Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup is a delightfully rich and creamy dish that brings comfort in every spoonful. This soup is perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with loved ones. Made from scratch, it boasts robust flavors without needing cream, making it a healthier choice. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, this homemade soup will surely become a favorite you’ll want to enjoy time and again!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Vegetables
• Herbs & Spices
• Base Ingredients
• Chicken & Peas
• Seasoning
• Garnish
• How to Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
• Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 2: Create the Roux
• Step 3: Add Liquids
• Step 4: Thicken the Soup
• Step 5: Mix in Chicken and Seasonings
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
• With Fresh Bread
• Topped with Croutons
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs
• Served in a Bread Bowl
• Accompanied by Salad
• How to Perfect Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
• Reheating Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use rotisserie chicken?
• How do I make my soup thicker?
• Can I add other vegetables?
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
• How long does it take to prepare?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this soup in just 30 minutes.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables and spices creates a depth of flavor that rivals store-bought options.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own, over rice, or as a base for casseroles. This soup adapts to your meal needs!
• Healthy Comfort Food: Made without heavy creams, this soup provides comfort while being lighter on calories.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for busy weeknights when you need a quick meal.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here are some must-have items that will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium pot
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium pot: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly without burning.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.

Ingredients

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup – rich, creamy, thick and completely made from scratch soup. This cream of chicken soup starts with a roux and doesn’t require cream to bring out all those wonderful flavors. Cozy, comforting, homemade soup that you will make over and over again!

Vegetables

• 3 tablespoons (42g) butter
• 1 cup (115g) onion (diced)
• 2 teaspoons (10g) minced garlic
• 2 medium carrots (sliced in thick chunks; about 1-1 ½ cups)
• 2 stalks celery (diced; about ⅓ cup)

Herbs & Spices

• 2 teaspoons (1.6g) fresh minced thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons (30g) flour
• 1 teaspoon (4g) Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (2g) chicken bouillon

Base Ingredients

• 1 canned evaporated milk (12 oz)
• 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth

Chicken & Peas

• 2-3 cups (135g) cooked chicken
• ½ tablespoon (8.5g) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas

Seasoning

• ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (1g) freshly ground black pepper (more or less to taste)

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons (8g) chopped flat-leaf parsley (for garnishing)

How to Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaf. Saute for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 2: Create the Roux

Add the flour to the pot and stir until fully incorporated with the vegetables.

Step 3: Add Liquids

Pour in the evaporated milk and chicken broth gradually while stirring continuously.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

Bring everything to a boil while constantly stirring until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Mix in Chicken and Seasonings

Add shredded chicken, Creole seasoning, chicken bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, and peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste; adjust according to preference.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving warm!

Enjoy your deliciously homemade cream of chicken soup!

How to Serve Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Serving Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup can transform a simple meal into something special. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with toasted garlic bread for a flavorful combination.

Topped with Croutons

• Homemade Croutons: Add crunchy croutons on top for extra texture and flavor.
• Parmesan Croutons: Use store-bought or sprinkle with Parmesan before toasting for a cheesy kick.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
• Thyme Leaves: Use additional thyme leaves for an aromatic touch.

Served in a Bread Bowl

• Edible Bowls: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and interactive meal.

Accompanied by Salad

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly.

How to Perfect Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup, consider these tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavors and provide better texture.
• Make Your Own Broth: Homemade chicken broth will give your soup a richer taste compared to store-bought.
• Don’t Rush the Roux: Allow the roux to cook until it’s lightly golden for a deeper flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go, adding salt and pepper slowly to avoid over-seasoning.
• Add Vegetables Last: For the best texture, add quick-cooking veggies like peas near the end.
• Cool Before Storing: If saving leftovers, let the soup cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options:

1. Buttered Noodles: Simple pasta tossed in butter makes a comforting side that kids love.
2. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese are perfect for dipping.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide crunch and pair well with creamy soups.
5. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad brings a refreshing contrast to the savory soup.
6. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with veggies offers a healthy grain option that complements well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade cream of chicken soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can lower the cooking temperature. Always bring your broth and milk to room temperature before adding them to the pot.
• Not sautéing enough: Properly sautéing your vegetables builds flavor. Make sure to cook them until they are soft and aromatic.
• Skipping the roux: The roux is essential for thickening the soup. Don’t skip this step; cook the flour with butter until it’s golden before adding liquid.
• Overcooking the chicken: Adding overcooked chicken can lead to a dry texture. Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for best results.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient has its own flavor profile. Taste your soup as you go and adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the soup cools completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely, for 1-2 minutes on high, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat and stir until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about homemade cream of chicken soup:

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred it before adding to your soup.

How do I make my soup thicker?

If you want a thicker consistency, mix additional flour with a bit of water to create a slurry and stir it into your boiling soup.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can customize by adding veggies like potatoes or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make homemade cream of chicken soup gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time is about 30 minutes, including both preparation and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Homemade cream of chicken soup is rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. It’s perfect as a cozy meal on chilly days or as a comforting option for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or additional vegetables to suit your taste! Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!