Easy Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: A Quick & Comforting 15-Minute Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of rich, velvety homemade cream of chicken soup to warm the soul and provide ultimate comfort. This incredibly easy recipe delivers a deeply satisfying chicken flavor and luxurious creaminess in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re savoring it on its own or using it as a versatile ingredient in your favorite casseroles and sauces, this quick cream of chicken soup is a kitchen essential you’ll turn to again and again. Forget the bland, overly salty canned versions; this fresh, flavorful, and incredibly simple soup is a true game-changer, elevating everyday meals with its profound homemade goodness.
Cream of chicken soup has long been an indispensable staple in my household. From emergency pantry cans (a thing of the past with this recipe!) to prepared batches of homemade cream of chicken soup stashed in the freezer, it’s an integral component for countless meals. It’s the perfect antidote for a chilly evening, offering a soothing and hearty experience all by itself. Beyond that, its remarkable adaptability makes it a secret weapon for enhancing the flavor and texture of a wide array of recipes, effortlessly transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary delights. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a foundation for creative cooking.
This particular cream of chicken soup recipe is one I rely on constantly due to its consistent quality and speed. It flawlessly captures everything I adore about this classic comfort food: the profound savory chicken flavor that tastes genuinely homemade, the subtle yet aromatic blend of spices, and that irresistibly decadent creaminess that coats the palate. What truly sets this recipe apart, however, is its incredible speed and simplicity. You won’t believe how quickly you can create such a superior soup that vastly outperforms any store-bought alternative, all while knowing exactly what ingredients are going into your dish. It’s truly a win-win for taste and convenience.
Why Choose Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Over Canned?
Once you experience the unparalleled difference of freshly made cream of chicken soup, you’ll find yourself utterly obsessed and unlikely to ever reach for a can again. Here are compelling reasons why this quick and easy recipe will become your new kitchen favorite, offering benefits that canned soups simply cannot match:
- Unbelievably Easy & Fast: This is genuinely one of the simplest and quickest recipes you’ll ever encounter. Requiring only 8 common kitchen ingredients, the entire preparation and cooking process takes a mere 11-15 minutes from your pantry to your bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute meal additions, or when you need a swift, comforting fix without compromising on quality. Its straightforward steps make it accessible even for novice cooks.
- Minimal Cleanup with One Pot: As a fan of efficiency, I adore one-pot meals, and this recipe delivers! There’s immense satisfaction in preparing a delicious, complex-tasting dish with hardly any post-cooking mess. For this homemade cream of chicken soup, all you need is a single saucepan and a whisk – simplifying your culinary experience and significantly reducing your cleanup routine. More time to enjoy your meal, less time scrubbing.
- Superior Taste and Texture to Store-Bought: There’s simply no comparison between homemade and canned. Our cream of chicken soup boasts a far smoother, velvety consistency and a fresher, more vibrant, and authentic taste than anything you’ll find in a can. Canned soups often have a gelatinous, gloppy texture, a muted, artificial flavor, and an unappealingly high sodium content. This homemade version offers a truly soothing, rich, and authentic chicken flavor that canned varieties simply cannot replicate, making every spoonful a pure delight.
- Complete Flavor Control and Customization: One of the greatest advantages of cooking at home is the ability to tailor flavors precisely to your preferences and dietary needs. Store-bought cream of chicken soup is frequently either bland and lacking depth or excessively salty. With this recipe, you have full control over every aspect of seasoning, allowing you to adjust salt, pepper, celery salt, and onion powder to create a soup that perfectly suits your palate, ensuring it’s never too bland or too salty. You can even add additional herbs and spices for personalized flair.
- Incredibly Versatile for Endless Uses: My absolute favorite aspect of homemade cream of chicken soup is its remarkable versatility. While profoundly delicious on its own as a standalone meal, it truly excels as a foundational ingredient for countless other dishes. Use it to thicken other soups, create luscious, creamy sauces for pasta or vegetables, or as the rich, savory base for hearty casseroles. From enhancing chicken pot pies to enriching creamy rice dishes and gravies, the culinary possibilities are truly limitless, making it a powerful tool in your cooking arsenal.
- A Healthier Option: By making your cream of chicken soup from scratch, you inherently avoid the preservatives, artificial flavors, hydrogenated oils, and excessive sodium commonly found in commercially processed soups. You control the quality and freshness of every ingredient, making it a much healthier and more wholesome choice for you and your family. Enjoy peace of mind knowing exactly what you’re consuming.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Crafting this simple yet profoundly comforting homemade cream of chicken soup requires just a few basic, readily available ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and creamy texture. For precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card provided at the end of this page.
