Soothing Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Crafting a soul-warming creamy chicken soup becomes an art of comfort and nourishment.

Fragrant herbs dance through rich, velvety broth, promising a meal that hugs you from the inside.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen whisper through each carefully chopped ingredient.

Tender chicken pieces nestle alongside soft vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Warmth radiates from the pot, inviting you to pause and savor every spoonful.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

You’ll want to ladle this magic into bowls and watch faces light up with pure culinary joy.

Creamy Chicken Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

• Whip Up Quickly: This soup comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal preparations.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows you to add various vegetables or grains like peas, potatoes, corn, rice, or pasta, creating a personalized comfort meal every time.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy, rich texture and hearty ingredients provide a warm, satisfying experience that feels like a hug from grandma's kitchen, ideal for chilly days or when you need some culinary comfort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Kid-friendly and adaptable for different taste preferences, this soup works wonderfully for family meals, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Soup

• Chicken: Shredded protein that provides the hearty base for the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that creates the foundational soup stock.
• Heavy Cream: Adds rich, luxurious creaminess to the soup.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and lighter texture.

• Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Classic combination that builds a deep, savory flavor profile for the soup.

• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
• Thyme, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add subtle, complementary flavors.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Peas, Potatoes, Corn, Rice, Pasta: Flexible ingredients that can add extra texture and substance to the soup.

Step-by-Step Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle the Aromatics

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious pot and warm it over medium flame.

Toss in diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery.

Let these veggies dance and soften, releasing their magical flavors for 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Create a Silky Base

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir continuously for one minute.

This creates a golden roux that will help thicken your soup and add richness.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and add shredded chicken.

• Fresh thyme
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all flavors to mingle and merge.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Luxury

Stream in heavy cream and milk, stirring gently.

Let the soup bubble softly for 5 minutes until it transforms into a slightly thicker, luxurious texture.

Step 5: Customize Your Comfort

• Green peas
• Diced potatoes
• Sweet corn
• Cooked rice
• Pasta

Cook for an additional 10 minutes until all ingredients become tender and harmonious.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Serve piping hot alongside crusty, rustic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken Soup

• Toast flour before adding to create a nuttier, richer base for the soup that enhances overall taste complexity.
• Use two forks to pull apart warm, cooked chicken meat for tender, consistent texture that absorbs soup flavors beautifully.
• Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains creamy consistency.
• Adjust liquid ratio by adding more broth for thinner soup or reducing liquid to create a heartier, stew-like texture according to preference.
• Store soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, remembering to reheat gently to prevent cream from separating or breaking down.

Variations to Customize Creamy Chicken Soup

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version. Use plant-based broth for added richness.
• Low-Carb Creation: Swap flour with xanthan gum or arrowroot powder. Omit potatoes and replace with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a protein-packed meatless option.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Soup

• Cozy Bread Companion: Slice a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough bread to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all the rich flavors and adding a delightful crunch.
• Hearty Side Salad: Pair the soup with a crisp green salad topped with mixed herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture.
• Cheesy Topping Adventure: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, parmesan, or crumbled goat cheese on top of the soup for an extra layer of decadent, melty goodness.
• Protein Power-Up: Add some grilled or roasted chicken on the side for those wanting an extra protein boost and a more substantial meal.

How to Store Creamy Chicken Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavor and creamy texture.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken broth or milk to restore original creamy consistency if soup has thickened during storage.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken in this soup?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even canned chicken for convenience. Just ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded before adding to the soup.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses flour to create a roux, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

• How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, add more vegetables like spinach or kale, and choose lean chicken breast for a lighter version of the soup.

Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken soup celebrates comfort with a rich, creamy broth packed with tender meat and vegetables. Warm bowls invite diners to savor each spoonful of this classic midwestern comfort dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 large carrots (sliced)
• 2 celery stalks (sliced)
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1/2 cup corn

Dairy and Thickeners:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup cooked rice or small pasta (like orzo or ditalini)

Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Crusty bread

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5-6 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir continuously for 60-90 seconds to create a light, golden roux that will help thicken the soup.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, then add shredded chicken, dried thyme, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow mixture to reach a gentle simmer.
4. Incorporate heavy cream and whole milk into the soup, stirring consistently until the liquid becomes smooth and slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Enhance the soup by adding optional ingredients like sweet green peas, diced potatoes, kernel corn, or your preferred rice/pasta. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until additional ingredients are fully cooked and tender.
6. Taste and refine the soup’s seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and serving alongside warm, crusty artisan bread.

Notes

• Swap dairy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that still maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding quinoa or lentils instead of traditional rice or pasta for a more nutritious meal.
• Roast vegetables beforehand to develop deeper, caramelized flavors that elevate the soup’s overall taste profile.
• Prep ingredients in advance and store chopped vegetables in refrigerator to streamline cooking process and save time during busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg