Grand Lux Cream Of Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself searching for a hearty, creamy soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, you’ve probably come across Grand Lux Cream of Chicken Soup. This soup is more than just a meal-it’s an experience. Rich, velvety, and deeply comforting, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering.

But here’s the secret: You don’t have to visit the restaurant to enjoy it. With the right recipe, you can recreate that signature Grand Lux taste in your own kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced home chef or someone who just loves to enjoy good food, this recipe will make you feel like a pro. Let’s dive into how to make this iconic soup.

Grand Lux Cream Of Chicken Soup Recipe

This creamy chicken soup is the epitome of comfort food, with a rich, velvety texture and a balanced flavor profile that has just the right amount of seasoning to keep it interesting. The Grand Lux version of cream of chicken soup is known for its rich chicken flavor, thick, creamy base, and a hint of subtle spices that elevate it to the next level.

Here’s how you can recreate this delightful dish at home.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this soup to life:

• Chicken (about 2 cups, cooked and shredded)

  • You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Shredding the chicken ensures it’s easy to incorporate into the creamy base and gives it that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Butter (4 tablespoons)

  • For a rich, smooth base. Butter will help create that indulgent creaminess Grand Lux is known for.

• All-purpose flour (¼ cup)

  • To create the roux, which will thicken the soup and make it creamy without it being too dense.

• Chicken broth (4 cups)

  • Choose a high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth. The broth is the foundation of the soup’s flavor, so opt for something that complements the richness.

• Heavy cream (2 cups)

  • This is the magic ingredient that transforms the soup into something luxuriously smooth and velvety. It’s what gives it that unmistakable cream of chicken texture.

• Half and half (1 cup)

  • Adds a bit of richness without being overly heavy, balancing the creaminess.

• Salt (to taste)

  • Enhances the flavors, but remember, if you’re using store-bought broth, it might already have some salt, so adjust accordingly.

• Black pepper (freshly cracked, to taste)

  • Adds a mild kick and depth of flavor. Freshly cracked pepper works wonders here.

• Onion (1 small, finely diced)

  • For an aromatic base. A finely diced onion gives the soup subtle sweetness and savory flavor.

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

  • Fresh garlic adds depth and fragrance that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

• Bay leaf (1)

  • A simple addition, but bay leaves can add a subtle herbal note that complements the rich chicken flavor.

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

  • A burst of fresh greenery on top adds color, freshness, and a hint of herbaceous flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make this creamy, comforting soup:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook it thoroughly. You can poach it in some water or broth, or even bake it. Once cooked, shred it using two forks or a hand mixer for a quick option.

2. Make The Roux

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Thicken With Flour

   • Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a paste (roux). This will help thicken the soup later. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.

4. Add Liquids

   • Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Once it’s fully incorporated, add the heavy cream and half and half. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

5. Season

   • Drop in the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and continue to simmer for about 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop and thicken slightly.

6. Add Chicken

   • Stir in the shredded chicken, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until everything is heated through.

7. Final Touches

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

8. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken: Choosing the right chicken is crucial. If you’re using store-bought rotisserie chicken, you’ll get a nice depth of flavor with minimal effort. But if you’re cooking the chicken yourself, opt for bone-in pieces like thighs or breasts for a richer taste. The bones help add depth to the broth during cooking.
• Butter & Flour (Roux): Roux is the base of most creamy soups, and it plays a pivotal role in thickening. Butter adds richness, while flour creates the binding texture. This combination gives the soup a smooth, velvety texture.
• Heavy Cream vs. Half and Half: Heavy cream is the luxurious choice for cream soups, while half and half provides a more balanced, less decadent option. A mix of both gives the soup the right creaminess without being overly rich.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley isn’t just for garnish-it provides a pop of color and brightness to balance out the richness of the soup.

Expert Tips

1. Make Ahead & Freeze

   • This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

2. Add Vegetables For More Texture

   • Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas to make the soup heartier. Just sauté them along with the onions for extra flavor before adding the broth.

3. For Extra Creaminess

   • If you want to go all-out, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese when serving. This will elevate the creamy factor and add a slight tanginess that cuts through the richness.

4. Perfectly Shredded Chicken

   • Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer to shred the chicken quickly and uniformly. It’s a huge time-saver and helps achieve that perfectly shredded texture.

5. Don’t Skip The Bay Leaf

   • It’s easy to overlook this small addition, but the bay leaf adds a subtle depth of flavor that can take your soup from good to great.

Recipe Variations

• Add Cheese

  • For a cheesy twist, stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese at the end of cooking. It will make the soup even creamier and more decadent.

• Spicy Kick

  • If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy version of the soup.

• Herb Variations

  • Try adding thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a different flavor profile. Fresh thyme, in particular, complements chicken beautifully.

• Vegetarian Option

  • Swap the chicken for tofu or a medley of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and squash. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a more plant-based version.

Final Words

Grand Lux Cream of Chicken Soup isn’t just a recipe-it’s a culinary experience. The delicate balance of creaminess, rich chicken flavor, and subtle seasonings creates something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that you’ll make again and again, especially when you need comfort and warmth on a cold day.