Easy Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: A Quick & Comforting Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, velvety, and deeply comforting homemade cream of chicken soup. This incredible recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty chicken masterpiece in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal or as a versatile base for countless other dishes. Its savory chicken flavor, aromatic spices, and decadent creaminess make it an instant favorite, whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into your culinary creations.

Close-up of a steaming bowl of homemade cream of chicken soup, garnished with fresh parsley and black pepper, with a pepper grinder in the background.

For me, cream of chicken soup is an absolute kitchen essential. Whether it’s store-bought cans ready for an emergency or containers of my homemade version chilling in the freezer, this staple is always within reach. It’s a soothing, creamy indulgence that stands proudly on its own, yet it’s also the secret ingredient that elevates a wide array of my go-to recipes. This particular easy cream of chicken soup recipe is one I rely on constantly because it perfectly captures everything I adore about this classic dish: the robust chicken essence, the harmonious blend of spices, and that irresistibly luscious texture. The best part? It’s incredibly fast and straightforward to prepare, proving that exceptional flavor doesn’t have to come with a hefty time commitment.

Why Choose Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup?

Once you experience the superior taste and ease of this homemade version, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it from a can. This recipe is designed to impress and simplify your cooking, offering several compelling advantages:

Unbeatable Simplicity: Forget complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. This recipe truly is one of the easiest you’ll encounter, requiring just 8 common kitchen staples. From start to finish, you’re looking at a mere 11 minutes of your time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a flash.
Effortless One-Pot Cooking: Who doesn’t love a meal that minimizes cleanup? This entire homemade cream of chicken soup comes together in a single saucepan. All you need is that one pot and a whisk, and you’re good to go. Less time scrubbing means more time enjoying your delicious creation!
Superior Flavor and Texture: There’s simply no comparison between homemade and store-bought canned soup. Our homemade version boasts a far smoother, silkier consistency and a fresher, richer taste profile. You’ll notice the absence of artificial flavors and preservatives, replaced by a pure, soothing chicken flavor that store-bought versions can only dream of achieving.
Complete Control Over Ingredients and Seasoning: One of the greatest joys of cooking at home is the ability to tailor flavors to your exact preference. This recipe empowers you to do just that. Unlike often bland or excessively salty canned soups, you can adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to create a cream of chicken soup that is perfectly balanced for your palate.
Incredible Versatility: This soup is a culinary chameleon! While profoundly delicious served in a bowl on its own, its true magic lies in its adaptability. It serves as an exceptional ingredient in a multitude of other soups, acts as a rich, creamy sauce for pasta or vegetables, and is the quintessential base for countless comforting casseroles. The possibilities are truly boundless.

Overhead view of all the essential ingredients laid out for homemade cream of chicken soup: a bowl of golden butter, a white bowl of all-purpose flour, a clear glass measuring cup of chicken broth, a small bowl of heavy cream, and individual bowls containing celery salt, onion powder, and a salt and pepper grinder.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Soup

Crafting this simple yet profoundly comforting cream of chicken soup recipe doesn’t require an extensive shopping list. With just a handful of accessible ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious meal. For precise measurements, be sure to consult the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the end of this page.

Butter: We recommend using unsalted butter. This choice gives you complete control over the final salt content of your soup, allowing you to season it perfectly to your taste without worrying about over-salting.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the crucial thickening agent that forms the base of our soup’s rich texture. It combines with the butter to create a roux, which is essential for that signature creaminess and body.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth. Much like with the butter, this allows you to manage the sodium levels in your soup, ensuring it’s flavorful without being overly salty. Using a good quality broth will significantly enhance the overall chicken flavor.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient is key to achieving the luxurious richness and silky-smooth consistency of our cream of chicken soup. While you can dilute it with milk for a slightly lighter version, be aware that this will result in a thinner soup with less of that decadent body.
Celery Salt: This unique spice is a game-changer, infusing the soup with that classic, unmistakable “chicken soup” flavor profile that evokes warmth and nostalgia. It adds a subtle savory depth that is truly essential.
Onion Powder: For instant onion flavor without altering the smooth texture of the soup, onion powder is your best friend. It disperses evenly, providing a foundational aromatic note without any chunky bits.
Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are vital for bringing all the flavors together. Always use freshly cracked black pepper for the best aroma and a subtle hint of spice. Remember to taste and adjust throughout the cooking process.

