The Coziest Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe for Soothing Comfort

Cold winter nights call for a heartwarming creamy chicken soup recipe that warms you from the inside out.

This soup delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.

Rich, velvety broth mingles with tender chicken pieces and soft vegetables.

Herbs and spices dance through the liquid, creating layers of complex flavor.

Each ingredient tells a story of home-cooked goodness and nurturing care.

Simmered slowly to perfection, this soup promises to chase away the winter chills and bring smiles around the dinner table.

Grab a ladle and prepare to savor every delicious bite.

Storing Creamy Chicken Soup for Meals Ahead

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining flavor quality.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve taste.
• Thaw refrigerated soup in the fridge overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original creamy consistency if needed.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup without searing the chicken first?

Yes, you can skip the searing step. The soup will still taste delicious, though searing adds extra flavor and helps seal in the chicken’s moisture.

• Is it okay to use different types of milk instead of heavy cream?

While heavy cream provides the richest texture, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk. Just note that the soup might be slightly less creamy and rich.

• Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work great in this soup. Add them during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain their texture.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

To reduce calories, use low-fat milk, skinless chicken breast, and add more vegetables. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.

Creamy Chicken Soup, Pure Comfort in a Bowl

• Craft Comfort Quickly: This creamy chicken soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows easy ingredient swaps and additions like potatoes, corn, or mushrooms, making it adaptable to your family's taste preferences and what's in your pantry.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from chicken and loaded with vegetables, this soup provides a balanced meal that's both hearty and nutritious, ideal for warming up on chilly days or when you need a comforting boost.
• Crowd-Pleasing Classic: The rich, creamy texture and simple ingredients make this soup a universal favorite that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.

Must-Have Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Soup

• Chicken: A lean and tender meat that forms the hearty base of this comforting soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic trio that provides a flavorful and nutritious foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a rich and aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich and savory liquid base for the soup.
• Butter: Provides a smooth and creamy texture to the soup.
• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a velvety consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and richness to the soup.

• Thyme: Brings a subtle, earthy flavor to complement the chicken.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a gentle, aromatic background note to the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.

• Potatoes, Corn, Peas, Mushrooms: Offer additional texture and flavor variations to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking.

Stepwise Directions for Chicken Soup Bliss

Step 1: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame.

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until beautifully golden.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Soften vegetables until they release their delicious aroma.

Toss in minced garlic and cook briefly.

Step 3: Create Silky Roux

Dust flour over the vegetable mixture, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to develop a rich, golden base.

Step 4: Pour and Blend Liquid Gold

Slowly stream chicken broth into the pot, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 5: Simmer and Infuse

• Thyme
• Bay leaf
• Prepared chicken

Let everything bubble gently for 15-20 minutes.

Remove chicken, chop into bite-sized pieces, and return to the soup.

Step 6: Enrich and Customize

• Potatoes
• Corn
• Peas
• Mushrooms

Simmer until vegetables reach perfect tenderness.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Pluck out bay leaf.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Kitchen Tips for Creamy, Rich Chicken Soup

• Brown the chicken before adding to the soup to develop deeper, richer taste and create delicious caramelized edges.
• Slowly cook flour in butter to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth, thickening base for the soup.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for quick variations and dietary preferences.
• Mix and match seasonal vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to customize the soup's nutritional profile and taste.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk, Greek yogurt, or cashew cream for lighter or dairy-free versions of the soup.

Soup Variations for Creamy Chicken Lovers

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Comfort: Replace potatoes and flour with riced cauliflower and almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Bowl: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use plant-based butter alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals seeking rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or white beans while keeping the same aromatic herb and vegetable base for a protein-packed meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate oregano, rosemary, and swap thyme with za'atar seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired soup with deeper, more complex herbal notes.

Serving Creamy Chicken Soup, Warm and Hearty

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve this creamy chicken soup in deep, wide ceramic bowls that showcase its rich texture and warm colors.
• Hearty Side Companions: Pair with crusty sourdough bread, buttery garlic toast, or crispy crackers to add delightful crunch and soak up the delicious broth.
• Gourmet Finishing Touches: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley, add a dollop of sour cream, or drizzle with high-quality olive oil to elevate the soup's presentation and flavor complexity.
• Wellness Lunch Combo: Transform this soup into a complete meal by serving alongside a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy richness.

Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting creamy chicken soup delivers hearty warmth from grandma’s kitchen, blending classic flavors with nourishing ingredients. Home cooks will savor each spoonful of this soul-soothing classic that promises pure culinary satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 ribs celery
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup peas (frozen)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1–2 small potatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and heat olive oil over medium temperature, creating a golden sear on seasoned chicken pieces until lightly browned. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
2. Using the identical pot, melt butter and gently cook diced onions, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and fragrant. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Sprinkle flour across the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, pale roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Slowly pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a silky, uniform liquid base.
5. Incorporate thyme, bay leaf, and previously seared chicken. Reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer for 15-20 minutes, ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked. Extract chicken, break into bite-sized pieces, and return to the pot.
6. Pour heavy cream into the simmering soup, adding optional vegetables like potatoes, corn, peas, or mushrooms. Continue cooking until vegetables reach desired tenderness.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Enhance the chicken’s flavor by marinating it in herbs or buttermilk before searing for extra tenderness and depth.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that still maintains a creamy texture.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time and add a smoky, pre-seasoned element to the soup.
• Toast flour briefly before adding liquid to eliminate raw flour taste and create a more complex, nutty undertone in the soup’s base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg