When it comes to cozy dinners, few things can compete with the creamy comfort of homemade cream of chicken soup. Imagine a warm bowl brimming with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a velvety sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish doesnβt just fill your stomach; it wraps you in a hug of flavor and nostalgia, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something heartwarming.
I remember the first time I made cream of chicken soup recipes dinners at home. My kitchen transformed into a haven of savory aromas, and as my family gathered around the table, their eyes lit up with excitement. It was one of those magical moments where food became the centerpiece of our evening. This recipe not only brings joy but also creates lasting memories shared over laughter and delicious bites.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful cream of chicken soup is incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights
- Rich and creamy, it offers a comforting flavor profile that everyone will love
- The bright colors from fresh veggies make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Plus, itβs versatile enough to be served as a starter or as a main dish!
Sharing this soup at dinner always gets rave reviews from my friends and family, who eagerly ask for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for optimal tenderness; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for that robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.
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Onion: A medium onion adds depth and sweetness; chop finely for even cooking.
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Carrots: Fresh carrots bring color and crunch; slice them thinly so they cook evenly.
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Celery: Celery adds a refreshing crunch; use fresh stalks for maximum flavor.
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Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping the soup rich in flavor.
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Heavy Cream: For that luscious texture, heavy cream is essential; find the best quality you can.
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Dried Thyme: A sprinkle of thyme infuses earthy notes; fresh thyme works too if you have it on hand.
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Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning is key; taste as you go to achieve perfection!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letβs Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Dice your onion, garlic, carrots, and celery so they are ready to go.
SautΓ© the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sautΓ© onions until translucentβabout 3-4 minutesβbefore adding garlic for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Chicken: Toss in the chopped chicken pieces, stirring occasionally until they start turning golden brownβthis should take about 5-7 minutes. You want them partially cooked but still juicy.
Pour in the Broth: Carefully add your chicken broth along with carrots and celery into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil then lower heat to simmer for about 15 minutes until vegetables soften.
Create the Creamy Base: Stir in heavy cream gradually while keeping the heat low to prevent curdling. Allow it to simmer gently for another 5 minutes as flavors meld together beautifully.
Season to Perfection: Finally, season generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Taste-testβdonβt be shy! Adjust seasoning as needed before serving warm bowls topped with crusty bread or crackers.
Enjoying this creamy delight not only warms your belly but also brings people togetherβthe best part about any meal!
You Must Know
- Cream of chicken soup recipes dinners are a classic comfort food, perfect for cozy evenings
- This dish can be enhanced with fresh herbs and spices, transforming a simple meal into something special
- The aroma alone will have everyone asking for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautΓ©ing aromatics like onions and garlic until fragrant. Then, add chicken to brown before mixing in your broth and cream. This sequence locks in flavors and ensures a rich taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add vegetables like carrots and peas. A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving can elevate the dishβs appearance and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cream of chicken soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality broth for richer flavor; homemade is best but store-bought works in a pinch
- Ensure your cream is fresh to avoid curdling when heated
- Always taste before serving; adjust seasoning as needed for perfect balance
Memories flood back every time I make this dish; my sister once declared it βthe best thing since sliced bread,β which, letβs be honest, is quite a compliment coming from her!
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for cream of chicken soup recipes dinners?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves you cooking time.
What can I substitute if Iβm out of cream?
Full-fat milk or half-and-half can work well as alternatives to keep it creamy.
How can I thicken my soup without flour?
Use cornstarch slurry or blend some of the soup together for a thicker texture.
Cream of Chicken Soup: A Cozy Classic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Warm up with this creamy, comforting homemade cream of chicken soup. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish is perfect for chilly evenings. Easy to prepare on busy weeknights, it promises to fill your home with delightful aromas and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 3β4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced thinly
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Gather and chop all ingredients: cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. SautΓ© onions until translucent (3-4 minutes), then add garlic for an additional minute.
- Add chopped chicken, stirring occasionally until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Pour in the chicken broth along with carrots and celery. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat; simmer for about 15 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Gradually stir in the heavy cream over low heat to prevent curdling; let simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and thyme; adjust as needed before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Substitute turkey for chicken or add other vegetables like peas for variation. Top with fresh parsley before serving for added flavor and color.