How to Effortlessly Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

You’ll be amazed at how quickly this versatile and silky smooth homemade cream of chicken soup comes together – often in less than 15 minutes! Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding culinary experience:

Melt the Butter: Begin by placing a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter to the pan, allowing it to melt completely until it’s glistening and just starting to bubble slightly. Keep a close watch to prevent it from browning too quickly.
Create the Roux: Once the butter is fully melted, swiftly add the all-purpose flour to the saucepan. Immediately begin whisking the flour vigorously with the melted butter. Continue whisking constantly for about 1 minute, until a thick, smooth paste (known as a roux) forms and starts to smell slightly nutty. This step is crucial for thickening the soup and preventing a raw flour taste.
Whisk in the Chicken Broth: This is where patience pays off! Slowly, in small, steady streams, pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the saucepan while continuously whisking. This gradual addition and constant whisking are essential to prevent lumps from forming, ensuring your soup remains perfectly smooth. Use your whisk to scrape the bottom and corners of the pan to ensure nothing sticks. Keep whisking until the mixture is entirely smooth and lump-free, resembling a thin, creamy gravy.

Overhead view of a saucepan with a light golden roux, positioned next to a clear glass Pyrex measuring cup filled with chicken broth, ready to be added.

Overhead view of a saucepan showing the smooth mixture of roux and chicken broth after being thoroughly whisked together, now a slightly thicker, pale yellow liquid.

Season the Soup: Introduce the aromatic celery salt and onion powder to the broth mixture. Stir them in thoroughly until they are fully combined and their flavors begin to meld. Now, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your preference. Remember, you can always add more later, so start with a moderate amount.
Simmer and Thicken: Increase the heat slightly to medium and bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Continue to simmer for approximately 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the soup noticeably thickens, the bubbles on the surface become larger and slower to burst, and the soup coats the back of your spoon, holding its shape for a moment.
Fold in the Heavy Cream: Remove the saucepan from the heat. This is important to prevent the cream from curdling. Slowly, pour in the heavy cream while gently whisking it into the hot soup. Continue to whisk until the cream is fully incorporated, and the soup transforms into a luxuriously smooth, velvety concoction.

Overhead view of a saucepan filled with thickened cream of chicken soup base, with a swirl of rich heavy cream freshly poured on top, ready to be stirred in.

A spoonful of creamy homemade chicken soup is held above the saucepan, garnished with fresh parsley in the background, showcasing the rich texture.

Serve or Store: Give the soup a final taste and make any necessary adjustments to the seasonings. Your delightful homemade cream of chicken soup is now ready to be enjoyed immediately, or it can be stored for later use in your favorite recipes.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Elevate your easy cream of chicken soup recipe with these tried-and-true tips for optimal flavor and consistency:

Master the Slow Pour and Constant Whisk: This is perhaps the most crucial tip! When adding both the chicken broth to your roux and the heavy cream to your soup base, pour the liquid in a very slow, steady stream while continuously whisking. This technique is paramount for creating a perfectly smooth soup, preventing any unsightly lumps, and ensuring the cream fully emulsifies without breaking or separating.
Personalize Your Seasonings: While this recipe is cherished for its simplicity, it’s also a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to enhance the flavor profile with additional spices and fresh or dried herbs. Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, a sprig of fresh thyme, a touch of dried rosemary, or even a bay leaf during simmering. For a subtle warmth or a spicy kick, a dash of cayenne pepper can be a wonderful addition.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Making this soup gluten-free is incredibly straightforward. Simply omit the all-purpose flour from the recipe. Instead, whisk 3 tablespoons of cornstarch into 1/4 cup of the cold chicken broth until fully dissolved, creating a slurry. Add this cornstarch slurry to the soup during the simmering stage (Step 5) and continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the soup reaches your desired thickness. Cornstarch is a powerful thickening agent that works beautifully as a flour substitute.
Vegetarian Variations: For a delightful vegetarian version, the swap is simple: replace the chicken broth with an equal amount of high-quality vegetable broth. If you’re looking for a heartier, more umami-rich vegetarian soup, consider using mushroom broth. This will impart a deeper, more robust flavor that mimics some of the savory notes of chicken.
Add Cooked Chicken for a Heartier Meal: If you’re planning to enjoy this soup as a standalone meal, consider stirring in about 1-2 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken during the final minutes of simmering (before adding the cream). This transforms it into a more substantial and satisfying chicken soup.

A beautiful saucepan filled with freshly made homemade cream of chicken soup, generously topped with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a grind of black pepper, ready to serve.

