15-Minutes Cream Of Chicken Soup From Scratch To Delight Your Senses

Savor the rich and comforting flavors of homemade Cream of Chicken Soup from scratch, crafted with the finest, freshest ingredients. This culinary delight begins with a soul-warming blend of tender chicken, creamy broth, and a symphony of vegetables. 

The secret lies in the slow-simmering process that lovingly melds flavors into a harmonious whole. Every spoonful captures the essence of wholesome home cooking, offering a nourishing retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

Whether you’re seeking solace on a chilly evening or sharing a special moment with loved ones, this Cream of Chicken Soup stands as a testament to tradition and a celebration of flavor. 

Join us on a journey into this culinary creation, where every bite is a piece of art. Experience the aroma, taste the richness, and let your senses feast on this timeless classic.

What Is Cream Of Chicken Soup?

Cream of Chicken Soup from scratch is a homemade delicacy made by simmering tender chicken pieces, aromatic vegetables, and herbs in a rich broth.

The mixture is then thickened with a roux of butter and flour, followed by the addition of cream, resulting in a luxuriously smooth and flavorful soup. 

Embodying the essence of comfort food, this homemade version offers a depth of flavor and texture that exceeds store-bought alternatives, making it a cherished dish for family gatherings.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

The Cream of Chicken Soup recipe can be modified to accommodate various dietary preferences and needs. Here’s how you might adapt the recipe:

Keto

• Replace regular flour with almond or coconut flour for the roux.
• Use heavy cream, which is higher in fat and aligns with a keto diet.

Paleo

• Substitute flour with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch for thickening.
• Utilize coconut milk instead of dairy cream for a paleo-friendly version.

Gluten-Free

• Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to create the roux.
• Ensure that the broth is a gluten-free variety, as some commercial broths contain gluten.

Whole30

• Thicken the soup with potato starch or arrowroot powder instead of flour.
• Replace dairy cream with coconut cream, and avoid any non-compliant additives in the broth.

Vegetarian

• Swap the chicken and chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• Add meaty-textured vegetables like mushrooms or tofu as a protein substitute.

Vegan

• Use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with hearty plant-based alternatives like chickpeas, lentils, or tempeh.
• For creaminess, coconut cream or cashew cream can be used instead of dairy.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut or almond milk for a lactose-free version.
• Make It Vegetarian: Replace chicken and chicken broth with vegetable broth and mushrooms.
• Add Grains: Stir in cooked wild rice or quinoa for a heartier texture.

Add-Ons

• Include More Veggies: Add diced carrots, celery, or potatoes for extra substance.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a unique twist.
• Protein Boost: Incorporate additional chicken or even shrimp for more protein.

Toppings

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley, chives, or dill for a bright finish.
• Add Crunch with Croutons: Top with homemade or store-bought croutons for a pleasing crunch.
• Sprinkle Cheese: Enhance with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a rich touch.

Can I Make Cream Of Chicken Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Making Cream of Chicken Soup from scratch in a slow cooker or Instant Pot is not only possible but also convenient. Here’s how you can do it for both appliances:

Slow Cooker

• Sauté Ingredients: If your slow cooker has a sauté function, use it to cook the onion and garlic with the chicken stock as described in the original recipe. Otherwise, sauté in a pan on the stovetop and then transfer to the slow cooker.
• Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the ingredients to the slow cooker except for the milk and flour.
• Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Whisk in Milk and Flour: Near the end of cooking, whisk together the remaining milk and flour until smooth, and stir into the soup. Continue to cook on high for 30 minutes or until thickened.
• Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with desired garnishes.

Instant Pot

• Use Sauté Function: Utilize the sauté function to cook the onion and garlic with the chicken stock as described.
• Add Ingredients: Add the rest of the ingredients except milk and flour.
• Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 10-15 minutes.
• Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.
• Thicken with Milk and Flour: Whisk together the remaining milk and flour, and stir into the soup using the sauté function, cooking until thickened.
• Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve with chosen garnishes.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can use either store-bought broth or make your own when preparing Cream of Chicken Soup from scratch. Both options have their own benefits, and the choice often depends on your preferences, time constraints, and dietary needs.

Using Store-Bought Broth

• Convenience: Store-bought broth is readily available and saves time.
• Variety: You can find different types, such as low-sodium, organic, or bone broth, to suit your preferences.
• Quality Consideration: Look for brands without added preservatives or artificial flavors to ensure the best taste.
• Dietary Needs: Specific broths cater to dietary restrictions, like gluten-free or vegetarian options.

