Add water, tomato paste, remaining 1 tsp smoked paprika, chipotle pepper powder, bay leaves, and honey. Bring to a simmer.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a standard blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
Finish the Bisque
- Add the browned chicken back to the pot and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and flavors have melded.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh basil, and thyme.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Remove bay leaves.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
- Ladle the bisque into bowls.
- Top each serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, and additional fresh basil leaves.
- Serve hot with crusty bread on the side if desired.
Notes
For a smoother bisque, blend all ingredients including the chicken. To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with cannellini beans or chickpeas. Leftover bisque can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Notes:
- For a lighter version of this smoky chicken tomato bisque, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, replace wine with additional chicken broth.
- Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
- For the best flavor in your smoky chicken tomato bisque, use ripe, in-season tomatoes and fresh herbs.
Quick Tips:
- To thicken your smoky chicken tomato bisque, simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes.
- For a silkier texture, pass the soup through a fine-mesh strainer before adding the chicken back in.
- To enhance the smoky flavor, try using smoked salt or adding a drop of liquid smoke.
- For the perfect chicken texture, avoid overcooking – remove the pieces as soon as they’re just cooked through.
Side Dish Suggestions:
- Complement your smoky chicken tomato bisque with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
- Crusty artisan bread or garlic crostini make excellent dipping companions.
- For a heartier meal, serve alongside a grilled cheese sandwich made with smoked Gouda.
- A side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers can add extra depth to the meal.
Nutritional Benefits:
- This smoky chicken tomato bisque is packed with nutrients.
- Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while chicken offers lean protein.
- The carrots and celery contribute vitamins A and K, as well as fiber.
- Fresh herbs like basil and thyme add flavor and additional antioxidants.
- Greek yogurt garnish boosts protein content and provides probiotics for gut health.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this smoky chicken tomato bisque in wide, shallow bowls to showcase its vibrant color.
- Garnish with a swirl of Greek yogurt, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for visual appeal.
- A standard portion is about 1 1/2 cups per person.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir to complement the smoky flavors.
Meal Prep Tips:
- To streamline preparation, roast the vegetables and cook the chicken a day in advance.
- Store roasted vegetables and cooked chicken separately in the refrigerator.
- Measure out and combine the dry spices ahead of time.
- On the day of serving, simply blend the roasted vegetables with the broth and spices, then add the pre-cooked chicken to warm through.
- This approach can significantly reduce day-of cooking time for your smoky chicken tomato bisque.
Customization Ideas:
- Make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with roasted chickpeas or white beans.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Greek yogurt garnish.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure all your ingredients, especially the broth, are certified gluten-free.
- For added texture, try topping with crispy fried onions or roasted pumpkin seeds.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to create unique flavor profiles in your smoky chicken tomato bisque.
