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In many homes, chicken soup is more than just a delicious dish it’s a cozy staple. Meanwhile, it’s warm and rich.

Cream of chicken soup is a delicious, hearty, and creamy dish that has become a comfort food staple in many homes. It is so comforting, warm, rich, and perfect for those comfy nights or if you have the sniffles.

Simple ingredients, less time, and better tasting than buying a can! From casserole bases, to stand-alone sides this is guaranteed to be a family favourite in your home!

Why Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup?

Store-bought cream of chicken soup may be easy, but making your own at home means you know exactly what goes into it — best for peace of mind and balance free from preservatives.

You can also flavor them however you prefer! Plus, the homemade cream of chicken soup is more versatile, you can make it thicker or thinner, add extra ingredients to pump up the flavor.

Ingredients for Cream of Chicken Soup

To make a simple, flavorful cream of chicken soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk (for a lighter version)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (leftovers or rotisserie chicken work well)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 cup diced carrots and celery (optional, for extra texture and flavor)

Instructions for Making Cream of Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, melt the butter on medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté along with garlic for 2-3 min or until the onions get translucent and the raw bean smell disappears. If you are using carrots and celery, you can add them at this point, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 2: Make the Roux

Add flour to the sautéed vegetables to form a thick base for the soup. Keep stirring and cooking the mixture on low heat for 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Creamy — is after all what you want this soup to be like.

Step 3: Add the Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and whisk (this is so no lumps will form. When the mixture starts to bubble, reduce heat to a simmer and let is simmer slightly for 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Chicken

Pour in heavy cream (or if using milk, to keep it a little lighter) then toss in shredded cooked chicken. The cream will give the soup a nice, velvety richness and the chicken also makes it pretty hearty.

Simmer the soup for another 5-10 min to allow flavours to meld. If the soup is too thick then you can add a little broth to thin it out.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season the soup with salt, pepper, thyme and parsley. Adjust Seasoning for Taste You can serve the cream of chicken soup warm, as is or serve it with some crusty bread to dip in.

Variations on Cream of Chicken Soup

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to switch things up and make the soup your own:

• Mix in vegetables: Incorporate any additional veggies such as peas, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the variety for nutrition and food quality.
• Herb swaps: Exchange thyme or parsley for basil, rosemary, and dill — you get the idea…it will taste slightly different but still delish.
• Different Chicken Parts: Most of the time, shredded chicken breast is used but dark meat or a combo of both will make the soup more full-bodied.
• Lighter version: substitute the heavy cream for whole milk or even unsweetened almond families of their own for a lighter alternative.
• Gluten-Free Hamburger Soup: To make this soup gluten-free, just be sure to swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or use cornstarch as a thickener.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Cream of Chicken Soup

• Homemade chicken broth (if you have one), is the other healthier version with the best flavors of them all. But it gives the soup depth and complexity, that not all store-bought broths have.
• Cooked chicken: This is a great recipe to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken from the store.
• Thicker soup: If you like your soup thicker, let it simmer for a while longer or add 1-2 TBSP flour when preparing the roux.
• Optional blending -You can make the soup smoother by using an immersion blender or regular blender to food-process the soup (before the chicken).

Serving Suggestions

Cream of chicken soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

• Crusty bread: Serve with a loaf of crusty French bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Grilled cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich makes a great side for cream of chicken soup.
• Salad: For a lighter meal, pair the soup with a fresh garden salad.

Storing and Reheating

Cream of chicken soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pour into an airtight container or cover the soup in its pot and store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer storage; will keep frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, do so slowly in a pot on the stovetop to prevent curdling {especially if using cream or milk}.

Nutritional Benefits of Cream of Chicken Soup

This is a healthy cream of chicken soup recipe. Chicken contains proteins that help in the growth of strong muscles and maintain a healthy body. After all, Protein helps you to stay away from hunger immediately after a meal.

The veggies in the soup, including carrots, celery, onions, etc offer vitamins as well as minerals to keep your body flourishing. So, again, for example, Vitamin A is found in carrots which are good for your eyes and even celery is great to help with digestion.

The milk or cream used in the soup provides calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth. Even though the soup is creamy and rich, it can still be a healthy meal, especially if you use low-fat milk or add extra vegetables.

Conclusion

This cream of chicken soup recipe is a comforting, simple meal that’s great for when the weather gets cold or you just need a little cozy comfort food. It has only simple ingredients and steps, a perfect substitute for store-bought ones at home.

So if you have some chicken broth or stock on hand either to use as a base for casseroles or to enjoy all on its own this recipe will please your taste buds and warm up from the inside.