Homemade Comfort: Cream of Chicken Soup From Scratch

Cream of chicken soup is a versatile and comforting classic. While canned versions are convenient, nothing beats the rich flavor and wholesome ingredients of a homemade cream of chicken soup. This recipe guides you through creating a delectable, creamy soup from scratch, perfect as a starter, a light meal, or as a base for countless other dishes.

## Why Make Cream of Chicken Soup From Scratch?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why making your own cream of chicken soup is worth the effort:

* **Superior Flavor:** Homemade soup boasts a depth of flavor that canned versions simply can’t match. You control the ingredients and can adjust the seasoning to your exact preferences.
* **Healthier Ingredients:** Avoid the preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium often found in canned soups. You know exactly what goes into your homemade version.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Use different vegetables, herbs, or even cream substitutes.
* **Cost-Effective:** While it may seem more time-consuming, making a large batch of soup from scratch can be surprisingly economical, especially if you use leftover chicken.
* **Satisfying:** There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating a comforting dish from basic ingredients. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!

## The Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a truly exceptional cream of chicken soup:

* **Chicken:** The star of the show! You can use cooked chicken breast, thighs, or a combination. Leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option for convenience and flavor. About 2-3 cups of shredded or diced chicken is ideal. If you don’t have leftover cooked chicken, you can poach chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. This recipe can also be made with bone in chicken for a richer flavor.
* **Aromatic Vegetables:** These form the flavorful base of the soup. The classic trio of onion, celery, and carrots (also known as mirepoix) is essential. You’ll need about 1 medium onion, 2-3 celery stalks, and 2-3 carrots.
* **Garlic:** Adds a pungent depth of flavor. 2-3 cloves of minced garlic are usually sufficient.
* **Chicken Broth or Stock:** The liquid base of the soup. Homemade chicken stock is ideal for the best flavor, but high-quality store-bought chicken broth will also work. Look for low-sodium options to control the salt content.
* **Butter or Olive Oil:** Used to sauté the vegetables. Butter adds richness, while olive oil is a healthier option.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** A thickening agent. You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free alternative.
* **Milk or Cream:** Adds creaminess and richness. Whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream can be used, depending on your desired level of richness. For a lighter option, try using unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Enhance the flavor of the soup. Bay leaf, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper are essential. You can also add other herbs like rosemary or sage.
* **Optional Add-ins:** These can customize your soup to your liking. Consider adding potatoes, mushrooms, peas, corn, or other vegetables.

## Step-by-Step Recipe: Cream of Chicken Soup From Scratch

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and comforting cream of chicken soup:

**Yields:** Approximately 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
* 2-3 carrots, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups chicken broth or stock
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder)
* 1 cup milk or cream (or milk alternative)
* 2-3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 cup diced potatoes, mushrooms, peas, or corn

### Equipment

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk

### Instructions

**1. Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables:**

* In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

**2. Add Broth and Simmer:**

* Pour in the chicken broth or stock.
* Add the bay leaf and dried thyme.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

**3. Thicken the Soup:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/arrowroot powder) with 1/2 cup of cold milk or broth until smooth. This creates a slurry that will prevent lumps from forming in the soup.
* Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering soup while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the soup begins to thicken.
* If using cornstarch or arrowroot, simmer for only 1-2 minutes after thickening to avoid a gummy texture. Flour will require a bit longer cooking – 3-5 minutes.

**4. Add Chicken and Cream:**

* Stir in the cooked chicken and any optional vegetables you’re using (potatoes, mushrooms, peas, corn, etc.).
* Pour in the remaining milk or cream and stir to combine. Heat through, but do not boil.

