This Cream of Chicken Soup is a silky and flavorful classic that will warm you from the inside out. It’s brimming with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and just the right amount of fragrant thyme, creating a deliciously comforting bowl that’s perfect for any chilly day. The soup is creamy yet light, with each spoonful bringing a balanced taste of chicken and herbs.
Perfectly paired with crunchy croutons or a slice of warm crusty bread, this homemade soup feels nourishing and wholesome without any added preservatives or excessive salt. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch. Enjoy the rich, homemade taste that takes this dish miles away from any canned version!
Full Recipe:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 50 g / 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup / 75 g flour
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ small brown onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper (capsicum), finely chopped
- 1 small celery stick, diced
- 2 cups / 500 ml chicken stock/broth, preferably low sodium
- 3 cups / 750 ml milk (any fat %)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Croutons (Optional):
- 2 slices white bread, cut into cubes
- Olive oil spray
- Salt
Directions:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until they become partly translucent but not browned.
- Add carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for 1 minute to soften.
- Stir in the butter until melted, then add the flour. Mix until incorporated, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, mixing until the flour is well blended. Then add the milk, and stir to combine. Add salt, spices, chicken, and peas.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom. It will thicken as it heats, taking about 4-5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Once thickened to your liking, adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, and garnish with croutons and fresh thyme if desired.
Croutons (Optional):
- Spray croutons generously with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, then bake at 180°C/350°F for 5 minutes or until golden and crunchy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 395 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Recipe Overview and Key Highlights
This Cream of Chicken Soup is a comforting and easy-to-make recipe that’s not only delicious but also healthier than its store-bought counterparts. Made without cream, the soup is naturally thickened using a roux (butter and flour mixture), and it is brimming with chunks of tender chicken, fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell pepper, and fragrant herbs such as thyme. This recipe is ideal for those who enjoy homemade meals with clean, natural flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping over the weekend.
- Healthier Alternative: Lower in calories and sodium than canned versions, without any preservatives or additives, making it a guilt-free comfort food.
- Versatile Base: Use this recipe as a base for heartier soups by adding noodles, rice, or more vegetables. It can easily be customized to suit your preferences.
- Classic Flavors with a Twist: The subtle touch of thyme elevates the flavor of the soup, adding an aromatic dimension to the creamy texture.
Customizations and Variations
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the soup suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to make the soup dairy-free, keeping the texture and taste intact.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to bulk up the soup with additional veggies like green beans, zucchini, mushrooms, or even leafy greens like spinach or kale.
- Add Some Carbs: Make it heartier by adding pre-cooked rice, noodles, or potatoes to the soup.
- Spice It Up: For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Bread: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty bread, like a French baguette, garlic bread, or dinner rolls for dunking.
- Top It Off: Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or even crispy fried onions for a burst of flavor and crunch.
- Soup and Salad Combo: Pair this soup with a fresh garden salad or Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much after storing, add a splash of milk or water to adjust the consistency.
Recipe History and Inspiration
Cream of Chicken Soup is a beloved classic in many households, known for its comforting and nourishing qualities. The homemade version takes inspiration from the traditional canned soup but elevates the flavors using fresh ingredients and herbs. This recipe draws on the nostalgia of a familiar dish while offering a modern twist that makes it healthier and more flavorful than ever.
Perfect Occasions to Serve This Soup
- Family Dinners: A great option for cozy, comforting family meals that are quick to prepare and will please both kids and adults.
- Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week, as it reheats beautifully and keeps well in the fridge or freezer.
- Entertaining Guests: This soup can be served as a starter for a dinner party, paired with appetizers like cheese platters, bruschetta, or savory pastries.
Nutritional Benefits
Each serving is about 395 calories, offering a balanced amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. The soup is also high in fiber from the vegetables and low in sodium, making it a healthier choice compared to commercially canned cream soups. It’s satisfying yet light enough to serve as part of a multi-course meal.
Flavor and Texture Profile
The soup has a silky, smooth texture with a subtle creaminess that’s not overpowering. The combination of the sautéed garlic, onion, thyme, and chicken stock creates a deeply flavorful base, while the fresh vegetables add natural sweetness and a slight crunch. The use of fresh chicken gives a hearty, protein-rich bite, making each spoonful comforting and satisfying.
Ideas for Topping and Enhancing the Soup
- Croutons: Homemade croutons add a delightful crunch and can be seasoned with herbs like rosemary or oregano for added flavor.
- Herbs and Spices: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, parsley, or a drizzle of truffle oil for an aromatic touch.
- Cheese Lovers: Top with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan for a cheesy finish that melts into the soup.
Origins and Popularity of Cream Soups
Cream-based soups, like Cream of Chicken, have roots in classic French cuisine, where they are known as “velouté” soups. Velouté, which translates to “velvety,” highlights the smooth and luxurious texture that is characteristic of these soups. Over time, cream soups have become popular worldwide for their comforting, rich flavor and simplicity. Today, Cream of Chicken Soup stands as a beloved classic in many kitchens, from quick weeknight dinners to more elaborate family gatherings.
Benefits of Making Soup from Scratch
- Control Over Ingredients: By making this Cream of Chicken Soup from scratch, you have complete control over what goes in—no preservatives, artificial flavors, or excessive sodium.
- Dietary Adjustments: Easily modify the soup based on dietary needs—whether gluten-free, dairy-free, or even keto-friendly.