- Unsalted Butter: We highly recommend using unsalted butter for this recipe. This critical choice gives you complete command over the soup’s overall sodium content, allowing you to season the soup precisely to your taste without worrying about it becoming inadvertently too salty. It also forms the essential fat component of our roux.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the key thickening agent in our soup, integral for creating a classic roux. The roux, a mixture of cooked butter and flour, provides that desired rich, creamy, and smooth consistency, helping to bind all the liquids and seasonings together beautifully for a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Opting for a low-sodium chicken broth is crucial for the same reason we use unsalted butter – it prevents the soup from becoming overly salty, especially if you’re using it in other recipes. It also allows the natural, savory chicken flavor to shine through brightly without being masked by excessive sodium.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is the star responsible for the utterly luxurious, velvety texture and decadent richness of the soup. It imparts a silky smoothness that is the hallmark of a truly great cream soup. While you could make the recipe “healthier” by diluting the cream with milk, be aware that this will inevitably result in a thinner, less rich soup. For the true, indulgent comfort food experience, heavy cream is highly recommended.
- Celery Salt: This humble yet powerful spice is a secret weapon for imparting that unmistakable, classic savory chicken soup flavor. It adds a subtle earthy depth and complexity that elevates the overall taste profile, making it taste like it simmered for hours.
- Onion Powder: A fantastic and convenient way to infuse immediate, robust onion flavor without introducing any unwanted texture or having to chop fresh onions. It blends seamlessly into the smooth soup, offering a consistent savory base that complements the chicken broth perfectly.
- Salt and Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: These are essential for seasoning to perfection and balancing all the flavors. Using freshly cracked pepper provides a brighter, more pungent aroma and flavor compared to pre-ground pepper, enhancing the soup’s overall aromatic quality. Remember, tasting and seasoning to your personal preference is paramount for the best result.
How to Make the Perfect Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup (Step-by-Step)
You’ll be amazed at how quickly and effortlessly this incredibly versatile and smooth homemade cream of chicken soup comes together. Follow these simple, straightforward steps to create a rich and comforting masterpiece in under 15 minutes, making you wonder why you ever bought it from a can:
- Step 1: Melt the Butter. Begin by placing a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat on your stovetop. Add the measured unsalted butter to the pan. Allow the butter to melt completely, ensuring it’s evenly coated across the bottom of the pan. This provides the base for our flavorful roux.
- Step 2: Create a Silky Roux. Once the butter has fully melted and is bubbling gently, add the all-purpose flour to the saucepan. Immediately begin to whisk the flour vigorously into the melted butter. Continue whisking constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. The mixture will form a thick, smooth paste, known as a roux. This crucial step cooks out the raw flour taste and is essential for thickening the soup and preventing lumps.
- Step 3: Gradually Incorporate Chicken Broth. Begin to slowly pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the saucepan. Add it in small increments, about a quarter cup at a time, while continuously whisking vigorously. This gradual addition and constant whisking are key to achieving a perfectly smooth consistency and preventing any lumps from forming. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan with your whisk to ensure no flour paste sticks. Continue this process until all the broth is fully incorporated and the mixture is completely smooth.
- Step 4: Season the Soup. Once the broth is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, add the celery salt and onion powder. Then, season generously to taste with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir all the seasonings thoroughly until they are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the soup base. Remember, you can always adjust seasonings at the very end.
- Step 5: Simmer and Thicken. Increase the heat slightly to bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often to prevent any sticking to the bottom. Continue to simmer for approximately 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know the soup is ready when the bubbles on the surface become visibly thick and slow to burst, and the soup itself noticeably thickens, easily coating the back of a spoon and holding its shape slightly when stirred.
- Step 6: Stir in Heavy Cream for Velvety Finish. This is an important step for a silky result. Remove the saucepan completely from the heat. This helps prevent the cream from curdling due to excessive heat. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuously whisking until it is fully incorporated into the soup. The soup will instantly transform into a wonderfully smooth, velvety, and luscious consistency, characteristic of a perfect cream of chicken soup.
- Step 7: Final Adjustments and Serve. Take a moment to taste your perfectly crafted homemade cream of chicken soup and adjust any seasonings as needed. You might find it needs a little more salt, pepper, or a dash of your favorite herb. Serve it immediately as a comforting bowl of soup, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or use it as a flavorful base for another delicious recipe. This soup is equally delightful whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later use.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Achieving a perfectly smooth, rich, and flavorful cream of chicken soup is simple with these expert tips and tricks. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, these pointers will help you make the best batch every single time, ensuring a restaurant-quality result right in your own kitchen.
