There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy chicken soup-especially when it’s a simple, easy-to-make version. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner after a long day or as a meal to share with family and friends, this Easy Cream Chicken Soup recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and packs a satisfying punch of creamy goodness.
But the best part? It’s quick and simple to prepare, making it the perfect choice for busy weekdays when you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Imagine a soup that’s both rich and velvety, with tender chicken and veggies that meld together in the most delightful way. Trust me, this recipe will soon be your go-to comfort food, and you’ll be making it on repeat.
In this article, I’ll take you through the entire process-from gathering the ingredients to adding expert touches that elevate your soup to a whole new level. So, let’s dive into the world of easy, creamy chicken soup!
Easy Cream Chicken Soup Recipe
This easy cream chicken soup combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a luscious cream-based broth, all coming together in one pot. The result? A velvety soup that’s both satisfying and rich in flavor. Whether you’re an experienced cook or someone who’s just starting, you’ll find this recipe simple to follow, and the end result will impress anyone who gets a bowl.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to get started. These ingredients are simple, easy to find, and will come together to create a comforting bowl of soup.
- Chicken Breast (Boneless, Skinless) – The star protein in this dish. You can also use rotisserie chicken if you’re looking for a shortcut.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the chicken and veggies. It adds a nice flavor while keeping the soup light.
- Onion – A classic aromatics base that builds flavor for the whole soup.
- Carrots – They add both sweetness and color, balancing the richness of the cream.
- Celery – Another essential vegetable to provide flavor and texture.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves minced to add a pop of flavor and depth.
- Chicken Broth – The base liquid that creates the soup. You can use low-sodium or regular broth, depending on your preference.
- Heavy Cream – This is the ingredient that makes the soup creamy, indulgent, and velvety.
- Flour – To help thicken the soup and give it that luxurious, silky texture.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning the soup to perfection.
- Fresh Parsley (optional) – For garnish, offering a touch of color and fresh flavor.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got everything in front of you, let’s get cooking. The process is simple, and with each step, your kitchen will be filled with the savory aroma of something amazing.
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Prep The Chicken
- Start by dicing your chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. You can use a sharp knife for precision or even use kitchen scissors for quicker chopping.
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Sauté The Veggies
- In a large soup pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and the onion turns translucent.
- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to release its aromatic oils.
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Cook The Chicken
- Push the veggies to the side of the pot and add the diced chicken. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
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Make The Soup Base
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir it through the chicken and veggies. This helps thicken the soup later. Cook for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
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Add The Broth
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent any lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for 10-12 minutes so the flavors meld together.
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Stir In The Cream
- Once the soup has simmered, pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and the soup is thickened to your liking.
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Season And Serve
- Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and a fresh taste.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.
Ingredient Insights
The ingredients for this creamy chicken soup may seem simple, but they play a vital role in the depth of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what each one brings to the table:
- Chicken Breast: A lean source of protein that provides structure and substance to the soup. It absorbs the flavors of the broth and adds a tender texture.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and chicken, olive oil helps release the natural flavors in the ingredients. It’s a healthier fat option, making this soup feel rich but not overly greasy.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery: These vegetables form the ’holy trinity’ of many soups. Together, they provide sweetness, earthiness, and a slight crunch to balance the creamy texture of the broth.
- Heavy Cream: This is the key to making the soup luxuriously smooth and rich. The creaminess takes the dish from good to great, offering that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone craves.
- Flour: It acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the soup has a velvety, hearty consistency.
- Chicken Broth: Acts as the soup’s foundation, lending a savory, umami flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: The simplest seasonings, but essential to bringing all the flavors together.
Expert Tips
For those looking to take their Easy Cream Chicken Soup to the next level, here are a few tips to ensure success every time:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you want a shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the soup for a quicker prep time.
- Don’t Skip the Flour: The flour helps thicken the soup and create that creamy, luscious texture. If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute the flour with cornstarch or use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Let the Soup Simmer: The longer you let the soup simmer (within reason), the more the flavors will develop. Just be careful not to let it cook too long, as it might reduce the liquid too much.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For added depth, throw in some fresh thyme or rosemary during the cooking process. Just remove them before serving, as they can be a bit woody if left in the soup.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: To control the salt content, opt for low-sodium chicken broth. You can always add more salt later if needed.
Recipe Variations
As with any great recipe, you can always experiment and add your own twist. Here are some fun variations to mix things up:
- Add Potatoes: For an even heartier version, dice up some potatoes and add them with the vegetables. They’ll absorb the soup’s flavor and provide extra texture.
- Spicy Chicken Soup: If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño while sautéing the veggies.
- Cheesy Chicken Soup: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy version of the soup. It will add an extra layer of indulgence.
- Herbed Chicken Soup: Add fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or sage to the soup for an aromatic lift.
- Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Soup: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. The mushrooms pair perfectly with the creamy broth and chicken.
Final Words
Making homemade soup doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This Easy Cream Chicken Soup recipe proves that with the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create something that’s both comforting and delicious. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
The flexibility of the recipe also allows for creativity. Whether you prefer it creamy, cheesy, spicy, or veggie-packed, you can always make this dish your own. Best of all, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even impressing guests at your next gathering.