Cream of Chicken Soup is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something warm and hearty. It’s traditionally made with a roux, chicken broth, milk, and simple seasonings, resulting in a smooth and flavorful soup that feels both satisfying and versatile.
What You’ll Find On This Page
This soup is a staple in many kitchens, often enjoyed as a stand-alone dish or used as a base for casseroles, pot pies, or other soups.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and homemade touch. While store-bought canned versions are convenient and often used in recipes, they can’t compete with the fresh, vibrant flavors of a soup made from scratch.
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup also lets you control the ingredients, making it a great option if you’re avoiding preservatives or adjusting the recipe to suit dietary needs.
In today’s post, I’ll guide you through making Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you want to enjoy it as a cozy soup paired with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, or need a flavorful base for casseroles and one-pot dishes, this recipe has you covered. Once you try this homemade version, you might never go back to canned!
Enjoy More Comforting Soup Recipes:
- Cream of Mushroom
- Tomato Soup
- Potato Soup
- Vegetable Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- Lentil Soup
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Egg Drop Soup
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
The ingredients for making this Cream of Chicken Soup are simple pantry staples. You can find everything you need at most grocery stores, and chances are, you already have some of them in your kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need below.
- Chicken Broth: The base of your soup that gives it a rich, savory flavor. I suggest using low-sodium broth so you can control the salt and adjust it to your taste.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds a nice creamy flavor and helps remove the raw taste of the flour when making the roux. Using unsalted butter also makes it easier to control the saltiness.
- All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the soup and gives it a smooth texture and volume. It’s what helps create the creamy consistency that makes this soup so satisfying.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and richness, making the soup soft and silky. It’s one of the key ingredients for getting that classic creamy texture.
- Seasoning Powders: Basic seasonings like garlic, onion, black pepper, and salt enhance the soup with a savory depth and a touch of mild heat. I’ve also included celery salt for a light earthy, herbaceous flavor. If you want extra heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes can be a nice addition.
How to Make Cream of Chicken Soup at Home?
Let’s make a quick and easy homemade cream of chicken soup together! I’ll walk you through preparing a roux, then simmering it with savory broth and milk to get that perfect creamy texture. To make things even simpler, I’ve included step-by-step photos and a detailed video so you can follow along effortlessly. Let’s get started!
Explore a variety of Chicken Soup Recipes:
- Chicken Soup
- Chicken Ramen
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chicken and Rice Soup
- Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Hot and Sour Soup
- White Chicken Chili
Cream of Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 2 cups Chicken Broth, low sodium
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Celery Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Making Cream of Chicken Soup
- In a pan over medium heat, add the butter and let it melt completely. Be sure not to brown the butter, as this can give it a nutty flavor that might overpower the soup's creamy profile.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, or until it smells aromatic. This step is crucial for removing the raw flour taste and forming a roux, which thickens the soup and creates a smooth texture. Avoid rushing this step, as an undercooked roux can affect the soup’s flavor.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly. Adding the broth gradually helps the roux dissolve evenly and prevents lumps. This step is key to creating a creamy, lump-free base for your soup.
- Keep whisking as the mixture cooks and thickens slightly. This is the foundation of your soup, so take a moment to make sure it’s smooth and well-combined.
- Lower the heat and add the milk gradually, continuing to whisk. Cooking on low heat prevents the milk from curdling and helps create a rich, creamy texture. Whisking consistently helps the milk blend seamlessly with the broth mixture.
- Season the soup with onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, celery salt, and salt. These seasonings enhance the soup’s flavor with savory depth and a light earthy note. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences or add more if needed.
- Let the soup simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. Keep in mind that the soup will continue to thicken as it cools, so stop simmering just before it reaches your ideal consistency. Once done, remove it from the heat. Now your homemade cream of chicken soup is ready to enjoy!
Serving
- Enjoy this Cream of Chicken Soup on its own with your favorite sides, or use it as a base for casseroles or other soups for a hearty meal. For more pairing ideas, check out the serving suggestions section below!
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butter, milk, and low-sodium chicken broth make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your soup. If you want to make it heartier, try adding shredded chicken—it’s optional but a great way to turn it into a filling meal.
- Cook Over Low Heat: I always recommend using medium-low heat to keep the soup creamy and smooth. It prevents curdling and burning while allowing the flavors to come together beautifully. Patience really pays off here!
- For Extra Smoothness: If you prefer an extra-smooth texture, strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve. This simple step removes any chunks, giving you a velvety finish to the soup.
- Customize the Flavor: The seasonings in this recipe create a balanced soup, but you can make it your own. Add herbs like thyme, parsley, or bay leaves for extra depth, or toss in minced garlic or sautéed onions for added richness. Get creative with your favorite seasonings or whatever you have on hand!
- Adjust the Thickness: For a thicker soup, let it simmer a little longer to reduce naturally. If it gets too thick, simply add more broth or water to adjust the consistency. It’s easy to tweak as it cooks to match your preference.
- Choose the Right Pot: Use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly and avoid scorching the soup. This is especially helpful when cooking with milk.
- Dairy Alternatives: If you’re lactose-intolerant or need a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk. It changes the flavor slightly but still creates a creamy texture.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Serving Suggestions
This Cream of Chicken Soup is a versatile dish you can enjoy on its own with your favorite sides or use as a base in a variety of recipes. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy and use it, and I hope you’ll love them too!
- Bread: I like pairing this soup with crusty bread like French, Italian, or garlic bread. It’s perfect for scooping up the creamy soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: If you’re in the mood for something cheesy and filling, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy combo.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad on the side is my favorite way to balance the richness of the soup. It keeps the meal light and refreshing.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a healthier option, I love serving this soup with roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus. It’s a wholesome, nutritious combo my family enjoys.
- Rice or Quinoa: Pour the soup over cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty, comforting meal. It’s an easy way to turn the soup into a more filling dish.
- Crackers, Breadsticks, or Croutons: Add a little crunch with crackers, breadsticks, or croutons for a more satisfying bowl.
- Casseroles: Use it as a base for recipes like chicken and rice casserole or green bean casserole. It adds that creamy, smooth texture to your dishes.
- Pasta Sauce: It works great as a creamy pasta sauce. Just thin it out slightly to get the consistency you need.
- Gravy: Pour it over mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, biscuits, or fried chicken for a delicious twist on classic gravy.
- Cooking Base: Add it to dishes like chicken pot pie, enchiladas, or creamy chowders for an extra-rich, satisfying meal.
Storage Suggestions
This homemade cream of chicken soup stays fresh for several days in the fridge and up to a few months in the freezer if stored properly. Here are some simple tips to keep it fresh and ready for whenever you need it:
- In the Fridge: If you’re not using the soup right away, let it cool to room temperature first. This step helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can cause excess moisture and encourage bacteria. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Stored this way, it’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, let the soup cool completely, then divide it into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and enjoy it in your favorite recipes. Label the containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness easily.
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