Description
This Creamy Chicken Soup is a rich, velvety blend of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a luscious, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a bowl of comfort, this soup is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 8 oz (1 cup) mushrooms, sliced (optional, but recommended for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
For the Chicken & Broth:
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
For the Creamy Element:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening, or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
- ½ cup milk (to mix with flour for a smooth slurry)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Croutons or crackers
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables – In a large pot, melt the butter and add olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add Mushrooms & Seasonings – Stir in the mushrooms, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and bay leaf, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the Broth & Chicken – Add the chicken broth and water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Soup – In a small bowl, whisk milk and flour (or cornstarch) until smooth. Slowly pour it into the soup while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Stir in the Cream & Chicken – Add the heavy cream and shredded chicken, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens. Remove the bay leaf.
- Taste & Adjust – Add more salt or pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more broth or milk.
- Serve & Garnish – Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, croutons, or shredded cheese. Serve warm!
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute cornstarch for flour to thicken the soup.
- Protein Swap: Swap chicken for turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine before adding broth for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per 1 Cup Serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Creamy chicken soup, homemade soup, chicken and mushroom soup, winter soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe