Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Warm up on a chilly day with this creamy, comforting Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and rich broth, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or making from scratch. It’s an easy, hearty dish that will become a family favorite and a go-to for your cozy meals.
This Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup is a warm and hearty dish that's perfect for cozying up on a cold evening. The recipe is versatile; you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or make the chicken from scratch. The creamy broth, combined with the flavors of herbs and spices, makes this soup a family favorite.
The Comfort of Homemade Soup
There's something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup on a frosty day. Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup fills your kitchen with delightful aromas that beckon everyone to the table. Unlike store-bought options, this soup is packed with fresh ingredients and can be tailored to your taste. It's a perfect blend of hearty chicken and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that warms both body and spirit.
Making your own soup means you have full control over the flavors and textures. You can adjust the ingredients to include your favorite vegetables or spices, ensuring that every spoonful is just right for you and your family. This soup is not only easy to prepare, but it's also a fantastic way to showcase the deliciousness of comfort food.
Perfect for Leftovers
One of the best aspects of this Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup is its versatility, especially when it comes to using leftovers. Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut, allowing you to whip up this soup in no time. Simply shred the chicken and it becomes the star of your dish, saving you from hours of cooking.
Leftover veggies can also take center stage in this soup. Whether it's a handful of spinach or some leftover peas, feel free to incorporate whatever you have on hand. This not only reduces waste, but it also adds extra nutrition and flavor to your comforting concoction.
A Family Favorite
When it comes to mealtime, comfort food reigns supreme, and this Cream of Chicken Soup is destined to become a beloved favorite in your household. Its rich, creamy texture and delightful flavor profile appeal to both kids and adults alike. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that satisfies everyone’s cravings.
Moreover, this soup is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to accommodate various dietary preferences. Whether you want to make it gluten-free by using a cornstarch slurry for thickening or want to add more veggies for a heartier version, the possibilities are endless. Creating a meal that everyone enjoys has never been easier.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking.
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Chicken
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Combine Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Finish with Cream
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through without boiling for about 5 minutes.
Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Ingredients Insight
For the base of this soup, shredded cooked chicken, ideally from a rotisserie, gives you tender meat without the long cooking time. Fresh herbs and seasonings, like thyme, elevate your broth, enriching it with aromatic depth. A touch of heavy cream not only adds a luxurious texture but also balances the flavors beautifully, transforming a simple dish into something special.
The vegetables you choose to add can truly make this recipe your own. Classic choices like onions, celery, and carrots provide a solid foundation, but feel free to experiment. Adding in parsnips or green beans can introduce new textures and flavors, creating an even more delightful experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
When stored properly, Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions for a quick meal later on; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened upon refrigeration, you can add a bit more chicken broth or cream to restore its silky quality. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure you capture that delicious flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Cream of Chicken Soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup. Additionally, serving it with warm, crusty bread or homemade biscuits allows for a satisfying meal, perfect for dunking.
For an extra touch, consider garnishing your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top can elevate the presentation and flavor, making your homemade creation feel restaurant-worthy right in your own home.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe!
→ How do I store the soup?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Warm up on a chilly day with this creamy, comforting Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and rich broth, this recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or making from scratch. It’s an easy, hearty dish that will become a family favorite and a go-to for your cozy meals.
Created by: Chloe Bennett
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Soup Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through without boiling for about 5 minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g