**5. Season and Garnish:**

* Remove the bay leaf.
* Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to start with a small amount and add more as needed, as the saltiness of the chicken broth can vary.
* Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley, a swirl of cream, or croutons, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Cream of Chicken Soup

* **Use High-Quality Chicken Broth:** The quality of your chicken broth will significantly impact the flavor of the soup. Opt for homemade or a low-sodium, high-quality store-bought brand.
* **Don’t Overcook the Vegetables:** Sauté the vegetables until they are softened but not browned. Overcooked vegetables can become mushy and lose their flavor.
* **Whisk Constantly While Thickening:** This will prevent lumps from forming in the soup. If lumps do form, you can use an immersion blender to smooth out the soup.
* **Don’t Boil After Adding Cream:** Boiling the soup after adding cream can cause it to curdle.
* **Adjust the Thickness to Your Preference:** If you prefer a thicker soup, use more flour or cornstarch. For a thinner soup, use less.
* **Add a Touch of Acidity:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar can brighten the flavor of the soup.
* **Use an Immersion Blender (Optional):** For an extra creamy soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after simmering the vegetables. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the soup gummy.
* **Add Sherry (Optional):** A tablespoon or two of dry sherry added towards the end of cooking can add a wonderful depth of flavor.

## Variations and Additions

The beauty of homemade soup is its versatility. Here are some ideas for customizing your cream of chicken soup:

* **Cream of Mushroom Chicken Soup:** Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the pot when sautéing the vegetables.
* **Chicken and Rice Soup:** Add 1/2 cup of cooked rice to the soup along with the chicken.
* **Chicken Noodle Soup:** Add 1 cup of cooked egg noodles to the soup along with the chicken.
* **Spicy Cream of Chicken Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
* **Dairy-Free Cream of Chicken Soup:** Use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of milk or cream. You can also use olive oil instead of butter.
* **Vegetarian Cream of “Chicken” Soup:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or other plant-based chicken alternatives.
* **Add Different Vegetables:** Experiment with adding other vegetables like broccoli florets, cauliflower, spinach, or kale.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Try different herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, paprika, or garlic powder.

## Serving Suggestions

Cream of chicken soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of accompaniments:

* **Crusty Bread:** Perfect for dipping into the soup.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing.
* **Crackers:** Add a satisfying crunch.
* **Salad:** A light and refreshing side.
* **Croutons:** Add texture and flavor.
* **Grated Cheese:** Sprinkle on top for extra richness.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover cream of chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Be careful not to boil the soup, as this can cause the cream to curdle.
* **Freezing:** Cream-based soups don’t always freeze well, as the cream can separate and become grainy. However, you can freeze the soup if you omit the cream and add it after thawing and reheating. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

* **Adding Flour Directly to Hot Liquid:** This will cause lumps to form. Always create a slurry with cold liquid first.
* **Boiling After Adding Cream:** This can cause the cream to curdle.
* **Overcooking the Vegetables:** Overcooked vegetables will become mushy and lose their flavor.
* **Not Seasoning Properly:** Taste the soup frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Using Low-Quality Chicken Broth:** The flavor of the broth will significantly impact the flavor of the soup.

## Cream of Chicken Soup: A Versatile Kitchen Staple

Beyond being a comforting soup, cream of chicken soup is an incredibly versatile ingredient in many recipes. Here are just a few ways you can use your homemade cream of chicken soup:

* **Casseroles:** Use it as a base for chicken pot pie, tuna noodle casserole, or green bean casserole.
* **Sauces:** Thicken sauces for chicken or vegetable dishes.
* **Dips:** Add it to dips for extra flavor and creaminess.
* **Gravy:** Use it to make a flavorful gravy for chicken or turkey.
* **Pasta Dishes:** Toss it with pasta for a creamy and comforting meal.

## Nutritional Benefits

Cream of chicken soup can be a nutritious addition to your diet, providing:

* **Protein:** From the chicken.
* **Vitamins and Minerals:** From the vegetables.
* **Hydration:** From the broth.

However, it’s important to be mindful of the sodium content, especially if using store-bought broth. Opt for low-sodium broth and adjust the salt to your liking. Also, be aware of the fat content, especially if using heavy cream. You can reduce the fat by using milk or a milk alternative.

## Conclusion

Making cream of chicken soup from scratch may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple and rewarding. With a few basic ingredients and these easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a delicious and comforting soup that’s far superior to anything you can buy in a can. So, ditch the canned stuff and try making your own homemade cream of chicken soup today! You’ll be amazed at the difference in flavor and quality.

Enjoy your homemade soup!