Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe: A Comforting Bowl of Homemade Goodness

Have you ever craved a bowl of soup so creamy, hearty, and soul-warming that it feels like a hug in a bowl? There's nothing quite like homemade soup to bring comfort on chilly evenings or when you're feeling under the weather. While store-bought versions can be convenient, making your own creamy chicken soup recipe at home allows you to control the ingredients, customize the flavors, and create a healthier, preservative-free meal that your whole family will love. This rich, velvety soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a luscious cream base that's simply irresistible. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Ingredients List

    • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
    • 1 large onion, diced
    • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
    • 3 celery stalks, chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
    • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
    • 1 bay leaf
    • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Base:

    • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
    • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • Optional: ½ cup sour cream for extra tanginess
    • Optional: fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives) for garnish

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Total time: 50 minutes

This soup comes together faster than you might expect, making it perfect for busy weeknights. If you prefer a slower approach, consider trying a creamy chicken soup recipe slow cooker version that simmers all day while you're at work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Heat olive oil or butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This foundational step builds deep flavor throughout your creamy chicken soup recipe.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Push the vegetables to the sides of the pot and add the chicken pieces to the center. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will continue cooking in the broth.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed potatoes, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clearer soup.

Step 4: Create the Roux In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux. This will thicken your soup and give it that signature creamy texture. Gradually whisk in about 1 cup of the hot soup broth to temper the roux, creating a smooth, lump-free mixture.

Step 5: Finish with Cream Pour the roux mixture back into the soup pot, stirring well to combine. Add the heavy cream and stir gently. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. For an even richer creamy chicken soup recipe slow cooker adaptation, you can add the cream during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking.

Step 6: Final Seasoning Remove the bay leaf and taste the soup. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If using sour cream, stir it in just before serving for a tangy finish. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 6):

    • Calories: 385
    • Protein: 32g
    • Carbohydrates: 18g
    • Fat: 21g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 15% DV
    • Iron: 12% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Those following a keto diet can skip the potatoes and flour, using xanthan gum or cream cheese as a thickener instead.

Flavor Variations: Transform this classic recipe by adding wild rice or pasta during the simmering stage. For an Italian twist, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. A Southwestern version can include corn, black beans, and a pinch of cumin.

Meal Prep Strategy: This soup is excellent for batch cooking. Double the recipe and freeze half in portion-sized containers for quick future meals. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator as they meld together.

Equipment Tips: An immersion blender can partially puree some of the vegetables for an even creamier texture while leaving chunks for variety. A slow cooker version requires 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, with cream added during the final 30 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Boiling the Cream: Never allow the soup to boil vigorously after adding cream, as this can cause curdling and separation. Always maintain a gentle simmer and add cream during the final stages of cooking.

Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can become dry and stringy if overcooked. Cut pieces uniformly so they cook evenly, and remember they'll continue cooking in the hot broth even after you remove the pot from heat.

Skipping the Roux: Simply adding flour directly to the soup creates lumps. Always make a proper roux or create a slurry by mixing flour with cold water before incorporating it into hot liquid.

Using Too Much Salt Early: The broth reduces as it simmers, concentrating flavors and salt content. Season conservatively during cooking and adjust at the end to prevent an overly salty result.

Forgetting to Deglaze: After browning chicken and vegetables, there are flavorful brown bits stuck to the pot bottom. Pour in a little broth and scrape these up with a wooden spoon to maximize flavor.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your creamy chicken soup recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating. Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Avoid using high heat, which can break the emulsion.

For freezer storage, this soup keeps well for up to 3 months, though the texture of potatoes may change slightly upon thawing (they can become grainy). Consider freezing the soup before adding cream, then stir in fresh cream when reheating for the best texture. Freeze in individual portions for convenient single servings.

When making a creamy chicken soup recipe slow cooker version, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of finishing cooking to maintain food safety. Glass containers work better than plastic for reheating, as they won't absorb odors and can go directly from fridge to microwave. For best results, reheat only the portion you plan to eat rather than reheating the entire batch multiple times.