Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for that rich, velvety comfort of a creamy chicken soup made from scratch, you’re in for a real treat. This Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe is a cozy, delicious blend of savory goodness that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. It’s an easy-to-make classic that warms you from the inside out, with a perfect balance of herbs, creamy texture, and tender chicken that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re whipping it up as a base for casseroles or enjoying it as a hearty soup on its own, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each component. Every ingredient plays a vital role in creating that luscious texture and irresistible flavor, from the buttery roux base to the subtle hint of herbs that make it sing.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy start to the roux and adds depth to every spoonful.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that gives the soup its signature silky consistency.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and forms the flavorful liquid base of the soup.
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream: Creates that irresistible creamy texture and smooth mouthfeel.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Delivers a gentle, sweet aroma with subtle sharpness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, mellow depth enhancing the savory notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a delicate earthiness that elevates the flavor complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat balancing the creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional): Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (optional): For added protein and that classic chicken soup feel.
How to Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Roux
Start by melting your butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and keep stirring constantly. This step is key to avoid lumps and achieve that beautiful golden color, which takes about 1 to 2 minutes. The roux is what will thicken your soup and give it that signature creamy texture, so patience here makes all the difference.
Step 2: Add the Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and your choice of milk or cream, whisking continuously to keep everything smooth and lump-free. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium-low heat. This gradual incorporation ensures a perfectly silky base without any unpleasant clumps, setting the stage for your aromatic seasonings.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Now for the fun part—add the onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt (if you’re using it). Stir these in and let the soup cook gently for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld and the soup to thicken beautifully. This combination creates a warm, inviting aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen.
Step 4: Add Chicken (Optional)
If you want your soup to double as a hearty meal, stir in the shredded cooked chicken at this stage. Let it warm through for another 2 minutes, just enough to let the chicken soak up the flavors and remain tender. Even without chicken, this creamy base is incredible, but the addition really seals the deal for an authentic homemade experience.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Your homemade soup is ready to enjoy immediately! If you’re saving it for later, let it cool a bit and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you’ve got a comforting meal ready to warm you whenever you want.
How to Serve Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top to add a pop of color and a subtle freshness that complements the rich creaminess perfectly. A dash of shredded cheese or a swirl of cream can also elevate the presentation and flavor, making each bowl feel special and extra indulgent.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery garlic toast for dipping. Light salads with tangy vinaigrettes contrast beautifully with the rich soup, making your meal balanced and satisfying. A side of roasted vegetables can add texture and nutrients, turning your meal into a complete, delightful experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic vibe that’s just begging to be devoured. You can also ladle it over baked potatoes or use it as a luscious sauce for sautéed veggies and grains. No matter how you present it, this Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe shines as the star of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers to keep it fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. This makes for a perfect easy meal prep option that tastes just as good reheated as it did fresh from the stove.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a lifesaver for busy days. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up. Avoid using high heat to prevent curdling or burning—your soup deserves just the right gentle care.
FAQs
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the milk or cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute to create a creamy, dairy-free version that still tastes fantastic.
Is it necessary to use cooked chicken?
While cooked chicken adds heartiness, you can skip it entirely for a simple creamy base or substitute with precooked rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
How can I thicken the soup if it seems too thin?
If your soup isn’t thick enough, create a small slurry with equal parts flour and cold water, then whisk it in gradually while simmering until the desired thickness is achieved.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
Definitely! Fresh thyme works beautifully but use about one teaspoon for the same flavor profile, as fresh herbs are generally more potent than their dried counterparts.
Is this recipe suitable for making casseroles?
This Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe is actually perfect as a base for casseroles, gravies, and other dishes needing a creamy, flavor-packed sauce, so keep some on hand for your next comfort food creation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about mastering a Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe that’s fresh, creamy, and full of flavor—comfort food at its absolute best. Whether you enjoy it as a soothing soup or use it creatively in other dishes, this recipe is bound to become your trustworthy kitchen companion. Give it a try soon and enjoy every luscious, heartwarming bite!
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Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and comforting soup perfect as a base for casseroles or enjoyed on its own. Made from scratch using a simple roux, chicken broth, milk, and aromatic seasonings, it avoids canned additives and allows customization with shredded chicken for added protein and texture. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and versatile kitchen staple.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Optional Addition
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Roux: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes golden and bubbly, which forms the base for thickening the soup.
- Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk or heavy cream, continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop to allow it to thicken evenly.
- Season: Add the onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt if desired. Stir thoroughly and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the soup has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Add Chicken (Optional): If using, stir in the cooked, shredded chicken into the soup and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and combine the flavors.
- Serve or Store: Serve the cream of chicken soup immediately as a comforting dish or base for other recipes. Alternatively, allow it to cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a lighter soup or heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Adjust the amount of salt based on the sodium content of your chicken broth.
- This soup can be used as a base for casseroles or as a dip by thickening slightly.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the dairy.
- Shredded chicken is optional but adds protein and makes it a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
