Cream of chicken soup is a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for cold days or when you need a comforting meal. This classic soup combines tender chicken with rich cream and savory broth, creating a velvety texture and delicious flavor. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, cream of chicken soup is easy to make, customizable, and always satisfying.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make creamy chicken soup from scratch. We’ll cover the basic recipe, explore variations for special diets, and offer tips for making it extra rich and flavorful.
What Is Cream of Chicken Soup?
Cream of chicken soup is a thick, creamy soup made from chicken, broth, cream, and seasonings. It’s often enriched with ingredients like butter, flour, onions, garlic, and herbs to enhance the flavor and create a smooth, rich consistency. Traditionally, the soup is made by simmering chicken in broth and then adding cream to thicken it, resulting in a velvety, savory dish.
While it’s delicious on its own, creamy chicken soup is also a versatile ingredient in many recipes, such as casseroles and sauces, making it a pantry staple for home cooks.
Ingredients for Cream of Chicken Soup
The ingredients for cream of chicken soup are simple and can easily be found in most kitchens. Here’s what you’ll need:
Basic Ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. You can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, providing depth of flavor. Homemade or store-bought chicken broth works well.
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Adds creaminess and richness to the soup.
- Butter: Used to sauté vegetables and make a roux.
- Flour: This is used to thicken the soup, creating a creamy consistency.
- Onions: Adds a subtle sweetness to the soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the savory flavor of the soup.
- Carrots and Celery (Optional): These vegetables add color, flavor, and texture.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Parsley, thyme, or dill can be added for extra flavor.
Optional Ingredients:
- Mushrooms: Add a meaty, earthy flavor that pairs well with chicken.
- Cheese: For an extra-rich soup, consider adding grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese.
- Rice or Noodles: These can be added for a heartier meal.
- Sherry or White Wine: Adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
If you’re curious about different soup bases and their origins, you can read more about soup history on Wikipedia.
How to Make Cream of Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step
Making cream of chicken soup from scratch is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to create a rich, comforting bowl of homemade soup.
1. Cook the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken. If you’re using raw chicken breasts or thighs, season them with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
If you’re using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can skip this step and simply shred the chicken for later use.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and any optional vegetables like carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
3. Make a Roux
Once the vegetables are tender, sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over the vegetable mixture. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux. This step is important for thickening the soup.
4. Add the Chicken Broth
Slowly pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the Cream and Chicken
Next, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded or chopped chicken back into the pot, and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Season and Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you’re adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, stir them in at the end. For a final touch, you can garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve the creamy chicken soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips for Making the Best Cream of Chicken Soup
While making creamy chicken soup is easy, these tips can help you achieve the perfect consistency and flavor every time.
1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
The quality of the ingredients you use will directly impact the flavor of your soup. Whenever possible, use fresh, high-quality chicken, broth, and vegetables for the best results. Homemade chicken broth can add a richer depth of flavor, but store-bought options work well in a pinch.
2. Don’t Skip the Roux
A roux is the key to achieving a smooth, creamy texture. When making the roux, take your time to cook the flour thoroughly, as this helps eliminate any raw flour taste and ensures the soup thickens properly.
3. Adjust the Thickness to Your Liking
If you prefer a thicker soup, simply add more flour to the roux or reduce the amount of broth slightly. On the other hand, if you like a thinner consistency, you can add more broth or a splash of water.
4. Add Herbs and Spices for Extra Flavor
Herbs and spices can elevate your creamy chicken soup to the next level. Try adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for an aromatic boost. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors of the soup.
5. Customize the Soup with Your Favorite Add-Ins
This soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it to your liking. Add cooked rice, noodles, or potatoes for a heartier meal. Mushrooms, peas, or spinach can also be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
For more tips on making homemade soups, you might want to explore this Reddit thread on homemade soup tips.
Variations of Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of chicken soup is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Dairy-Free Cream of Chicken Soup
For a dairy-free version, simply replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew cream. Be sure to use a non-dairy butter or oil for sautéing the vegetables as well. The result will still be rich and creamy, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
2. Gluten-Free Cream of Chicken Soup
To make this soup gluten-free, swap out the flour in the roux for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Another option is to use arrowroot powder or rice flour. Ensure that the broth and other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
3. Low-Calorie Cream of Chicken Soup
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this soup, you can reduce the calorie content by using skim milk or a lighter cream, such as half-and-half. You can also cut back on the butter and use a smaller amount of olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
4. Cream of Chicken and Mushroom Soup
Adding mushrooms to creamy chicken soup is a great way to boost flavor and texture. Simply sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic, then proceed with the recipe as usual. The mushrooms add an earthy richness that complements the chicken beautifully.
5. Cream of Chicken Soup with Rice or Noodles
For a heartier version of creamy chicken soup, try adding cooked rice or noodles. Wild rice, white rice, or egg noodles work particularly well. Stir them into the soup during the final simmer, and allow them to soak up the flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of chicken soup is a filling dish on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides for a more complete meal. Here are some serving ideas:
1. Crusty Bread
Serve the soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. The soft, creamy texture of the soup pairs perfectly with the crunchy bread.
2. Salad
For a lighter, balanced meal, serve the soup alongside a fresh salad. A simple Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette can complement the richness of the soup.
3. Grilled Cheese
If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, pair your creamy chicken soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of creamy soup and melty cheese makes for a satisfying comfort meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, can add color and nutrition to your meal. The earthy flavors of roasted veggies provide a nice contrast to the rich soup.
How to Store and Reheat Cream of Chicken Soup
If you have leftover cream of chicken soup, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer for later enjoyment. Here’s how to do it properly.
1. Storing Leftovers
To store leftover soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it cools, but you can thin it out with a splash of broth or water when reheating.
2. Freezing Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream-based soups can be tricky to freeze because the cream can sometimes separate when thawed. However, if you plan to freeze the soup, wait to add the cream until after reheating. Freeze the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, reheat it on the stovetop, and then stir in the cream.
3. Reheating the Soup
To reheat creamy chicken soup, place it in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a little extra broth or cream to thin the soup to your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Cream of chicken soup is a comforting, versatile dish that’s easy to make and customize. Whether you’re following a classic recipe or adding your own creative twists, this creamy soup is sure to satisfy. Serve it with crusty bread, salad, or grilled cheese for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a light starter. With the tips and variations provided in this guide, you can make the perfect creamy chicken soup to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cream of chicken soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it, but it’s best to add the cream after reheating to prevent separation.
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the soup during the simmering stage.
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry made of equal parts flour or cornstarch and cold water. Whisk the slurry into the soup and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Yes, you can use milk instead of cream for a lighter version of the soup. However, keep in mind that milk will result in a thinner consistency, so you may need to add more flour or reduce the amount of broth to maintain thickness.
To add more flavor to cream of chicken soup, consider using fresh herbs, a splash of sherry or white wine, or a pinch of nutmeg. Roasted garlic or sautéed mushrooms can also add depth and complexity to the soup.