Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Chicken Soup is a comforting, hearty meal filled with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and a rich, silky broth. Every spoonful combines savory chicken, sweet carrots, celery, and gentle herbs for classic homemade flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and cozy enough for a cold evening. Serve it with warm crusty bread for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Oven Temperature
N/A
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken breast: Provides tender, lean protein. Substitute: shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup its rich, creamy texture. Substitute: half-and-half.
- Chicken broth: Creates the savory soup base. Substitute: low-sodium chicken stock.
- Carrots and celery: Add sweetness, color, and texture. Substitute: frozen mixed vegetables.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the creamy broth. Substitute: cornstarch slurry.
Tips
- Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Simmer the chicken gently to keep it tender and juicy.
- Add the cream near the end and avoid boiling the soup afterward.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step
- Sauté the vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and flour: Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute.
- Build the broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Add the chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15–18 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Add the cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes without boiling.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning. Stir in fresh parsley, then ladle the creamy soup into warm bowls.
Garnish & Serving
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over each bowl.
- Add freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
- Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic toast.
Storage
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it before serving.
Make Ahead
Prepare the soup up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate once cooled. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a little broth or cream if needed.
Variations
- Chicken & Rice: Add cooked white or wild rice before serving.
- Chicken & Noodles: Stir in egg noodles for a heartier soup.
- Garlic Herb: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and extra garlic for deeper flavor.
Serving Pairings
- 🥖 Crusty sourdough bread
- 🧄 Warm garlic bread
- 🥗 Simple green salad
This Creamy Chicken Soup is rich, cozy, hearty, and wonderfully easy to make—a comforting homemade classic for any evening.
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