Cream of chicken soup is a classic comfort food staple, perfect for cozy dinners or as a creamy base for casseroles and other dishes. While canned versions are convenient, making it from scratch is surprisingly easy and tastes so much better! If you’ve ever wondered, how do I make cream of chicken soup?-this guide will walk you through a straightforward, tasty recipe you can whip up in under 15 minutes.
What You’ll Need
To make a smooth, rich cream of chicken soup, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients:
– Chicken broth (about 2 to 3 cups) – low-sodium is best
– Milk (1 to 1.5 cups) or heavy cream for extra richness
– All-purpose flour (around ¾ cup) to thicken the soup
– Butter (1 tablespoon or more) for a silky base
– Seasonings such as poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optionally celery salt or dried parsley
– Cooked chicken (optional) if you want chunks in your soup
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
Start by heating your chicken broth with about half of the milk in a saucepan and bring it to a gentle boil.
2. Make a Flour and Milk Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and the remaining milk until you get a smooth, lump-free mixture.
3. Combine and Thicken
Slowly pour the flour and milk mixture into the simmering broth while whisking constantly. Keep stirring and whisking over low heat until the soup thickens, about 5 to 10 minutes. It should become creamy and smooth.
4. Season to Taste
Add your seasoning mix-poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any herbs you like. Stir well and let the flavors meld for a few minutes.
5. Add Chicken (Optional)
If you want a heartier soup, stir in cooked, shredded chicken and warm through.
Tips for the Best Cream of Chicken Soup
– Use a roux for richness: Melting butter and whisking in flour before adding liquids creates a classic thickener that makes your soup velvety.
– Control thickness: Adjust the amount of flour or milk depending on how thick or thin you want your soup.
– Fresh seasonings: Use fresh cracked pepper and quality poultry seasoning for the best flavor.
– Customize: Add finely chopped onions, carrots, or celery for extra texture and nutrition if you like.
– Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to a week or freezes nicely for later use.
Why Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup?
Homemade cream of chicken soup tastes fresher and has a natural, comforting flavor that canned soup can’t match. Plus, it’s free from preservatives and excess sodium. It’s versatile too-you can enjoy it as a soup or use it in recipes like casseroles, pot pies, or creamy sauces.
Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of your homemade cream of chicken soup! It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a kitchen favorite.
Would you like tips on turning this soup into a hearty meal or ideas for variations? Just ask!