In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should become aromatic.
Incorporate the diced carrots and celery into the pot, cooking for approximately 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften, enhancing the soup’s flavor base.
Season the vegetable mixture with dried thyme, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine all the seasonings evenly throughout the veggies.
Nestle the chicken breasts into the mixture and pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and is fully cooked.
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup.
Stir in the corn kernels and heavy cream, allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
When ready to serve, ladle the soup into warm bowls and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for garnish.
Notes
Serve the soup in rustic, deep bowls accompanied by slices of crusty bread for perfect dipping.