- Pour Liquids Slowly and Whisk Constantly: This is arguably the most critical tip for a lump-free and silky soup. When adding both the chicken broth to the roux and the heavy cream at the end, it is absolutely essential to pour slowly in a steady stream while whisking continuously and vigorously. This prevents the flour from clumping into lumps and ensures a homogenous, smooth texture without any separation. Patience and consistent whisking here pay off immensely, guaranteeing that desirable velvety consistency.
- Don’t Rush the Roux: Ensure your butter and flour mixture (the roux) cooks for at least 1 to 2 minutes before adding any liquid. This crucial step helps to cook out the raw flour taste, which is vital for a soup with clean, rich flavors and no powdery aftertaste. You want the roux to achieve a light golden color, not a dark brown, for optimal flavor and thickening power.
- Enhance Seasonings for Deeper Flavor: This recipe provides a fantastic, versatile base, but don’t hesitate to customize and deepen the flavors! To boost the savory chicken flavor even further, consider adding a pinch of dried thyme, a bay leaf (remember to remove it before serving), or a dash of poultry seasoning while the soup is simmering. For an extra layer of aromatics, a finely minced clove of garlic can be sautéed with the butter before adding the flour. If you enjoy a bit of warmth, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of white pepper can add a lovely kick without making it overtly spicy. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives stirred in at the very end can also add a burst of brightness and freshness.
- Adjusting Consistency to Your Liking: If your soup turns out a bit too thick for your preference, simply whisk in a little more chicken broth or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If, conversely, it seems a little too thin, you can easily thicken it further: create a small slurry by whisking together one teaspoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water, then whisk this mixture into the simmering soup and cook for another minute or two until it thickens.
- Make it Gluten-Free with Ease: Adapting this recipe for a gluten-free diet is remarkably simple and doesn’t compromise on texture. Instead of using all-purpose flour for the roux, you can effectively thicken the soup with cornstarch. Simply whisk 3 tablespoons of cornstarch into the cold chicken broth *before* adding it to the melted butter mixture. Then proceed with the recipe as usual. The cornstarch will activate and thicken the soup beautifully as it heats, providing a silky-smooth finish.
- Explore Vegetarian Options: Easily transform this comforting dish into a vegetarian cream soup by swapping the chicken broth for an equal amount of high-quality vegetable broth. For a more robust, earthy, and umami-rich flavor profile, mushroom broth makes an excellent substitute, adding a wonderful depth that mimics savory richness without any meat.
Creative Ways to Use Your Versatile Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
While a bowl of this rich, velvety, and comforting homemade cream of chicken soup is a delightful and satisfying meal on its own, especially on a chilly day, its true magic lies in its unparalleled versatility as a cooking ingredient. Homemade cream of chicken soup adds a profound depth of hearty flavors, a luxurious creaminess, and a wonderfully smooth texture to an extensive array of recipes. It effortlessly elevates everyday dishes into something truly special and memorable. Here are just a few of my favorite and most creative ways to incorporate this incredible, easy-to-make soup into your cooking, proving it’s more than just a soup:
- The Ultimate Casserole Base: Replace canned cream of chicken soup in virtually any casserole recipe with this homemade version for a vastly superior flavor and texture. It lends a fresher, richer, and more authentic profile to classic dishes such as green bean casserole, tuna noodle casserole, or tater tot casserole. It’s especially fantastic in:
- Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole: Our soup enhances the creamy texture and adds incredible savory depth to the potatoes.
- Baked Potato Casserole: Provides a luxurious, cheesy, and creamy binder that makes this comfort food even more indulgent.
- Luscious Sauces for Pasta and Vegetables: Whisk it into cooked pasta for an instant, creamy chicken pasta sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle. Alternatively, pour it generously over steamed vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus before baking for a rich and indulgent gratin. You can even thin it slightly with a touch more broth or milk for a lighter, yet equally flavorful sauce.
- Thickener and Enhancer for Other Soups & Stews: Use this homemade cream of chicken soup to enrich and thicken other chicken-based soups or stews, adding an extra layer of creaminess and depth of flavor. It works wonders in dishes like:
- Southwestern Chicken Corn Chowder: Adds a comforting, smooth base that perfectly complements the hearty corn and chicken.
- Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Creates the iconic, rich creamy filling consistency without the need for additional thickeners, making preparation a breeze.
- Flavorful Gravies and Pot Pies: This versatile soup can be effortlessly transformed into an incredible gravy for mashed potatoes, roasted chicken, or even fluffy biscuits. Just reduce it slightly for thickness or add a touch of pan drippings for an even deeper, more complex flavor. It’s also the perfect, ready-made base for the filling of a classic chicken pot pie, providing that signature creamy richness. Consider it for:
- Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: Provides a wonderfully rich and flavorful gravy for tender, slow-cooked chicken.
