If you’ve ever wished for a warm, comforting bowl of soup that tastes like it was lovingly simmered in your grandma’s kitchen, then this Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender chunks of chicken and fresh vegetables. Every spoonful is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible classic you’ll want to make again and again. This is not just any cream of chicken soup—it’s an elevated, wholesome version that comes alive with fresh ingredients and a velvety smooth broth that hugs your taste buds like a cozy blanket.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, color, and creamy texture. From the savory chicken stock to the subtle herbs and fresh veggies, every component is essential for crafting that irresistible homemade taste.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity base to gently sauté the aromatics without overpowering the soup.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps create the creamy roux that thickens the soup perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: The key thickening agent that turns simple broth into luscious creaminess.
- Garlic clove, minced: Delivers a subtle aromatic punch that brightens up the dish.
- Brown onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Carrot, diced: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Red capsicum/bell pepper, finely chopped: Introduces a gentle peppery sweetness and lovely hue.
- Celery stick, diced: Provides a subtle earthiness and crunch that balances the creaminess.
- Chicken stock/broth: It’s the flavorful liquid foundation, ideally low sodium to control seasoning.
- Milk (any fat %): Gives the soup its creamy texture and smooth mouthfeel.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Garlic powder: Strengthens the savory profile gently.
- Onion powder: Deepens the background flavor without overwhelming.
- Dried thyme: Adds subtle herbal notes that make the flavor unforgettable.
- Black pepper: A mild heat that rounds out the taste perfectly.
- Frozen peas: For pops of sweetness and a burst of green freshness.
- Cooked chicken, diced or shredded: The hearty star protein, tender and flavorful.
- White bread (for croutons): Cubed and toasted for crunchy, golden bits to elevate the soup experience.
- Olive oil spray: To crisp the croutons beautifully with a light coating.
How to Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Aromatic Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking gently for about 2 minutes until they become partly translucent but not browned. This step creates a fragrant foundation for your soup and brings out the sweetness of the onion and garlic without any bitterness.
Step 2: Soften the Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced carrots, celery, and red capsicum. Stir them around for about a minute to slightly soften the veggies and coax out their natural flavors, setting the stage for a vibrant, fresh-tasting soup.
Step 3: Make the Roux for Creaminess
Add unsalted butter and let it melt fully in the pot. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the melted butter and stir constantly for a minute. This simple cooking process transforms flour and butter into a roux, the secret behind the soup’s velvety thickness. Taking this extra step ensures your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe has that smooth, luscious texture we all crave.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps forming, followed by adding the milk. Combine everything until smooth. Season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Then fold in the cooked chicken and the frozen peas, which will add pops of color and sweetness once heated through.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your soup to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the pot’s bottom. After about 4 to 5 minutes, the soup will thicken beautifully into that perfect creamy consistency. Just be sure not to let it boil, as this could cause the milk to curdle and lose that silky texture.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, give your soup a taste test and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, a perfectly seasoned soup makes all the difference in unlocking those rich, comforting flavors.
Step 7: Prepare Homemade Croutons
For a satisfying crunch, spray the bread cubes with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. Bake them on a tray at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes until they turn golden and crisp. These homemade croutons are a fantastic finishing touch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy soup.
How to Serve Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh thyme leaves on top adds a pop of greenery and a burst of herbal aroma that complements the soup’s flavors perfectly. Croutons add delightful crunch and texture, turning each spoonful into a little celebration of contrasts.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or a slice of crusty artisan bread. The crisp veggies balance the creaminess, while the bread helps soak up every drop of that delicious broth—a satisfying meal combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to make it extra cozy and inviting. Another gorgeous idea is layering the soup with a dollop of crème fraîche or drizzle of chili oil to add dimension and a touch of elegance. It’s also delightful when topped with shredded cheese that melts into the warmth just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe is even better the next day as flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to keep the creaminess intact.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When you want a comforting meal quickly, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Warm the soup slowly over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent the milk from separating and losing that signature creamy texture. Adding a splash of milk during reheating can refresh the consistency if it’s thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chicken stock for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade chicken stock will elevate the flavors even further, giving your soup a deeper, richer taste that makes the Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe stand out beautifully.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based alternative and replace butter with a dairy-free margarine. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely, feel free to add mushrooms, corn, or green beans for extra nutrients and color. Just add them during the vegetable sauté step so they cook evenly and blend well with the flavors.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still ladleable. If it feels too thick after cooling, stir in a little milk or broth to loosen it before reheating or serving.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, this Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe scales up wonderfully. Just make sure your pot is large enough and adjust cooking times slightly to accommodate the bigger volume.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about making a classic from scratch, and this Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe truly delivers heartwarming comfort in every bowl. It’s approachable, bursting with fresh flavors, and lovely to share with those you love. I hope you enjoy making and eating this soup as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a kitchen staple and a go-to comfort meal anytime you need a little extra warmth and care.
Print
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup is a comforting and creamy classic made from scratch using fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a flavorful roux-based broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it features a rich texture from milk and butter, enhanced with aromatic spices and topped with crunchy homemade croutons for added delight.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 50 g / 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup / 75 g all-purpose flour
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ small brown onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, diced
- ½ red capsicum/bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 small celery stick, diced
- 2 cups / 500 ml chicken stock/broth, preferably low sodium
- 3 cups / 750 ml milk, any fat %
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¾ cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Croutons
- 2 slices white bread, cut into cubes
- Olive oil spray
- Salt
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until they become partly translucent but do not brown, to develop a fragrant base for the soup.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced carrots, celery, and finely chopped red capsicum to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and release their flavors.
- Make the Roux: Add the unsalted butter to the pot and let it melt completely. Then sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to make a roux, which will thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth gradually while stirring to incorporate the flour mixture smoothly, then add the milk. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Season with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Add the cooked chicken and frozen peas into the soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking on the bottom. Let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Avoid boiling to maintain a smooth texture.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and optionally garnish with fresh thyme and homemade croutons.
- Make Croutons: Spray the cubed bread generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Spread them on a baking tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy. Serve alongside or on top of the soup for added texture.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
- Milk fat percentage can be adjusted for desired creaminess; whole milk will create a richer soup.
- For a thicker soup, simmer a few extra minutes, stirring frequently.
- Homemade croutons can be flavored with herbs like rosemary or garlic for extra aroma.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
