Cream of Chicken Soup

 When things get tough, and you've had a hard day, it's time for a comforting meal.  Cream of Chicken Soup is just that kind of meal.   Add a salad and some biscuits, and you have a complete meal that your family will love.

Ingredients

1 Tbs. cooking oil
4 Tbs. butter
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 to 2 large carrots, diced
1 sweet bell pepper, chopped
1 to 2 celery stalks, chopped fine
2 c. chicken broth or chicken stock
3 c. milk
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/3 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. thyme
3/4 c. frozen peas
1 c. chicken, cooked

Directions

In a large pot or cast iron Dutch oven, heat oil.  Sauté onion, and garlic until translucent. 

Add carrots, sweet bell pepper, and celery. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until softened.

Add butter, stirring until melted.  Stir in flour. Cook and stir for 1 minute to remove the flour taste.

Stirring constantly, pour in the chicken broth and milk.  Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. 

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. 

Add frozen peas and cooked chicken.  Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Continue to cook until it reaches the thickness you desire.  This takes about 5 minutes.  

Ladle into bowls and serve.