Name: Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Tablespoons Butter; ½ cup + 2 Tablespoons Flour; 2 cups Chicken Broth; 1 cup Milk (preferably whole, but any kind works); 1 chicken bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon (optional); ⅓ teaspoon Celery Salt; ⅓ teaspoon Onion Powder; ⅓ teaspoon Garlic Powder; ⅓ teaspoon Salt; ⅓ teaspoon Black Pepper

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

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If you’ve ever wished for a homemade alternative to that iconic pantry staple, you’re in for a treat with this Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors that instantly elevate casseroles, soups, and a host of your favorite dishes. Not only does this recipe provide a fresh, homemade taste unlike anything from a can, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up and freezer-friendly, making it a must-know kitchen staple for cozy meals any time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side scenes in a kitchen setting with a white marbled background. On the left, a silver pot is on a black stove with bubbling melted yellow butter inside and a large solid piece of pale yellow butter partially melted and floating on top. On the right, the same silver pot holds a crumbly pale yellow mixture resembling a grainy dough, with a metal fork lifting some of the textured clumps slightly above the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, coming together to create that luscious texture and deep, savory flavor you crave without any fuss.

Butter, 4 Tablespoons: Adds richness and a silky base for the roux that thickens the soup beautifully.
Flour, ½ cup + 2 Tablespoons: The key thickening agent that creates the creamy consistency without lumps.
Chicken Broth, 2 cups: Brings that essential chicken essence and depth to the soup’s flavor.
Chicken Bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon (optional): Enhances the chicken flavor to perfection, especially if using store-bought broth.
Milk, 1 cup (preferably whole): Makes the soup creamy and smooth; whole milk provides the best texture but feel free to use what you have.
Celery salt, 1/3 teaspoon: Adds a subtle savory note that rounds out the soup’s flavor profile.
Onion powder, 1/3 teaspoon: Provides a gentle underpinning of sweetness without overpowering.
Garlic powder, 1/3 teaspoon: A hint of warmth and depth to enhance taste complexity.
Salt, 1/3 teaspoon: Balances all the flavors beautifully.
Pepper, 1/3 teaspoon: Just enough to add a touch of mild heat and flavor contrast.

How to Make Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Milk

Begin by tempering the milk—heat it in the microwave for about 45 seconds. This simple step prevents curdling and ensures that when you add it to the roux, it blends smoothly without forming lumps. Setting it aside warm is like priming your soup for success.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Make the Roux

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and watch closely as it begins to foam, usually around three minutes. This foam signals the perfect moment to add the flour. Slowly whisk in the flour, keeping it moving to avoid lumps, and continue for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture resembles wet sand—a key texture that means your roux is ready to thicken the soup perfectly.

Step 3: Incorporate the Chicken Broth Gradually

This part requires patience and a good whisk. Add one-third of the chicken broth, whisking thoroughly to marry the roux and broth completely. Repeat this step with the next third of broth, ensuring a seamless blend with no thick clumps. This gradual mixing is crucial for that silky consistency.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients and Seasonings

Pour in the rest of the chicken broth along with your chicken bouillon (if using), warmed milk, and seasonings. Keep whisking vigorously as you combine everything. Return the pot to the heat and bring the soup to a near boil. You’ll notice it thickening up nicely—once it reaches that creamy, luscious stage, promptly remove it from the heat to avoid over-thickening.

Step 5: Optional Straining for Extra Smoothness

For an ultra-smooth finish, run your soup mixture through a fine mesh strainer. This step is perfect if you want a soup that feels velvety and refined—a great touch for elegant dishes or simply for that little extra care in your kitchen.

How to Serve Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

The image shows a shiny silver pot filled with smooth, creamy pale yellow sauce. A spoon is dipped into the sauce, lifting some of it, which drips slowly back into the pot, showing its thick and silky texture. The pot is placed on a wooden board, and the background has a blue and white cloth on one side and some green herbs blurred out on the other. The overall setting is bright with a soft, natural light that highlights the sauce’s creamy surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While this soup is wonderful on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a tiny dusting of smoked paprika can brighten and add visual appeal. Crispy fried onions or a swirl of cream also give that comforting homemade feeling that makes every bite better.

Side Dishes

The Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dunking, a fresh garden salad to balance out the creaminess, or even a plate of roasted vegetables. Its versatility makes it a great companion for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond the typical bowl, serve this soup in bread bowls for an edible twist or use it as a creamy base sauce for baked casseroles. It’s also excellent poured over rice or mashed potatoes for a soul-satisfying meal upgrade. Get creative and enjoy this soup’s adaptability!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, no worries! Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Give it a good whisk before reheating to restore its smooth texture and creamy consistency after sitting.

Freezing

This Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully, making it easy to have homemade convenience on hand. Use freezable soup containers and freeze for up to four months. Keep in mind the dairy content might cause slight separation upon thawing, but a good whisk will bring it right back together.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling or scorching. Patience is key here—slow warming keeps the soup silky and delicious as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Absolutely! While whole milk gives the richest texture, low-fat or even non-dairy alternatives can be used. The soup might be a bit lighter, but it will still taste delicious and creamy enough for most dishes.

Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (adjust quantities accordingly). Just be sure to whisk continuously to avoid lumps and achieve that perfect thickness.

Why is it important to temper the milk before adding it?

Tempering the milk by warming it slightly helps prevent curdling when it hits the hot roux. This step ensures your soup stays smooth and velvety rather than becoming lumpy or separating.

Can I make this recipe without the chicken bouillon?

You can leave out the chicken bouillon if you have a very flavorful homemade chicken broth. However, bouillon or Better Than Bouillon enhances the concentrated chicken taste, making your Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe taste even more like the canned version you might be used to.

How thick will the soup be once finished?

The soup thickens into a creamy, velvety consistency similar to condensed canned soup. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools, making it an ideal base for casseroles or a rich soup ingredient.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe from scratch, knowing exactly what goes into it and enjoying that fresh, comforting flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a quick casserole or craving a cozy bowl of soup, this homemade version promises to become one of your favorite kitchen go-tos. Give it a try—you’ll never look back at canned soup again!

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