Creamy Chicken Soup

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, comforting Creamy Chicken Soup to chase away a chill or simply bring a smile to your face. This recipe delivers a rich, velvety broth packed with tender shredded chicken and wholesome vegetables, creating a truly satisfying meal. It’s the kind of soup that feels both nourishing and incredibly delicious, perfect for any occasion.

I find myself turning to this Creamy Chicken Soup recipe time and again, especially on busy weeknights when I need something quick yet deeply satisfying. It’s a wonderful way to use up leftover cooked chicken, and the aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers is simply divine.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Soup is a weeknight hero! It’s incredibly easy to whip up. You can use simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. The rich, creamy texture and savory flavor are pure comfort in a bowl. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This soup feels special enough for guests. It’s also easy enough for any busy day.

Creamy Chicken Soup Ingredients

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Soup truly comes alive with its thoughtful ingredient assembly. Each element works harmoniously to build that comforting flavor and luscious, velvety texture we all adore. You’ll find the exact quantities in the printable recipe card at the end.

• Butter: This creates a rich foundation for sautéing our vegetables.
• Yellow Onion, Carrots, and Celery: Our classic mirepoix builds a deep flavor base. They also add essential texture.
• Cremini Mushrooms: These add a wonderful earthy depth. They also bring a pleasing, almost meaty texture.
• Garlic: This provides that essential aromatic punch. It really awakens the senses.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is key for thickening. It creates our soup’s signature creamy consistency.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: This liquid base carries all the delicious flavors throughout the soup.
• Cooked, Shredded Chicken: This is our star protein. It makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
• Dried Thyme: It adds a classic, subtle herbal note. It complements chicken beautifully.
• Bay Leaf: This infuses a gentle, aromatic complexity during simmering.
• Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: This is the secret for our luscious, creamy finish.
• Fresh Parsley: This offers a lovely burst of freshness. It also makes a vibrant garnish.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These are crucial. They highlight all the other tastes.

Substitutions and Tips

For a dairy-free delight, try full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. They make great substitutes for heavy cream. If fresh parsley is out of reach, use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. However, the fresh herb offers a brighter taste. For an even richer experience, consider using half-and-half, or a mix of both, instead of just heavy cream. Want to boost the flavor? Add a splash of dry white wine while sautéing the veggies. A tiny pinch of nutmeg stirred in with the cream is also a lovely touch.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Soup

Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the butter in your large pot. Use medium heat for this. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them until they start to soften. This usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds a crucial flavor base for your delicious homemade chicken soup.

Add Mushrooms and Garlic

Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook them until they release their liquid. They should then start turning golden brown. This takes about 5 to 7 more minutes. Stir in the minced garlic now. Cook for just one minute more. It should smell really fragrant. Watch out for burning the garlic.

Create the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables. Stir it all around continuously for one minute. This step is called making a roux. It helps cook out the raw flour taste. It will also thicken your Creamy Chicken Soup wonderfully.

Whisk in Broth and Simmer

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add your shredded chicken, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, lower the heat to low. Cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for 20 minutes. This lets all those wonderful flavors meld together. You get a truly comforting chicken soup.

Finish with Cream and Herbs

Carefully remove the bay leaf. Discard it. Stir in the heavy cream. Add your fresh parsley too. Gently heat the soup through. But please, don’t let it boil after adding cream. It can cause the soup to separate.

Season and Serve

Season your Creamy Chicken Soup generously. Use salt and pepper to your taste. Give it one last stir. Serve it nice and hot. Enjoy those rich, comforting flavors.

How to Store Creamy Chicken Soup

Proper storage keeps your Creamy Chicken Soup tasting great. Let it cool completely first. Then, put it in airtight containers. It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze it for longer storage. Use freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, do it gently on the stove. Stir it sometimes. Avoid boiling it. This is very important for creamy, smooth texture.

Tips for Success

• Grab good quality chicken broth. It makes a better flavor base.
• Don’t skip cooking that flour for a minute. It avoids a raw taste.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Salt and pepper are key friends.
• Want a smoother soup? Blend a portion before adding cream.
• Make sure the soup doesn’t boil after adding the cream.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gathering the right kitchen tools makes cooking this Creamy Chicken Soup so much easier. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• Large pot or Dutch oven (a sturdy stockpot works too)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A good whisk
• Ladle for serving
• Airtight containers for storage (optional)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
• A simple side salad complements the richness perfectly.
• Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.
• Offer cheddar biscuits or warm cornbread on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Creamy Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare most of this Creamy Chicken Soup ahead of time. You can sauté the vegetables and make the base of the soup. Do this up to the point of adding the cream. Store the base in the refrigerator. Then, gently reheat it. Stir in the cream and parsley just before serving your delicious soup.

What if I don’t have shredded chicken?

If you don’t have pre-cooked shredded chicken, no worries! You can easily cook some chicken breasts or thighs. Simmer them in water or broth until cooked through. Then, just shred them. Alternatively, you can dice raw chicken. Cook it directly in the pot with the vegetables and broth. It’s a simple swap for our flavorful chicken soup.

How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

To make this Creamy Chicken Soup thicker, add a bit more flour. Mix it with cold water first to make a slurry. Add this slurry to the pot. Or, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes. This allows some liquid to evaporate. For a thinner soup, simply add more chicken broth. A little water works too. Adjust until it’s just right.

Can I freeze this Creamy Chicken Soup?

You can freeze the base of this Creamy Chicken Soup before adding cream. However, the cream might separate or change texture when thawed. It’s best to freeze the soup without the cream. Then, add fresh cream or half-and-half when you reheat it. This keeps the texture lovely and smooth.

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