Cream Chicken Soup Recipe: Nothing hits the spot like a warm, creamy bowl of chicken soup—especially on a chilly day. This Cream Chicken Soup recipe is comfort food at its finest, loaded with tender chunks of chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth that will make you want seconds (or thirds). If you’re looking for a hearty meal that’s both soul-soothing and incredibly easy to make, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything—from prepping the ingredients to achieving that perfect creamy consistency. Let’s dive in!
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of cream chicken soup is how flexible and forgiving it is. You don’t need anything fancy—just wholesome, everyday ingredients that combine to create something magical.
Fresh Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (2 cups, cooked and shredded)
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled and diced)
- Celery stalks (2, chopped)
- Yellow onion (1 medium, finely diced)
- Garlic cloves (2, minced)
- Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish and flavor)
Pantry Staples
- Chicken broth or stock (4 cups)
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup)
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons, for thickening)
- Butter (3 tablespoons)
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional Add-ins
- Corn kernels
- Mushrooms
- Potatoes (peeled and diced)
- Peas
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Make sure everything is fresh—especially the chicken and vegetables—for the best results. Organic ingredients will take the flavor up another notch if you’re going the extra mile.
Kitchen Tools Required
Let’s get you set up before we jump into the cooking process. These tools make the job easier and faster:
Essential Tools
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Ladle for serving
Nice-to-Have Gadgets
- Hand blender (if you want a smooth soup)
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot for alternate methods
- Strainer (if making your own broth)
Having the right tools prepped and within arm’s reach makes the cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Preparation Tips Before You Start
Before you turn on the heat, take a few minutes to prep properly. Trust me, it’ll save you a ton of time later on.
Prepping the Chicken
You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or raw chicken that you poach or roast ahead of time. If you’re starting with raw chicken:
- Boil or bake the chicken until cooked through
- Let it rest, then shred using two forks or your hands
Chopping Veggies the Right Way
Uniform cuts help your soup cook evenly. Aim for bite-sized pieces that cook at the same rate—especially for carrots and potatoes (if using).
Stock vs. Broth: What to Use?
Broth is lighter and made from meat, while stock is made from bones and has a richer texture. Either works, but stock adds more depth to creamy soups. If you have homemade stock—use it!
How to Make Cream Chicken Soup – Step-by-Step Guide
This creamy chicken soup is warm, comforting, and easy to pull together. Follow these simple steps for a smooth, flavorful result every time.
Step 1: Sautéing the Base Flavors
Start by heating butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. This base builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it—let the onions gently release their sweetness.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Add bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh to the pot. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then stir to coat the chicken with the onion-garlic mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken turns white on the outside. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet—it will finish cooking as the soup simmers.
Step 3: Adding Broth and Simmering
Pour in chicken broth, stirring to lift any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10–15 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 4: Creating the Creamy Texture
Lower the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. For extra thickness, you can add a small slurry of flour or cornstarch mixed with water. Stir gently and let the soup warm through until creamy and smooth—avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Step 5: Final Touches and Garnishing
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs like thyme or parsley. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper for a cozy finishing touch.
Recipe Card (With Quick Steps and Timing)
Here’s a quick-reference version of the recipe that you can screenshot or print out.
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sauté onions, carrots, celery, garlic | 7 minutes |
| 2 | Add chicken (raw or pre-cooked) | 5 minutes |
| 3 | Pour in broth/stock and simmer | 20 minutes |
| 4 | Add flour slurry and cream | 10 minutes |
| 5 | Season, garnish, and serve | 5 minutes |
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4–6 hearty bowls
Tips for the Perfect Cream Chicken Soup
Even simple recipes have their tricks. Here’s how to go from good to great.
How to Get That Rich Flavor
- Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor if you’re cooking from scratch.
- Sauté your veggies in real butter—don’t skip it or the flavor falls flat.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves while simmering make a huge difference.
- A splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar at the end can balance richness with a touch of acidity.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don’t boil after adding cream—it can curdle.
