3 Easy Cream of Chicken Soup Recipes You'll Love

Are you looking for a comforting meal that not only warms your heart but also delights your taste buds? Cream of chicken soup is a timeless dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavors, making it a perfect choice for any day. In this post, we'll dive into three simple yet delectable cream of chicken soup recipes that you can whip up in no time, all while incorporating fresh ingredients for an unbeatable homemade taste.

Classic Cream of Chicken Soup

Let's start with the basics, the classic cream of chicken soup that has been a staple in many households:

• 1 whole chicken (approximately 3-4 lbs)
• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make:

1. In a large pot, place the whole chicken with water and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the chicken is fully cooked. This should take about 45 minutes to an hour.
2. Remove the chicken, let it cool, and shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin. Reserve the broth.
3. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft.
4. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking it for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the reserved chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let it simmer.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, add the heavy cream, and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

💡 Note: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a bit more flour or cook down the broth to concentrate the flavor. Be mindful not to over-thicken as it will reduce the soup's creamy texture.

Herb-Infused Cream of Chicken Soup

For those who enjoy the aromatic twist, here's a recipe enriched with herbs:

• 2 lbs of chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

How to Make:

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, and brown the chicken pieces. Once done, remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Stir in the herbs, cooking for another minute to release their flavors.
4. Add chicken stock and the browned chicken back into the pot. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes.
5. Pour in the heavy cream, add nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Let it heat through but not boil.

This soup brings the comforting essence of the classic soup but with a delightful twist from the herbs, adding layers of flavor that make every spoonful an experience.

Vegan Cream of Chicken Soup

For the vegan folks out there, here's how you can enjoy the richness of cream of chicken soup without the actual chicken:

• 1 large cauliflower, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 cup of cashews, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• Salt, pepper, and a dash of nutritional yeast for flavor

How to Make:

1. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a pot until translucent. Add carrot and cook until slightly softened.
2. Add the cauliflower and vegetable broth, bring to a simmer, and cook until cauliflower is tender.
3. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a standard blender.
4. Return to the pot, and add the cashews and almond milk, blending once more to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Stir in nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

🍵 Note: Nutritional yeast adds a cheese-like flavor to vegan dishes. Use it sparingly to not overpower the delicate taste of the soup.

As we round off our exploration into the world of cream of chicken soups, we hope you've found inspiration in these recipes. Whether you're a traditionalist sticking to the classic, looking for an herbaceous adventure, or navigating dietary restrictions with a vegan option, there's something here for everyone. Each recipe showcases the versatility of this beloved soup, and with just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring comfort and warmth to your table in no time. Savor the creamy, heartwarming flavors of homemade cream of chicken soup, and enjoy the journey of flavors that these recipes offer.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for these recipes?

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Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken can save you time and add a deeper flavor to the soup. Just shred it and add it to your soup towards the end of the cooking process.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

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Yes, you can use alternatives like half-and-half, evaporated milk, or for a lighter option, whole milk thickened with a bit of cornstarch. If going vegan, coconut cream or a blend of cashew cream and almond milk works wonderfully.

What are good additions to enhance these soups?

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Consider adding mushrooms, leeks, or even a splash of white wine for a gourmet touch. Fresh herbs like dill or chives, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end, can elevate the flavor profile.