Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for a creamy, comforting soup that warms your soul and doubles as a versatile kitchen staple, you’ve got to try this incredible Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup. It’s everything you love about the canned version but elevated with fresh, simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Rich, smooth, and packed with gentle savory flavors, this soup is easy to whip up whenever you want a homemade touch in your cooking, from casseroles to comforting bowls served with crusty bread. Once you master this Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for anything else.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create a soup that’s nothing short of magical. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the silky texture, boosting the flavor, or adding just the right balance of creaminess and body.
- Chicken broth: Using 2 1/2 cups, this forms the savory base and brings that unmistakable chicken flavor to life.
- Milk: A total of 1 1/2 cups, it’s essential for giving the soup its creamy, luscious texture.
- Flour: At 3/4 cup, it acts as the thickening agent, gently blending the soup into its signature velvety consistency.
- Seasoning mix: One tablespoon for that perfect boost of flavor to keep the soup from being bland and instead delightfully savory.
How to Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Step 1: Bring broth and milk to boil
Start by combining the chicken broth and 1/2 cup of the milk in a large saucepan. Slowly bring this mixture to a low boil over medium heat. This gentle warming process helps infuse the flavors and gets the base ready for thickening without scorching your milk.
Step 2: Prepare the thickening mixture
While your broth and milk are heating, whisk together the flour, seasoning mix, and the remaining 1 cup of milk in a separate small bowl. This should create a smooth and thick batter-like mixture with no lumps. This step is key to ensuring your soup becomes perfectly creamy without clumps.
Step 3: Combine and thicken
Next, slowly pour the flour and milk mixture into the saucepan with the broth mixture, all while stirring continuously. Use a whisk or spoon to keep the mixture moving as it simmers on low heat. You’ll watch it thicken beautifully within 5 to 10 minutes, turning into a rich, smooth soup. Remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks slightly thinner at first.
How to Serve Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Garnishes
Enhance the comforting nature of your soup with some simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of black pepper, or even a drizzle of cream for that extra touch of indulgence. These small accents brighten the look and flavor with zero effort.
Side Dishes
This soup is the perfect partner to crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh garden salad. The creaminess of the soup pairs wonderfully with something crunchy or crisp, making every bite well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t stop at a bowl! Use your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup as a base for casseroles, pot pies, or dipping sauces. It adds depth and creaminess wherever you want a hearty boost. You can even thicken it slightly and use it as a savory gravy alternative for roasted chicken or mashed potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your homemade soup to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 to 4 days—perfect for quick weekday meals or adding a comforting touch to snacks.
Freezing
This soup freezes well without losing its creamy texture. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir as you reheat to bring back that silky consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation or scorching. You might want to add a splash of milk if it’s too thick after refrigeration or freezing. This care helps maintain the smooth richness of your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chicken broth for this soup?
Absolutely! Homemade chicken broth will add incredible depth of flavor to your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup, making it even more delicious and wholesome.
What kind of seasoning mix works best?
A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of onion powder works beautifully here, but feel free to customize with herbs like thyme or parsley to suit your taste.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and ensure your seasoning mix contains no dairy ingredients. The texture might vary slightly but will still be lovely.
Can I add extra ingredients like vegetables or chicken pieces?
Definitely. Adding cooked shredded chicken or finely diced vegetables like carrots and celery can turn this into a hearty, all-in-one meal while still keeping the creamy base intact.
How thick should the soup be before I remove it from heat?
It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Remember, it thickens further as it cools, so aim for a slightly thinner consistency when cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something comforting and wonderfully satisfying about making your own Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup. It’s surprisingly simple, incredibly versatile, and adds that warm, homemade touch to countless dishes. Once you try this recipe, you’ll have no reason to reach for the canned stuff again. Give it a go and enjoy the cozy goodness that only homemade can deliver!
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Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 servings (about 3 cups) 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup is a simple and comforting recipe that uses basic pantry ingredients to create a rich and creamy soup base. Perfect for use in casseroles, sauces, or as a warming soup on its own, it is easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite seasonings.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium, about 2 cans)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon seasoning mix (such as poultry seasoning or your preferred blend)
Instructions
- Heat broth and milk: Combine the chicken broth and 1/2 cup of the milk in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle low boil over medium heat, ensuring it doesn’t scorch on the bottom.
- Prepare thickening mixture: While the broth mixture is heating, whisk together the flour, seasoning mix, and the remaining 1 cup of milk in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and thick, with no lumps.
- Combine and thicken: Slowly pour the flour and milk mixture into the saucepan with the broth while stirring continuously. Reduce heat to low and keep whisking as the mixture simmers for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and thick. Note that the soup will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in your soup.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
- This soup base can be used immediately or refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with stirring.
- Add cooked shredded chicken, herbs, or vegetables to turn this base into a complete meal.
- Ensure to whisk continuously while combining the mixtures to avoid lumps.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Soup Base
- Method: Simmering and Whisking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: cream of chicken soup, homemade soup base, chicken broth soup, easy soup recipe, creamy chicken soup
