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Easy Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

Easy Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

A creamy stovetop chicken soup made with tender vegetables, cooked shredded chicken, herbs, and a simple butter-and-flour thickener. It is ready in about 40 minutes and serves 4–6.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 1/2 medium Medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Carrot, finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
Liquids and Chicken
  • 4 cups Low-sodium chicken broth or stock
  • 1 cup Whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 cups Cooked, shredded chicken
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon, optional Poultry seasoning
  • 1 leaf, optional Bay leaf

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrot, then cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to cook the raw flour.
  3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, adding it in a slow stream so the flour mixture stays smooth. Stir in the milk or half-and-half, thyme, salt, pepper, optional poultry seasoning, and bay leaf.
  4. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Keep the heat moderate and do not let the soup boil vigorously.
  5. Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and simmer for another 3–5 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through. Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

Add broth gradually while whisking to prevent lumps. Use low-sodium broth and season near the end. Add cooked chicken after the soup thickens so it stays tender. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and reheat gently.