Easy Cream Of Mushroom Soup Chicken Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup, and when that soup is as easy as a Cream of Mushroom Soup with Chicken, it becomes an even bigger winner. Whether you’re trying to beat the chill on a cold day or simply craving something hearty, this recipe is the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The rich, creamy texture combined with tender pieces of chicken and the earthy depth of mushrooms makes for a soul-satisfying meal. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor.

What makes this particular recipe even better? It’s quick, versatile, and utterly delicious. You don’t need any fancy culinary techniques-just a few basic ingredients and you’re ready to go. So, let’s dive in and break down how to create this comforting bowl of goodness!

Easy Cream Of Mushroom Soup Chicken Recipe

This easy, comforting Cream of Mushroom Soup Chicken recipe is the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavor. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety, creamy broth, you’ll have a meal that’s not only filling but a true crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for those who love savory soups but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

To get started, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Nothing too exotic here-this is a recipe that uses everyday items you probably already have in your pantry and fridge.

• Chicken Breast or Thighs (boneless, skinless): These are the perfect proteins for a chicken-based soup. Chicken breasts are lean and tender, while thighs provide more flavor and juiciness.
• Mushrooms (button, cremini, or any favorite variety): These provide that earthy flavor that makes the soup so comforting. Fresh mushrooms are ideal, but you can also use dried mushrooms for a more intense flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes the soup luxuriously creamy. It’s what gives the soup its velvety texture.
• Chicken Broth or Stock: You’ll need a good base. Chicken broth adds depth, while stock can add an extra layer of richness if you want that homemade feel.
• Butter (unsalted): For sautéing the mushrooms and chicken. It enhances the flavors and ensures the soup has a silky mouthfeel.
• Garlic (minced): A little garlic goes a long way to give your soup a lovely aromatic punch.
• Onion (diced): This will provide sweetness and another layer of savory flavor.
• Thyme or Parsley: Fresh herbs like thyme can elevate the flavor profile, or you can sprinkle parsley for a fresh finish.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste to ensure that the flavors come together harmoniously.
• Flour (for thickening): A small amount of flour will help thicken the soup to that perfect consistency. Alternatively, you can use cornstarch or a roux.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part-cooking the soup. The process is straightforward, but the magic happens when all these elements come together to form something cozy and delicious.

1. Prepare The Ingredients

   • Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using chicken breasts, make sure they’re not too thick so they cook evenly.
   • Clean and slice your mushrooms. You can slice them thinly or chop them coarsely-whichever you prefer for your soup.
   • Mince the garlic and dice the onion.
   • Have your broth ready, and if using fresh herbs, chop them up.

2. Sauté The Chicken

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
   • Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove it from the pot and set it aside.

3. Cook The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add another tablespoon of butter. Toss in the onions and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they’re soft and translucent.
   • Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing it to release its fragrance.
   • Now, throw in the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they’re tender and browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The mushrooms will release moisture, which will start to cook off and deepen in flavor.

4. Make The Soup Base

   • Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir it in. This will help thicken the soup. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flour is well incorporated and has had time to cook through.
   • Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring, ensuring no lumps form.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

5. Add Cream & Chicken

   • Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the cooked chicken pieces. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, just to heat the chicken through and allow the soup to thicken to your liking.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more herbs if needed.

6. Serve & Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for an extra comforting meal.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to making a truly remarkable soup. Let’s dive deeper into the essentials:

• Mushrooms: The earthy, umami-rich flavor of mushrooms is the backbone of this soup. They’re not only nutritious (packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants) but also help to create that savory depth that makes the soup so satisfying.
• Chicken: You can opt for chicken breast for a leaner soup, but thighs provide a more flavorful option, giving your soup a tender, juicy texture. It’s all about balance-leaner cuts create a lighter soup, while fattier cuts deliver more richness.
• Heavy Cream: Cream gives this soup its signature silky texture. While it’s indulgent, you can substitute it with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version. However, the cream really makes it feel luxurious.
• Thyme & Parsley: These fresh herbs balance the creaminess with their aromatic qualities. Thyme brings a subtle earthiness, while parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery note that brightens the soup.

Expert Tips

To make sure your soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips from the pros:

• Sauté the Mushrooms Properly: Don’t overcrowd the mushrooms when sautéing them. Give them plenty of room to release their moisture and get golden brown. This enhances their flavor.
• Use Homemade Chicken Stock: If you have the time, homemade chicken stock will elevate this soup. It’s more flavorful and richer than store-bought stock, and the extra effort is well worth it.
• Thicken Gradually: If the soup is too thin after adding the cream, you can gradually whisk in more flour or cornstarch to reach your desired consistency.
• Make It Ahead of Time: This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Feel free to prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable depending on your preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. Here are some variations to consider:

• Add Veggies: Consider adding some carrots, celery, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add more texture.
• Use Other Proteins: Swap chicken for turkey or even ham. Ground beef or sausage would give the soup a different, hearty flavor.
• Spicy Twist: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also stir in some hot sauce or jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. Coconut milk will add a hint of sweetness and a slightly tropical flavor.
• Cheese Lovers: Stir in some grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar at the end for a cheesy, comforting touch.

Final Words

This Cream of Mushroom Soup with Chicken is a versatile and comforting dish that’s easy to make, yet full of flavor. It’s perfect for those days when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy it as a full meal or pair it with a side salad and bread, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.