If you’re looking for a cozy bowl that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and earthy mushrooms all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth that feels indulgent yet nourishing. Perfect for dinner any night of the week, this soup hits that beautiful balance between comfort and wholesome goodness, making it a true favorite in my kitchen I can’t wait to share with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this soup simple yet delicious relies on just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, richness, and texture that turn this into a soup you won’t stop craving.
- Olive oil: the perfect healthy fat to sauté your veggies and bring a subtle fruity depth to the base.
- Yellow onion: diced finely for sweetness and that comforting aroma when cooked down.
- Sliced white mushrooms: they add an earthy flavor and meaty texture that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Chicken broth: the golden liquid that forms the flavorful foundation of this soup.
- Heavy cream: adds the signature creaminess everyone loves without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt and pepper: essential to elevate all the natural flavors in the soup.
- Baby spinach: fresh and vibrant, bringing color and a mild, nutritious punch.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: shredded, providing lean protein and tenderness throughout each hearty spoonful.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced yellow onions and sauté them until they become translucent and soften, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This step builds the aromatic base that will make the soup sing with flavor.
Step 2: Add Mushrooms
Add the sliced white mushrooms to the pot and cook them down until they shrink and release their lovely earthy juices, about 5 minutes. This deepens the flavor profile and adds a satisfying texture contrast to the soup.
Step 3: Pour in the Liquids and Seasonings
Next, stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper. This mixture brings the creamy, silky consistency that defines the dish, while the seasoning wakes up all the flavors and balances the richness beautifully.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Chicken
Now it’s time for the fresh baby spinach and shredded chicken breasts. Stir them gently into the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt and the chicken to soak up all those fantastic flavors. This combination creates a hearty, nutritious punch in every bite.
Step 5: Simmer and Blend Flavors
Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes. This simmering step lets all the ingredients meld together, intensifying the soup’s creaminess and flavor until it’s the perfect balance of cozy and fresh.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate each bowl of this soup beautifully. Consider a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for a salty kick, some cracked black pepper for a subtle spice, or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh, green finish. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dollop of sour cream can also add a lovely richness.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy chicken spinach soup alongside a crusty artisan bread or warm garlic breadsticks to soak up every last drop. A light side salad with citrus vinaigrette pairs well if you want to keep things fresh and bright, or roasted vegetables make a hearty companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls for an edible, rustic touch that impresses guests. You can also layer it in mason jars for a grab-and-go meal or add a swirl of pesto or hot sauce on top for a surprising burst of flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in airtight containers. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain the best texture and freshness for your next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months, but since it contains dairy, freezing might slightly change the texture. To minimize this, cool it fully and freeze in smaller portions. When thawed, give it a good stir or gentle reheat to bring back that creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring often. This prevents the cream from separating and ensures the chicken stays tender. If it seems too thick, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring a richer flavor and tend to stay juicier. Just shred them similarly after cooking and add them to your soup as directed.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
How do I get the perfect texture from the mushrooms?
Sauté the mushrooms until they release their moisture and shrink down well. This concentrates their flavor and gives you that nice bite without sogginess.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh baby spinach gives the best texture and color, frozen spinach works in a pinch. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess water diluting your soup.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be lush and creamy, thick enough to coat your spoon but still easy to ladle. Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if too thick, or simmer a bit longer if you want it thicker.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a delicious reward after a long day. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavors that warm the soul and nourish the body. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, this soup is bound to become your new go-to comfort food.
PrintCreamy Chicken Spinach Soup Recipe
This creamy chicken spinach soup is a comforting, hearty dish packed with tender shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and mushrooms in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for a nutritious and filling meal, it combines wholesome vegetables and protein to create a satisfying and flavorful soup that’s simple to prepare in just 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 8 ounces sliced white mushrooms
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded
Instructions
- Heat the pot: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and warm it until hot.
- Sauté onion: Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms shrink and release their moisture.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add spinach and chicken: Mix in the baby spinach and shredded chicken breasts, stirring until the spinach wilts and the chicken is evenly distributed.
- Simmer soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if possible.
- Shredded chicken can be pre-cooked or leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to add garlic or herbs like thyme for additional taste variations.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers and thaw before reheating gently.
