Thereβs something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of cream of chicken soup. The rich, velvety texture, the savory aroma wafting through your kitchenβitβs like a cozy hug in a bowl that makes every cold day feel just a little bit warmer. Whether youβre nursing a cold, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving a nostalgic taste from childhood, this cream of chicken soup recipe will deliver all that delightful goodness right to your table.
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seems to go right? You know, the kind where even your coffee spills and your cat decides to use your favorite sweater as a scratching post? On days like these, thereβs only one remedy: a big bowl of homemade cream of chicken soup. Trust me; itβs the perfect antidote to lifeβs little misadventures. And honestly, if it doesnβt fix everything, at least itβll make you feel better for a few minutes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cream of chicken soup is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it irresistibly comforting
- The vibrant colors and aromas will brighten any meal
- Versatile enough to serve on its own or as a base for other dishes
A funny memory comes to mind when I think about making this soup. Last winter, I decided to impress my friends with my culinary skills by whipping up this creamy delight. Letβs just say my blender had other plans, and instead of soup, we ended up with an explosion of ingredients everywhere! But hey, laughter was abundant that night!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 chicken breasts for a hearty serving that satisfies everyone.
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Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for the best flavor; they really elevate the dish.
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Onions: Yellow onions work perfectly; they add sweetness as they cook down.
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Carrots: Fresh carrots give the soup a pop of color and natural sweetness.
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Celery: This adds crunch and depthβdonβt skip it!
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Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works fine too; just pick low-sodium varieties.
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Cream or Half-and-Half: For that indulgent creaminess that makes this soup irresistible.
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Dried Herbs (Thyme and Parsley): These add aromatic notes that complement the chicken beautifully.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste.
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Flour (optional): Use this if you want to thicken your soup even moreβitβs totally up to you!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your fresh veggies and seasoning them well with salt and pepper. Chop everything into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
SautΓ© Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt some butter. Add chopped onions and garlic until they turn translucent and fragrantβabout 3 minutes should do the trick.
Add Vegetables & Chicken: Toss in the carrots and celery next. SautΓ© them until slightly tender before adding your boneless chicken breasts into the pot.
Pour in the Broth & Simmer Away!: Carefully pour in the chicken broth while stirring gently. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat and allowing it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Create That Creamy Base: Once chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot for shredding. Mix flour with half-and-half in another bowl then whisk this mixture back into the soup until it thickens beautifully.
Add Final Touches & Serve**: Stir shredded chicken back into the pot along with fresh herbs before giving everything one last taste test! Adjust seasoning as needed then ladle into bowls while itβs still warm.
Congratulations! Youβve just made an outstanding cream of chicken soup that will not only warm your belly but also bring smiles around your dinner table!
You Must Know
- Cream of chicken soup recipes are not just comforting; they can elevate any dish
- This versatile soup can be a base for casseroles or a standalone delight
- The creamy texture and savory aroma make it a family favorite at any table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautΓ©ing onions and garlic before adding chicken to develop flavors, then gradually stir in broth and cream for a luscious blend.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add veggies like carrots and peas. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can also brighten up the flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality chicken stock for deeper flavor, and always taste your soup before serving to adjust seasonings
- Donβt rush the simmering process; let the flavors meld beautifully for a richer taste experience
Sharing this recipe takes me back to a cozy winter evening when friends gathered around my kitchen, bonding over laughter and ladles of warm soup.
FAQ
What can I use instead of heavy cream in cream of chicken soup recipes?
You can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
Can I freeze cream of chicken soup?
Yes, but be aware that it may separate upon thawing; stir well before reheating.
How do I thicken my cream of chicken soup?
Add a cornstarch slurry or more flour-mixed broth while stirring constantly during cooking.
Cream of Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Cream of chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich and velvety texture that warms your heart and soul. Perfect for chilly days or when youβre feeling under the weather, this easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy goodness into a delightful bowl of nostalgia. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a hearty serving of this delicious soup thatβs sure to bring smiles and warmth to any meal.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by chopping all vegetables into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. SautΓ© the onions and garlic for about 3 minutes until translucent.
- Add in the carrots and celery; cook until slightly tender before adding the chicken breasts.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, then mix flour with half-and-half in a separate bowl. Whisk this mixture back into the soup until thickened.
- Stir in shredded chicken along with thyme, parsley, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: - For an extra creamy texture, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half. - Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or add extra vegetables like peas or corn. - To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.