Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

This cream of chicken soup recipe is one of those quiet comfort foods that always feels right. It’s smooth, cozy, and simple enough to make on busy evenings when everyone just wants something warm and filling. People love it because it works as a bowl-on-its-own dinner or as a base for other meals during the week. A good cream of chicken soup recipe brings warmth to family meals, especially on cold nights, without feeling heavy or complicated. I usually start chopping while the pot warms up, knowing this soup comes together gently and doesn’t ask for much effort.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup is all about comfort without stress. The flavor is soft and familiar, with tender chicken and a creamy base that feels soothing. It’s weeknight-friendly because it uses everyday ingredients and simple steps, making it easy to cook after a long day. The recipe is flexible too—you can adjust thickness, add vegetables, or use leftovers without worry. It’s freezer-friendly and reheats well, which helps with meal planning and budget cooking. This cream of chicken soup recipe is also crowd-pleasing, great for family dinners or quiet evenings when you want something warm, filling, and dependable without extra fuss.

Ingredients

Tip: Use boneless chicken breast or thigh for tender, easy-to-shred pieces.

Boneless chicken breast – 1 pound
Butter – 3 tablespoons
Onion, chopped – 1 medium
Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
Chicken broth – 4 cups
Milk – 1 cup
Salt – 1 teaspoon
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
Dried thyme – ½ teaspoon

all raw ingredients for cream of chicken

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Cut the chicken into small pieces and chop the onion and garlic. Measure the remaining ingredients so everything is ready. The kitchen should smell fresh and clean before cooking begins.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, stirring until soft and lightly fragrant. Add chicken pieces and cook until they turn white and feel firm.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Sprinkle flour over the chicken mixture and stir gently. Slowly pour in broth, watching it thicken slightly. The soup should look smooth and lightly creamy as it warms.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Add milk, salt, pepper, and thyme. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer gently until creamy and warm, with tender chicken and a soft, comforting aroma.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup saves time by using one pot and simple steps. It cooks gently without constant attention and uses ingredients many people already have. Leftovers store well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches later in the week. It’s comforting without being demanding.

Tips & Tricks

Keep the heat moderate when adding milk. High heat can cause the soup to separate instead of staying smooth and creamy.
Stir the flour well before adding liquid. This helps avoid small lumps and keeps the texture even.
Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks at the same pace and stays tender.
Taste near the end and adjust seasoning slowly. Creamy soups need gentle seasoning to avoid overpowering flavors.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add cooked turkey or leftover roasted chicken near the end of cooking. This boosts flavor and helps use leftovers while keeping the soup creamy and comforting.

Vegetarian Option
Skip the chicken and use mushrooms and vegetable broth. The texture stays hearty, and the soup still feels warm and filling.

Ingredient Swap
Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer texture. Adjust the amount slowly to keep the soup smooth, not heavy.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add parsley, bay leaf, or a pinch of paprika. Small amounts add warmth without changing the gentle flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Simple Bowl Meal
Serve with warm bread or rolls for dipping. It makes a calm, cozy dinner with little effort.
Light Family Dinner
Pair with a simple salad to balance the creamy texture and keep the meal relaxed.
Comfort Lunch
Serve smaller portions with crackers for an easy midday meal that reheats well.
Casual Gathering
Keep the soup warm in a pot and let everyone serve themselves for a relaxed, homey feel.

Storage Instructions

Fridge Storage
Store cooled soup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavor stays gentle and smooth.
Reheating
Reheat slowly on the stove or microwave, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Freezing
Freeze in portions for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the soup base ahead and add milk when reheating for best texture and freshness.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Information

Each serving contains about 280–330 calories with roughly 22–26 grams of protein. It also provides calcium from milk and small amounts of iron from chicken. Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

FAQs

Yes, it stores well for a few days.

Add a little milk or broth.

Yes, add it near the end.

Let it simmer a bit longer.

Keep sealed in the fridge.

Conclusion

This cream of chicken soup recipe is meant to be gentle, comforting, and easy to return to again and again. It fits into busy routines while still feeling homemade and warm. You can keep it simple or adjust it with what you have on hand, making it a reliable option for many days. A cream of chicken soup recipe like this isn’t about perfection—it’s about warmth, ease, and sharing something familiar around the table when it’s needed most.