Description
This homemade cream of chicken soup is a rich and comforting classic made from scratch using simple ingredients like butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. Enhanced with fragrant herbs and optional shredded chicken, it’s perfect served on its own or as a base for casseroles and other dishes. Ready in just 15 minutes, it offers a flavorful and preservative-free alternative to canned soups.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
Optional Protein
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Roux: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour continuously, stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes golden and bubbly. This roux will serve as the thickening base for the soup.
- Add the Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and whole milk (or heavy cream) to the roux. Continue whisking to combine smoothly and prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Season: Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt (if using). Allow the soup to cook for 3 to 5 minutes while stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Chicken (Optional): If desired, fold in the cooked, shredded chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Serve or Store: Serve the cream of chicken soup immediately hot or let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for later enjoyment.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
- Use whole milk for a lighter soup or heavy cream for a richer, creamier texture.
- Ensure constant whisking when adding liquids to avoid lumps forming in the soup.
- Add salt gradually and taste as you go, especially if your broth is already salted.
