If you like chicken soup, you're going to enjoy this cream of chicken soup.
When I think of cream of chicken soup, I'm reminded of the Campbell's condensed version my mom served us growing up. Loved it back then.
I even used it as a base in college for my mac and cheese dinners for an inexpensive culinary delight. As much as I enjoyed Campbell's growing up, I think you will find this version a little different.
This is a great recipe to use up leftover roasted chicken that you may have in your refrigerator. Take the meat off the bones and use the carcass to make homemade chicken stock.
Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of chicken soup, a classic and comforting dish, carries with it a sense of nostalgia. Originating from traditional American cuisine, this soup has woven its way into the fabric of many households, cherished for its simplicity and versatility. The soup base, a blend of chicken stock or broth, a roux made from butter and flour, and a touch of cream or milk, creates a rich, creamy texture and a savory flavor that takes us back to simpler times.
The core ingredients usually consist of tender chunks of chicken, which provide the primary flavor, and a variety of vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery, which add depth and complexity. Combining these elements results in a hearty and nourishing soup that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for other dishes.
One of the most exciting aspects of Cream of Chicken Soup is its versatility. It’s a canvas that can be painted with herbs and spices such as thyme, parsley, and garlic, allowing you to cater to your unique taste preferences.
Moreover, it’s a chameleon in the kitchen. It is a versatile ingredient in numerous recipes, from comforting casseroles to hearty pot pies, and even as a luscious sauce for pasta or rice dishes. This adaptability makes it a popular choice in many culinary applications, from home cooking to professional kitchens, and invites you to unleash your creativity in the kitchen.
In addition to its culinary uses, cream of chicken soup is also appreciated for its nutritional benefits. It provides a good source of protein from the chicken, and when prepared with milk or cream, it adds calcium and other essential nutrients. However, it is important to be mindful of the fat and sodium content, especially in store-bought versions, which can be high.
Cream of chicken soup is a beloved dish that combines comfort and versatility. Whether enjoyed as a simple bowl of soup or incorporated into a more complex recipe, it remains a favorite for its ability to warm both the body and soul.
📖 Recipe
Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter 1 stick
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 4 carrots chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- ½ cup flour
- 7 cups chicken stock homemade but commercial works too
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 cups chicken shredded, chopped or diced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by heating up a large soup pot over medium heat and then adding the butter. Once the butter melts, add the celery, carrots and onions and cook until the vegetables soften up. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Add the flour and cook for a couple of minutes being sure to keep stiring until the flour is incorporated nicely with the vegetables.
- Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil but this time use a whisk to keep the liquids moving in the pot.
- Make a sachet, a small bag of cheesecloth, with the bay leaf and fresh thyme and tie it closed with a piece of kitchen twine. You can add other herbs and spices to add additional flavors to the soup. Place the sachet into the pot.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Add the chicken and continue cooking long enough to heat up the cooked chicken.
- Whisk in the heavy cream, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Before serving, remove the sachet. Nobody wants to find a sachet in their soup.
- If you have some parsley, you may want to use it as a garnish to make the soup look even better. Homemade croutons are good too.
- Enjoy!
Tammy Gardner
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!! I have been looking for a cream of chicken soup that I could make with all healthy ingredients that would fool my family in a casserole usually made with Campbell's. It has been hard to find one, but this one is amazing! I used sprouted wheat flour, raw cream, and chicken bone broth (nourishedkitchen.com), which are all pretty close to superfoods compared to their processed counterparts. Oh yes, and the butter was homemade from raw milk also. 🙂 I am ecstatic with the results and my family is gobbling it up. I can't thank you enough for this perfect recipe.
Tina
This is a wonderful recipe- exactly like restaurant quality but better! Grateful I found this recipe as I make it often.