Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Cream of Chicken Soup is a comforting and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week. With tender shredded chicken and a creamy, flavorful base, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (Can be substituted with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.)
• 1 cup chicken broth (Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.)
• 1 cup milk (For a creamier texture, replace with heavy cream.)
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced (You can also add peas or celery.)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste (Adjust to preference.)
• Fresh parsley to garnish (Optional, for serving.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onions and diced carrots. Cook until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, keeping the mixture smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Step 6: Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and add fresh parsley if desired.
8. Step 8: Serve hot and enjoy your creamy comfort soup.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer soup, substitute the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Add peas or celery for extra texture and color.
• Use whole wheat flour to make the soup a bit healthier without sacrificing texture.
• Leftover chicken from any recipe works great, making this a good way to reduce waste.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much when chilled, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen the consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with extra vegetables like mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?

If your soup is too thin, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce the liquid or whisk in a small amount of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken it quickly.

Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 113 reviews

This creamy and comforting Cream of Chicken Soup is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Made with shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich roux base, this soup is both hearty and flavorful, ideal for chilly days or whenever you crave a warm, home-cooked dish.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.)

Dairy & Fats

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup milk (For a creamier texture, replace with heavy cream.)

Dry Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (Can be substituted with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced (You can also add peas or celery.)

Liquids

• 1 cup chicken broth (Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, to garnish (Optional)

Instructions

1. Melt Butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat to begin the base of your soup.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onions and diced carrots to the pot. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, which takes about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
3. Create Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute. This helps to form a roux, which will thicken the soup properly.
4. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth followed by the milk, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and free of lumps.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
6. Simmer Soup: Let the soup simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows flavors to meld and the soup to thicken to a creamy consistency.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Optionally, stir in fresh parsley for a bright, herby flavor. Serve the soup hot for the best experience.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken or use a meat substitute.
• Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and a healthier twist.
• Adding additional vegetables like peas or celery can boost nutrition and flavor complexity.
• The soup can be thickened further by simmering longer or by adding a bit more flour mixed with butter (beurre manié).
• For a richer soup, replace milk with heavy cream.

Keywords: cream of chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, homemade chicken soup, comfort food, easy chicken soup