- Creamy Chicken & Rice Dishes: Stir it directly into rice dishes during cooking for a wonderfully creamy, cohesive chicken and rice casserole. It can also be used as a flavorful binder in chicken and dumpling recipes or creamy risotto-style dishes.
Storing & Reheating Your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
One of the many fantastic benefits of making a batch of this easy homemade cream of chicken soup is its excellent storability. Preparing a larger quantity means you’ll always have some on hand for quick meals or future recipes, making meal planning much simpler. Here’s how to best store and reheat your delicious leftovers to maintain their quality and flavor:
- Refrigeration: For immediate future use, store the homemade cream of chicken soup in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its fresh taste and creamy consistency for up to 5 days. Ensure the soup is completely cooled to room temperature before transferring it to the container to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
- Reheating Instructions:
- When Using as an Ingredient: If you plan to use this soup as a base or thickener in another recipe (such as a casserole, gravy, or sauce), you generally do not need to reheat it beforehand. Simply add it cold directly to your dish, and it will warm and incorporate beautifully as your recipe cooks, saving you an extra step.
- For Eating on Its Own: To enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of soup, reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it is heated through to your desired temperature. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave using 20-second increments at 80% power, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until it reaches your desired warmth. Be careful not to boil it vigorously, as this can sometimes cause the cream to separate or curdle. If the soup appears too thick after reheating, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk or chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: This homemade cream of chicken soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for efficient meal prep. Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before freezing. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a small amount of headspace (about an inch) for expansion. It will keep wonderfully in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing much quality. When ready to use, thaw or defrost the soup entirely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or incorporating it into your dishes.
More Comforting & Delicious Homemade Soup Recipes to Savor
There’s truly nothing more comforting and satisfying than a steaming, flavorful bowl of homemade soup on a chilly evening. If you enjoyed crafting this easy and versatile cream of chicken soup, you’re in for a treat! Here are more of my favorite homemade soup recipes that are just as simple to prepare as they are delightful to eat. Each offers a unique blend of flavors, promising warmth, nourishment, and ultimate satisfaction. Expand your soup repertoire today!
- Hearty Ham and Split Pea Soup: A classic, savory, and incredibly filling soup, absolutely perfect for utilizing leftover ham and delivering wholesome goodness.
- Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup: A rich, wholesome, and deeply satisfying soup, ideal for post-holiday turkey leftovers or simply as a comforting and hearty meal anytime.
- Deconstructed Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Enjoy all the beloved flavors of a classic chicken pot pie, but in a comforting, easy-to-eat, spoonable soup form, complete with creamy filling.
- Rich Beer Cheese Soup: A decadent and uniquely flavorful soup, perfect for cheese lovers and offering a sophisticated twist on traditional comfort food.
- Zesty Hot and Sour Soup: A vibrant, tangy, and spicy soup with a wonderful kick, offering a refreshing and exhilarating departure from traditional creamy soups.
- Velvety Carrot Ginger Soup: A wonderfully smooth and aromatic soup, beautifully blending the natural sweetness of carrots with the subtle, warm spice of fresh ginger for a harmonious flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup (Homemade)
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted 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 freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat until fully liquid and gently bubbling.1/4 cup unsalted butter
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Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter. Whisk continuously and vigorously for 1-2 minutes until a thick, smooth paste (roux) forms and the raw flour smell has cooked out. The roux should be a light golden color.1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth in small amounts, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Make sure to scrape the bottom and corners of the pan to ensure everything is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth.2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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Stir in the celery salt and onion powder. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir well to thoroughly combine all seasonings into the soup base.1/2 teaspoon celery salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Continue to simmer for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the soup noticeably thickens, coating the back of a spoon, and the bubbles on the surface become thick and slow to burst.
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Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until it is fully incorporated and the soup becomes smooth, luxurious, and velvety.1/2 cup heavy cream
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Taste your rich, homemade cream of chicken soup and adjust any seasonings as needed for your perfect flavor. Serve immediately as a comforting bowl, or store it for later use in other delicious recipes.
Notes
- Store any leftover homemade cream of chicken soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Always ensure it’s completely cooled before storing.
- To reheat for serving, warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave at 80% power in 20-second bursts, stirring between each. Add a splash of milk or broth if it becomes too thick.
- For a delicious vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken broth with an equal amount of good quality vegetable broth or a robust mushroom broth.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, omit the all-purpose flour. Instead, whisk 3 tablespoons of cornstarch into the cold chicken broth before adding it to the melted butter mixture.
- This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, which is the equivalent of two standard 10oz cans of store-bought cream of chicken soup.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Information
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