Cream Of Chicken Soup

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Cream of Chicken Soup. Velvety, rich, and brimming with tender chicken, this classic dish wraps you in its creamy embrace from the very first spoonful. Imagine the aroma of simmering chicken mingling with gentle herbs and vegetables, filling the kitchen with a scent that instantly feels like home. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer when it comes to cozy comfort food.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe comes from a place of pure nostalgia. It’s the kind of soup my mother used to make on rainy days, when the house felt cool and gray outside but warm and inviting within. A pot of Cream of Chicken Soup would simmer slowly on the stove, drawing us into the kitchen, and before long, we were gathered at the table with steaming bowls that seemed to cure every worry. That simple memory has transformed into a recipe I cherish and make time and again.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cream soups rose to popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as home cooks began incorporating canned cream bases into everyday meals. Cream of Chicken Soup, in particular, became a pantry staple in many households, especially in the United States. Beyond being served on its own, it found its way into countless casseroles and comfort dishes, making it one of the most versatile recipes in classic American cooking.

Why You’ll Love Cream Of Chicken Soup

This soup isn’t just a dish, it’s a hug in a bowl. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:

Versatile: Serve it as a starter, a main course with bread, or as a base for casseroles.

Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples make this recipe easy on the wallet.

Quick and Easy: A hearty soup ready in under an hour with minimal fuss.

Customizable: Add vegetables, grains, or different seasonings to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by adults and children alike, it’s perfect for family meals.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays delicious when made a day or two in advance.

Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few tricks can take your Cream of Chicken Soup from good to unforgettable:

1. Sauté the vegetables in butter until soft for a deeper flavor base.
2. Use chicken thighs for more tender, juicy bites in your soup.
3. Stir in cream at the end of cooking to avoid curdling.
4. Add fresh herbs right before serving to brighten the flavors.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy equipment, just a few reliable tools:

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Perfect for simmering the soup evenly.

Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot.

Ladle: Makes serving smooth and easy.

Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping chicken and vegetables.

Ingredients in Cream Of Chicken Soup

This soup is all about harmony, combining tender chicken, a creamy base, and aromatic herbs:

1. Butter: 3 tablespoons, creates a rich base for sautéing vegetables.
2. Onion: 1 medium, finely diced, adds sweetness and depth.
3. Celery: 2 stalks, chopped, provides a subtle earthy flavor.
4. Carrot: 1 large, diced, brings natural sweetness and color.
5. All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup, thickens the soup for a creamy consistency.
6. Chicken Broth: 4 cups, gives the soup a savory backbone.
7. Cooked Chicken: 2 cups shredded, the heart of the soup with tender bites.
8. Heavy Cream: 1 cup, adds richness and velvety texture.
9. Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhances all flavors.
10. Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, adds gentle spice.
11. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, brightens the final dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you may need to swap things out—here’s how:

Butter: Olive oil for a lighter touch.

Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or evaporated milk.

Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.

Chicken: Turkey works beautifully as an alternative.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken: Using freshly cooked and shredded chicken ensures tender bites and rich flavor that truly shine in every spoonful.

Heavy Cream: This is what gives the soup its luxurious, velvety mouthfeel, making it deeply satisfying.

Instructions for Making Cream Of Chicken Soup

Cooking this soup feels like crafting comfort from scratch. Here’s the step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Combine Ingredients: Melt butter, then add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Sprinkle in flour and stir for 2 minutes to create a roux.
4. Assemble the Dish: Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Cook to Perfection: Add shredded chicken, reduce heat, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Finishing Touches: Stir in cream, salt, pepper, and parsley. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

What makes this soup so irresistible is the balance of creamy smoothness with the tender chunks of chicken and vegetables. The buttery roux and cream create a luscious base while fresh herbs keep the flavors bright and lively.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few small adjustments can elevate your soup even more:

• Roast the chicken beforehand for an extra depth of flavor.
• Add a splash of lemon juice at the end to balance the richness.
• Use homemade chicken broth if you want the ultimate flavor payoff.

What to Avoid

Even simple soups need careful attention. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Don’t boil after adding cream, or it may separate.
• Avoid adding too much salt early; taste and adjust at the end.
• Don’t rush the vegetable sauté, it builds the flavor base.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 bowls
Calories per serving: ~280

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to Serve Cream Of Chicken Soup

Serve it hot with crusty bread, fluffy biscuits, or a simple green salad. For extra flair, top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or crispy croutons.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Turn leftovers into the base for a pot pie, stir in rice or noodles for a heartier meal, or thin with extra broth to create a lighter soup variation.

Additional Tips

Keep a little extra broth on hand in case you want to thin the soup when reheating. Freshly ground pepper on top just before serving adds a lovely aromatic finish.

Make It a Showstopper

Garnish each bowl with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and serve in rustic bowls for that homemade, cozy presentation that looks straight out of a food magazine.

Variations to Try

• Add wild rice for a Cream of Chicken and Rice Soup.
• Stir in mushrooms for earthy depth.
• Use light cream and extra vegetables for a healthier twist.
• Spice it up with a pinch of paprika or cayenne.

FAQ’s

Q1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver and adds excellent flavor.

Q2. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, swap butter with olive oil and cream with coconut milk.

Q3. How do I thicken the soup without flour?

Use cornstarch slurry or blend some of the soup until smooth.

Q4. Can I add noodles?

Absolutely, add cooked noodles toward the end for a hearty version.

Q5. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but add cream after thawing for best texture.

Q6. Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the soup will be lighter and less rich.

Q7. Is this gluten free?

It’s not with flour, but you can use cornstarch or gluten-free flour.

Q8. Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 4–6 hours, then stir in cream at the end.

Q9. How do I prevent lumps when adding broth?

Whisk slowly and continuously while pouring in the broth.

Q10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pot and adjust seasoning to taste.

Conclusion

Cream of Chicken Soup is more than just a recipe, it’s a bowl of warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to bring comfort with every spoonful. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite—so go ahead, grab a ladle, and savor the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside out.

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