Beyond the Bowl: Versatile Uses for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

While a warm, rich, and velvety bowl of this homemade cream of chicken soup is undeniably the ultimate comfort on a chilly day, its utility extends far beyond just a standalone meal. My favorite application for this incredible soup is as a foundational ingredient in other recipes. It lends hearty flavors, luxurious creaminess, and a depth that can transform any dish. Here are just a few ways this versatile ingredient can elevate your cooking:

As a Base for Other Soups: Incorporate it into a classic chicken noodle soup, a vibrant broccoli cheddar soup, or a hearty potato soup for an extra layer of creaminess and robust chicken flavor.
Rich Sauces and Gravies: Use it to create creamy sauces for pasta dishes, a delightful gravy for roasted chicken, or a luscious topping for steamed vegetables. Its smooth consistency makes it an ideal thickening agent.
Essential for Casseroles and Bakes: This is where cream of chicken soup truly shines! It’s a staple in countless comforting casseroles, providing moisture, flavor, and binding the ingredients together. Think creamy chicken and rice bakes, comforting tuna noodle casseroles, or cheesy potato gratins.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Southwestern Chicken Corn Chowder
Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole
Baked Potato Casserole

Storing & Reheating Your Delicious Leftovers

Making a batch of this easy homemade cream of chicken soup means you’ll likely have some wonderful leftovers, whether for another meal or to use in a future recipe. Here’s how to best store and reheat it to maintain its quality and flavor:

Refrigeration: Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep or quick culinary additions throughout the week.
Reheating: If you’re using the soup as an ingredient in another recipe, there’s no need to reheat it beforehand – it will warm up as part of the cooking process. However, if you’re enjoying it on its own, reheat it gently. On the stovetop, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. In the microwave, use 80% power and reheat in 20-second increments, stirring well between each to ensure even heating and prevent separation. Avoid boiling the soup aggressively, as this can sometimes cause the cream to separate.
Freezing: For longer storage, ensure the soup is completely cooled before transferring it to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave a little headspace for expansion if using containers. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw or defrost completely in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating or incorporating into your recipe. Note that the texture might be slightly different after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will remain excellent.

Overhead view of a pristine bowl of homemade cream of chicken soup, perfectly garnished with a single fresh parsley leaf, sitting beside a bunch of vibrant green parsley.

More Comforting Homemade Soup Recipes to Savor

Is there anything more soul-satisfying than a steaming bowl of homemade soup on a crisp evening? If you enjoyed this easy cream of chicken soup, you’ll love exploring more of my favorite soup recipes. Each one is crafted to be as straightforward to prepare as it is utterly delicious to eat, promising warmth and flavor with minimal effort:

Ham and Split Pea Soup
Turkey Wild Rice Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Beer Cheese Soup
Hot and Sour Soup
Carrot Ginger Soup

5 from 1 vote

Cream of Chicken Soup

By

Erin Sellin

This easy homemade cream of chicken soup is rich, soothing, creamy, and comes together in just minutes. It’s the perfect comfort food on its own, or an invaluable ingredient to add a hearty base and incredible creaminess to sauces, other soups, and casseroles.

Prep:

1
minute

Cook:

10
minutes

Total:

11
minutes

Servings:

8
(equivalent of 2 10oz cans)

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Rate Recipe
Print Recipe

Ingredients

▢

1/4
cup

butter
▢

1/2
cup

all-purpose flour
▢

2
cups

low-sodium chicken broth
▢

1/2
cup

heavy cream
▢

1/2
teaspoon
celery salt
▢

1
teaspoon

onion powder
▢

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

1/4 cup butter
Add the flour to the melted butter, and whisk until it forms a thick paste.

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Gradually pour in the chicken broth in small amounts at a time, while continuously whisking. Make sure to scrape the bottom and corners of the pan so that nothing is stuck, and whisk until no lumps remain.

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Add the celery salt and onion powder, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

1/2 teaspoon celery salt,
1 teaspoon onion powder,
Salt and pepper to taste
Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat while stirring often. Simmer for about 3-4 minutes, until the soup thickens to the point that it can hold its shape, and the bubbles become thick and slow to burst.
Remove the soup from the heat, and gradually whisk in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.

1/2 cup heavy cream
Adjust the seasonings, then serve or use immediately, or store for later use.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, or in a microwave on 80% power in 20-second increments.
To make vegetarian, replace the chicken broth with vegetable or mushroom broth.
To make gluten-free, remove the flour from the recipe, and instead stir 3 tablespoons of cornstarch into the chicken broth before adding it.
Recipe makes the equivalent of 2 10oz cans of cream of chicken soup

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

1
minute

Cook Time:

10
minutes

Total Time:

11
minutes

Course:
Soup Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:

8
(equivalent of 2 10oz cans)

Calories:
141

Keyword:
cream of chicken soup, cream of chicken soup recipe, homemade cream of chicken soup, easy chicken soup, quick comfort food

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