Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: A Hearty and Delicious Recipe
Tired of the bland, overly processed taste of canned soup? Then it’s time to ditch the can and embark on a culinary adventure! This homemade cream of chicken soup recipe is not only incredibly easy to make but also boasts a flavor that will blow your mind. Using simple, wholesome ingredients, you can create a creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in or as a versatile ingredient in countless dishes.
Once you taste the difference between store-bought and homemade, you’ll never go back! The rich, natural flavors of fresh ingredients shine through in this recipe, creating a soup that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Plus, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a soup that’s free from unnecessary additives and excessive salt.
Why Make Your Own Cream of Chicken Soup?
There are countless reasons to embrace homemade cream of chicken soup. Here are just a few compelling arguments:
- Superior Flavor: The taste difference is undeniable. Homemade soup boasts a depth of flavor that canned soup simply can’t match.
- Healthier Ingredients: You control what goes into your soup, avoiding excessive sodium, artificial flavors, and preservatives.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own soup can be surprisingly budget-friendly, especially if you already have the basic ingredients on hand.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring minimal effort and time.
- Versatile: Use it as a comforting soup on its own or as a base for casseroles, sauces, and other delicious dishes.
Ingredients for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
One of the best things about this recipe is that you likely have most, if not all, of the ingredients already in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need to create your own batch of creamy goodness:
- Chicken Broth: The foundation of our soup, providing a rich and savory base.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the soup. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or oat milk.
- Flour: Used to thicken the soup to a perfect, creamy consistency.
- Butter: Adds flavor and richness; can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics provide a foundational layer of flavor.
- Seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices to enhance the chicken flavor. Poultry seasoning, thyme, and rosemary are excellent choices. I like using Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Seasoning.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
Detailed measurements for each ingredient are provided in the recipe card at the end of this article.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cream of Chicken Soup
Making cream of chicken soup from scratch is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying result:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or saucepan, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Make a Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup. Be sure to cook the flour taste out and not let it burn!
- Add Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. If you get clumps, turn off the heat and whisk until smooth, then resume on low.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Milk and Seasonings: Stir in the milk and seasonings. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade cream of chicken soup warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Or use it as a substitute for the canned stuff in any recipe.
For a complete, printable recipe with exact measurements, scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post.
Ways to Enjoy Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of chicken soup is incredibly versatile! Here are just a few ways to enjoy it:
- As a Comforting Soup: Enjoy a warm bowl on its own, perfect for a chilly day.
- Casserole Base: Use it as the creamy base for casseroles like chicken pot pie, tuna noodle casserole, or broccoli cheese casserole.
- Sauce Thickener: Add it to sauces to thicken them and add a creamy, chicken-flavored element.
- Soup Substitute: Replace canned cream of chicken soup in your favorite recipes with this healthier and more flavorful homemade version.
- Pot Pie Filling: Add cooked chicken and veggies to this soup for an easy pot pie filling.
Beyond the Bowl: Delicious Recipes Using Cream of Chicken Soup
Looking for inspiration on how to use your homemade cream of chicken soup? Here are a few fantastic recipes to get you started:
- Crockpot Chicken
- Creamy Zucchini Sausage Casserole
- Funeral Potatoes
- Chicken Pillows
Storage and Reheating Tips
To ensure your homemade cream of chicken soup stays fresh and delicious, follow these storage and reheating tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Freezing: Cream of chicken soup freezes surprisingly well! Allow the soup to cool completely, then divide it into individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Thawing: Place in the fridge and let thaw overnight.
With its creamy texture, comforting flavor, and endless versatility, homemade cream of chicken soup is a must-have recipe in your culinary repertoire. Ditch the canned version and experience the joy of creating your own delicious and wholesome soup from scratch!
More Delicious Homemade Soup Recipes
If you’re a soup enthusiast, be sure to check out these other fantastic homemade soup recipes:
- Cheesy Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Taco Soup
- Chicken Noodle Soup
Printable Recipe Card: Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Carrian Cheney
5
20
25
1
batch
Ingredients
-
2 ½
Cups
Chicken Broth
-
1 ½
Cups
Milk,
2% -
3/4
Cup
Flour
-
1
Tablespoon
Seasoning,
(I used Kinders buttery seasoning) -
1
Pinch
Black Pepper
Instructions
-
Combine the chicken broth and 1/2 cup of the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil.
2 ½ Cups Chicken Broth, 1 ½ Cups Milk
-
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the flour and seasonings into the remaining 1 cup milk until a smooth, thick and paste-like mixture forms.
3/4 Cup Flour, 1 Tablespoon Seasoning, 1 Pinch Black Pepper, 1 ½ Cups Milk
- Pour the flour and milk mixture into the saucepan with the broth mixture while whisking vigorously and turn the heat to low heat.
- Continue to simmer and stir/whisk until the mixture is smooth and thick, 5-10 minutes. The mixture will thicken a bit as it cools as well.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.