Making Your Own Broth

• Flavor Control: You can tailor the flavor by adjusting the ingredients and seasoning to your liking.
• Quality Ingredients: Making broth at home allows you to use quality, fresh ingredients.
• No Additives: Homemade broth avoids preservatives and artificial flavors.
• Economical: Utilizing leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps can be cost-effective.
• Time-Consuming: Consider that making your own broth requires more time and effort.

How To Serve?

• Choose the Right Bowl: Serve the soup in warm, deep bowls. Pre-warming the bowls in the oven or rinsing them with hot water helps keep the soup hot.
• Garnish: Add a fresh touch with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a swirl of cream, or a twist of lemon. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a dash of paprika can also add visual appeal and flavor.
• Serve with Complementary Sides: Offer crusty bread, a slice of whole-grain toast, or crackers on the side. A fresh salad can add crunch and color to the meal.
• Utilize Fresh Ingredients: Serving the soup immediately after cooking ensures the freshest taste. If serving later, reheat gently without boiling to preserve the texture and flavor.
• Offer Condiments: Depending on your guests’ preferences, you may offer condiments like additional herbs, pepper, or Salt on the side, so they can adjust the taste as they like.
• Pair with Wine: If you enjoy wine, a light white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc can complement the creamy, savory flavors of the soup.
• Mindful Presentation: Present the soup with care, using clean and appealing dishware, coordinating colors, and even adding a decorative napkin or placemat for a special touch.
• Include Dietary Options: If serving guests with varying dietary needs, consider offering alternative garnishes or sides to suit different preferences, such as gluten-free bread or dairy-free cream.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: A freshly baked baguette or artisanal rolls provide a delightful crunch to complement the creamy soup.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can add a fresh, crisp contrast.
• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled or roasted vegetables offer a wholesome and flavorful accompaniment.
• Cheese Platter: Serve with a selection of cheeses and crackers for a sophisticated touch.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, herbs, and vegetables can be a substantial and colorful side.
• Garlic Bread: Buttery garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, offering rich flavor and satisfying texture.
• Quinoa Salad: For a healthy and hearty side, a chilled quinoa salad with vegetables and a lemony dressing can be a great option.
• Baked Potatoes: Serve with baked potatoes, topped with chives or sour cream, for a more substantial meal.
• Fresh Fruit: A platter of fresh, sliced seasonal fruit can provide a refreshing and light counterbalance to the creamy soup.
• Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf with herbs can add substance and pairs nicely with the flavors of the soup.
• Steamed Asparagus: Simply steamed or roasted asparagus with a sprinkle of lemon zest adds an elegant touch.
• Coleslaw: A tangy and crisp coleslaw can add a contrasting texture and flavor.
• Cheese Toasties: Small grilled cheese sandwiches made with a variety of cheeses can be a delightful and comforting side.
• Wilted Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic provides a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Refrigeration: Store chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze chicken soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup without adding pasta, rice, or delicate vegetables. These can be added when reheating to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Cooling: Cool the soup completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain its freshness.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

• Reheat as Soup: Reheat the leftovers for another comforting meal garnished with fresh herbs or croutons.
• Casserole Base: Use the soup as a creamy base for a casserole, adding cooked chicken, vegetables, and a crunchy topping.
• Pasta Sauce: Thicken the soup and toss with cooked pasta for a rich and satisfying dish.
• Pot Pie Filling: Add cooked vegetables and chicken, then top with pastry for a homemade pot pie.
• Stew Starter: Add meat, vegetables, and seasoning to create a hearty stew.
• Rice Enhancer: Stir into cooked rice for a creamy side dish with deep flavor.
• Bread Bowl Filling: Serve inside a hollowed-out bread loaf for a rustic presentation.
• Freeze for Later: If you have a substantial amount, freeze the soup in portions for a quick future meal.
• Cooking Liquid: Use the soup as a cooking liquid for simmering meats or grains, imparting flavor and moisture.

TIPS

• Double Broth: Simmer chicken in water with aromatics for stock. Strain, cool, skim fat, then reduce by half. Use half for soup, freeze the rest.
• Marinate for Flavor: Before cooking, marinate chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an hour. This adds depth to the broth.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra veggies like kale, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle, smoky kick.

Nutrition Table