Warm, creamy, and utterly comforting, cream of chicken soup recipes evoke images of cozy family dinners and lazy Sunday afternoons. Picture a steaming bowl, filled to the brim with velvety goodness that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Reflecting back to childhood, I remember my grandmother’s kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of her famous cream of chicken soup. It was our family’s go-to for sick days and rainy afternoons, a recipe that brought everyone together for laughter and love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy cream of chicken soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends
- The rich flavor and creamy texture will tantalize your taste buds
- You can make it in just 30 minutes, making it a quick meal option
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a main dish or a hearty side
I still chuckle at how my brother insisted that adding more chicken would somehow turn it into a magical elixir. Spoiler alert: it didn’t, but we all enjoyed his enthusiasm!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe; they cook quickly and stay tender.
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Onion: Use a medium onion, finely chopped; it adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best; they provide an aromatic boost that elevates the flavors.
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Carrots: Chopped carrots not only add color but also a natural sweetness to balance the savory elements.
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Celery Stalks: Finely diced celery contributes crunchiness and enhances the overall texture of the soup.
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Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while ensuring rich flavor.
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Heavy Cream: Adds a luscious creaminess that makes this soup truly indulgent; don’t skimp on this!
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Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brings freshness; sprinkle some on top before serving for an extra pop of color.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors; adjust to your taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your onions, carrots, celery, and garlic so you’re ready to go when you start cooking.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and release their sweet aroma—about 5 minutes.
Add Chicken and Broth: Next, add in your chopped chicken breasts along with the chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally—this should take about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Incorporate Creaminess: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream until well combined. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes—watch as it transforms into thick lusciousness.
Season It Up!: Now comes the fun part! Season generously with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Stir in freshly chopped parsley right before serving for added flavor.
Just like that, you’ve created a comforting bowl of happiness! Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice if you’re feeling adventurous.
This cream of chicken soup recipe not only warms your soul but also gives you an opportunity to unleash your inner chef while evoking fond memories of family gatherings around the dinner table. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Cream of chicken soup recipes are not just comfort food; they provide a warm hug in a bowl
- The creamy texture and savory aroma can brighten up any dreary day, making it a beloved classic for families everywhere
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter until fragrant, then add chicken to sear. Next, stir in flour before adding broth gradually for smoothness. Finally, allow it to simmer, letting those flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or add vegetables like carrots or peas. A sprinkle of fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor profile tremendously, making your dish uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cream of chicken soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade broth instead of store-bought; it makes a world of difference
- When thickening the soup, be patient and let it simmer; rushing this process can lead to graininess
- Always taste as you go; seasonings can change drastically during cooking!
Sharing this recipe always reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone eagerly awaited seconds. The smiles around the table as we dug into bowls of creamy goodness brought warmth that lingered long after the meal was gone.
FAQ
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can substitute with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
How do I make my soup thicker?
Adding more flour or cornstarch mixed with water will help thicken your soup effectively.
Can I freeze cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to three months without losing quality.
Cream of Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cream of chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken with a creamy base for a delightful dish that warms the soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, this easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a hearty meal. The rich flavors and velvety texture will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Add chopped chicken and cook until no longer pink (approximately 10 minutes). Stir in carrots and celery.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and mix in heavy cream; let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir in fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
