Best Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque Recipe

Tomato bisque is a classic, rich, and creamy soup that is beloved for its comforting texture and vibrant flavor. By adding smoky chicken to the mix, this recipe takes the traditional bisque to a new level of heartiness and depth. The subtle smoky flavor complements the tanginess of the tomatoes, creating a complex and satisfying dish. This smoky chicken tomato bisque is perfect for chilly evenings, but its versatility makes it a fantastic option year-round.

At Fronteras Mexican restaurant and Cantina, our chefs bring this simple yet gourmet dish to life with a blend of traditional and modern flavors. With just a few easy steps, you can recreate this restaurant-quality bisque at home.

Ingredients

For the Smoky Chicken Tomato Bisque:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (smoked or grilled)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika (for a rich smoky flavor)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional for Serving:

• Croutons
• Grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese
• A drizzle of olive oil or sour cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Smoke or grill the chicken: If using pre-smoked chicken, set it aside. If you are grilling, rub the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat until fully cooked (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let the chicken rest, then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

3. Add smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the sautéed vegetables. Stir well, allowing the spices to bloom in the heat for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Blend the Bisque

6. Once the soup has simmered, remove it from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until creamy. Be cautious with hot liquids!
7. Return the soup to the pot and add the heavy cream. Stir until well combined and heated through.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

8. Stir in the shredded smoked chicken and let it warm in the soup for 5 minutes. Taste the bisque and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar as needed.

Step 6: Serve

9. Ladle the smoky chicken tomato bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve with croutons, cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.

Tips and Variations

• Make it spicy: For those who enjoy heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• Vegan/Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with smoked tofu or roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. Use vegetable broth and coconut milk instead of chicken broth and cream.
• Leftover storage: Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove. This soup also freezes well; just be sure to leave out the cream if you plan to freeze it, and add the cream after reheating.
• Different smoky flavors: If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute with chipotle powder or liquid smoke (use sparingly, as liquid smoke is potent).
• For a chunky bisque: Reserve a portion of the sautéed vegetables and shredded chicken before blending the soup. Add them back in after blending for a heartier texture.

Conclusion

This smoky chicken tomato bisque is not only a fantastic way to enjoy a classic comfort dish but also a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create complex and unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe will be a hit. Try it today and experience the depth of flavors crafted by the top chefs at Fronteras Mexican Restaurant and Cantina!