Pull up a cozy chair, because nothing says comfort quite like a steaming bowl of Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup. This classic takes all the nostalgic comfort of Grandma’s kitchen and gives it a homemade twist that’s deeply satisfying, creamy, and full of bright herbal notes. Whether you’re under the weather, craving a taste of home, or looking for a velvety base for your favorite casseroles, this recipe wraps you up in a culinary hug you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup lies in its simplicity; each ingredient carefully builds flavor, texture, and a gorgeous, creamy color. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little bit of care, you’ll be amazed how each component shines through.

Butter: Unsalted butter creates a rich, buttery base and helps develop the classic roux for unsurpassed creaminess.
Onion (finely chopped): Sauteed onion adds delicate sweetness and aromatic depth to every spoonful.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves of garlic build a wonderful aroma without overpowering the soup.
All-purpose flour: Flour thickens the broth, helping you achieve that luscious, velvety texture.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The savory heart of the soup, chicken broth brings all the flavors together—opt for homemade broth if you can!
Whole milk: Adds body and a subtle dairy sweetness, perfectly balancing richness and lightness.
Heavy cream: The secret to a truly indulgent soup—just a cup transforms the texture to dreamy.
Cooked shredded chicken breast: Tender, juicy chicken soaks up all the creamy goodness while adding substance.
Dried thyme: A little thyme brings a touch of earthiness that’s right at home in every bite.
Dried parsley: Gives flecks of color and a hint of fresh flavor throughout the soup.
Salt: Balances flavors and ensures your soup is perfectly seasoned.
Black pepper: Adds just enough gentle heat for a rounded finish.

How to Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Step 1: Create a Flavorful Base

Start your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, stir in the finely chopped onion and let it gently cook for three to four minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing as the onions soften, then add the minced garlic and give everything a quick stir—just until you smell that wonderful garlicky aroma.

Step 2: Make a Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for one to two minutes. This creates a classic roux, and it’s the foundation of the soup’s creamy mouthfeel. Keep the heat moderate so you don’t brown the flour; you’re aiming for a pale golden color with no raw-flour smell.

Step 3: Whisk in the Liquids

Next, slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuing to whisk vigorously. This step helps you avoid lumps and makes sure the mixture stays smooth. Once the broth is incorporated, add the whole milk and heavy cream and stir until everything is beautifully combined. The base should start taking on that signature creamy look.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (don’t let it boil) and let it cook for about five to seven minutes. The soup will thicken as it bubbles softly—stir often so nothing catches on the bottom. This is where the transformation really happens, and you’ll see the soup take on its rich, luxurious texture.

Step 5: Finish and Season

Stir in the shredded chicken breast, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a loving mix and reduce the heat; let it simmer for another five minutes so the chicken absorbs all those creamy, herby flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve the Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup hot.

How to Serve Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Garnishes

Take your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup to the next level with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or even some finely grated Parmesan. A swirl of cream on top always impresses visually. For a playful crunch, try oven-baked croutons or crisp fried onions just before serving.

Side Dishes

This soul-warming soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty sourdough, warm garlic bread, or pillowy dinner rolls—perfect for dunking. For something lighter, a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds a lovely contrast to the soup’s luxurious texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour the soup into vintage tea cups as a charming appetizer for a dinner party or top with a golden puff pastry round to create an easy version of chicken pot pie soup. For a homestyle lunch, serve in generous mugs and let everyone add their own toppings from a little DIY soup bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup? Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors often become even more satisfying as they meld overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup for quick, homemade comfort on busy days. Spoon cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch at the top for expansion. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the creamiest texture, reheat Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup in a pot over low heat. Stir gently and add a splash of milk or chicken broth if it seems too thick after storage. Microwave reheating is quick, too—just cover and use medium power to avoid curdling.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut—just be mindful of the seasoning, and skip extra salt until you’ve tasted the soup. The flavorful, juicy meat works perfectly in this recipe.

How do I make this soup gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickener. Both substitutes keep the texture just as luxurious, so everyone can dig in!

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can use just whole milk for a lighter soup, or substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. You’ll still get lovely creaminess—just remember the texture will be a touch less rich.

Will this work as a base for casseroles?

Absolutely, Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup is a fantastic base for casseroles, pot pies, and slow-cooker recipes. Use it wherever you’d use the canned version for a flavor and texture boost.

What’s the best way to add extra vegetables?

If you’d like to boost nutrition and color, add diced carrots, celery, or even peas when you add onions in step one. Just chop them finely so they cook through and blend seamlessly into the soup.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delicious way to bring big comfort to your table, give Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup a try. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for cozy nights in or as a loving, homemade touch to your next family meal. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to simple, homemade comfort—you won’t regret it!

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This homemade cream of chicken soup is a comforting and creamy classic that is perfect for a cozy meal. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, this soup is sure to warm you up on chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale

For the soup:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Melt the butter: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Create roux: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to create a roux.
Add liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking. Add milk and heavy cream, stirring well.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
Season and finish: Add shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer until heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.