- Avoid adding raw flour directly into the soup—it won’t dissolve well.
- Don’t skimp on seasoning; bland soup is the worst soup.
Bonus tip? Let it sit for 10–15 minutes off heat before serving. It gives the flavors a chance to settle and blend beautifully.
Variations of Cream Chicken Soup
Want to mix it up? Here are a few fun twists to try:
Low-Calorie Version
- Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Use lean breast meat and bulk up with veggies like zucchini and spinach.
Gluten-Free Version
- Skip the flour and use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickener.
- Make sure your broth is gluten-free (check the label!).
Spicy Cream Chicken Soup
- Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Stir in some cayenne pepper for a deeper burn.
With these options, you can make this recipe work for almost any dietary preference.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them delicious.
Refrigerating Tips
- Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Use glass containers to avoid that dreaded plastic soup smell.
Freezing Instructions
- Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
- Leave some room in the container (liquids expand when frozen).
- Best to freeze before adding the cream—add fresh cream when reheating.
Reheating Without Losing Flavor
- Warm gently on the stove over medium heat.
- Stir regularly and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
- Microwave in short bursts (30 seconds) with stirring in between.
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Cream Chicken Soup
Soup’s great on its own—but it’s even better with the right side.
Bread Pairings
- Crusty sourdough or garlic bread: perfect for dunking
- Homemade biscuits or dinner rolls for extra comfort
- Try cheesy breadsticks if you like it indulgent
Light Salads and Sides
- A fresh Caesar salad or mixed greens with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots
- Even a simple coleslaw adds a nice crunch contrast
Mix and match to make a full meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
How to Make It in a Slow Cooker
No time to stand at the stove? Let your slow cooker do the work.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Add all ingredients except cream and flour to the cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
- Stir in flour slurry and cream, cook another 30 minutes.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Set it and forget it, deep flavor, great for batch cooking.
Cons: Takes longer, can’t sauté veggies for flavor boost.
Still, it’s a lifesaver for busy days!
Making It in an Instant Pot
For those with an Instant Pot, this method is a lifesaver.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Method
- Use sauté mode to cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Add chicken, broth, and close the lid.
- Set to Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes.
- Do a quick release, then remove and shred chicken.
- Turn on sauté mode again, add slurry and cream, stir until thickened.
Timing Differences
- Total time: around 30 minutes
- Best for weeknights when you’re short on time
Cream Chicken Soup for Kids
Kids can be picky—but this soup usually wins them over.
Kid-Friendly Adjustments
- Use mild flavors—skip pepper and strong herbs
- Add small pasta shapes like stars or alphabet pasta
- Dice veggies extra fine or blend the soup slightly
Serving Tips for Picky Eaters
- Serve with cheese toast or grilled cheese sandwiches
- Top with croutons or shredded cheese
- Let them sprinkle on toppings themselves—it makes it fun!
FAQs about Cream Chicken Soup Recipe
1. Can I make cream chicken soup ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
2. How can I make it taste more like restaurant-style soup?
Add a splash of white wine, real butter, and homemade stock if possible. A pinch of nutmeg also adds depth.
3. What herbs go best with cream chicken soup?
Thyme, rosemary, parsley, and a bay leaf. Keep it simple but fragrant.
4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Sure! Skip the chicken, use vegetable broth, and add beans or tofu instead.
5. What’s the best way to reheat frozen soup?
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often.
Conclusion
There you have it—a full, hearty, creamy chicken soup that’s not only delicious but also adaptable to your tastes, dietary needs, and cooking schedule. Whether you’re using a pot on the stove, a slow cooker, or your trusty Instant Pot, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
It’s perfect for meal prep, cozy nights in, or even impressing guests with minimal effort. The creamy richness, the tender chicken, and the soft veggies make this the ultimate bowl of comfort food.
So next time you’re craving something warm, filling, and homey—grab your ingredients and let this soup do the magic.