- Flavor Customization: Adjust the spices and seasonings to your taste. Like a hint of lemon? Add a squeeze to brighten the flavor. Prefer a smoky taste? Add a dash of smoked paprika.
Nutritional Information Breakdown (Per Serving)
While the soup is around 395 kcal per serving, here’s a closer look at the nutritional composition:
- Protein-Rich: Thanks to the chicken, each serving provides approximately 25-30g of protein, making it a satisfying option to keep you fuller for longer.
- Balanced Carbs and Fats: With the use of whole milk and a bit of butter, the soup has a balanced profile of healthy fats and carbohydrates, promoting a feeling of fullness and energy.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The use of vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers brings in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Fun and Creative Ways to Serve the Soup
- Bread Bowls: Hollow out a small sourdough or whole-grain loaf, and serve the soup inside the bread bowl for a rustic, edible dish that’s perfect for parties.
- Mason Jar Take-Away: Pour the soup into mason jars for an on-the-go meal. Great for office lunches or picnics. Garnish with fresh thyme and croutons before sealing.
- Soup Shots for Appetizers: Serve this Cream of Chicken Soup in shot glasses as a fun appetizer for gatherings. It pairs well with small cheese toasts or skewered grilled chicken bites.
Alternative Flavor Variations
- Mushroom and Chicken Soup: Add some finely sliced mushrooms (like cremini or shiitake) to the sauté step. The mushrooms provide an earthy depth that complements the chicken and makes the soup even heartier.
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup: Include a dash of lemon juice and lemon zest to the soup to add brightness, and throw in some cooked orzo pasta for a Mediterranean twist.
- Spiced Curry Chicken Soup: Introduce a teaspoon of curry powder to the spices for an Indian-inspired version. It adds warmth and a golden color to the soup, which can be balanced with a dollop of yogurt on top.
Perfect Wine Pairings
To enhance your dining experience, consider these wine pairings that complement the creaminess and flavors of the soup:
- Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay enhances the creaminess of the soup and pairs wonderfully with the chicken and thyme.
- Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp, citrusy notes of a Sauvignon Blanc offer a fresh contrast to the rich texture of the soup, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Pinot Grigio: For those who prefer a lighter wine, Pinot Grigio brings a refreshing, light body that cleanses the palate between sips.
Cultural Variations
While Cream of Chicken Soup is universally recognized, there are a few international takes on it:
- Greek Avgolemono Soup: A Mediterranean variation made with chicken broth, lemon, rice, and eggs to create a creamy, tangy soup.
- Chinese Cream Corn Chicken Soup: A variation that uses a base of chicken broth thickened with cornstarch and mixed with sweet corn and egg drop, offering a sweet-savory flavor.
- Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai): A popular Thai soup that incorporates coconut milk, chicken, and a burst of flavors like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. It has a lighter, more aromatic profile compared to the classic cream of chicken.
Seasonal Additions for Enhanced Flavor
To keep this Cream of Chicken Soup seasonally relevant, consider incorporating fresh seasonal vegetables or herbs:
- Spring: Add fresh green peas, asparagus tips, or snap peas for a bright flavor.
- Summer: Sweet corn kernels, fresh basil, and diced tomatoes can bring in a hint of sweetness and freshness.
- Fall: Butternut squash or sweet potatoes add a touch of autumn warmth and slight sweetness to complement the savory flavors.
- Winter: Root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or hearty greens like kale make this soup even more robust and warming for cold weather.
Tips for a Smooth, Creamy Texture
- Slowly Add Liquid: When combining the broth and milk with the flour and butter roux, add the liquid gradually while stirring constantly to ensure no lumps form.
- Blend for Extra Creaminess: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender before adding the chicken and peas to create a velvety texture.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Gently simmer the soup to develop flavors and prevent the milk from curdling. Boiling can cause separation of the fat, leading to a grainy texture.
Hosting a Soup Night
This Cream of Chicken Soup is a great option for hosting a cozy “Soup Night.” Here’s how you can do it:
- Offer a Soup Bar where guests can customize their bowls. Provide various toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, fresh herbs, and sriracha sauce.
- Pair with Side Dishes such as salad, roasted vegetables, or simple flatbreads to make the meal more filling.
- End the night with a Light Dessert like fruit compote or lemon sorbet to balance the creaminess of the meal.
Kid-Friendly Tips
- Add Fun Shapes: Cut croutons or bread into star, heart, or animal shapes to make the soup visually appealing to children.
- Blend the Veggies: For picky eaters who don’t like to see chunks of vegetables, blend the soup base before adding the chicken for a smooth, creamy texture that hides the veggies.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Chicken: A lean protein that supports muscle growth and repair, also rich in B vitamins which are vital for energy production.
- Carrots: High in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, supporting healthy vision and immune function.
- Celery: Low in calories but high in fiber and antioxidants, helping with digestion and reducing inflammation.
- Thyme: Contains thymol, a compound with antibacterial and antifungal properties, and adds a lovely aromatic flavor to the soup.
Conclusion
This Cream of Chicken Soup is a comforting and versatile dish that’s both easy to make and customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Its rich, creamy flavor paired with fresh vegetables and herbs makes it a healthier and more delicious alternative to canned versions. Whether served on a cozy night in or as part of a family gathering, this soup brings warmth and nourishment to every bowl. Perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or entertaining, it’s a classic recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the rich flavors and simple goodness of homemade comfort food!