Traditional Creamy Chicken Soup

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
Be the First to Review!

This Traditional Creamy Chicken Soup is your go-to comfort food for chilly evenings or when you need a little culinary hug. With a rich, velvety texture and hearty flavors, it's perfect for warming up your soul and filling your belly.

Ingredients for Traditional Creamy Chicken Soup

Butter is the base for sautéing, adding a rich flavor while softening the veggies. Onion, celery, and carrots form the classic mirepoix trio, which gives the soup its depth of flavor. All-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent, creating that creamy texture we’re aiming for. Chicken broth is the main liquid, bringing a robust chicken flavor. Cooked chicken adds protein and heartiness, while heavy cream transforms the soup into a silky delight. Finally, salt, pepper, and a touch of fresh thyme round out the seasoning, enhancing the overall taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding chicken.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the flour to 4 tablespoons.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm, flaky biscuit. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the creaminess of the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it's best to freeze it before adding the cream. Add cream after reheating.
What other herbs work well in this recipe?
Parsley, rosemary, or sage can be great substitutes or additions to thyme.

Traditional Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and the onions are translucent.

Next, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Stir it in and let it cook for another minute. This forms a paste-like mixture that will help thicken the soup.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you go to ensure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Add the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Stir in the heavy cream, along with the salt, pepper, and thyme. Let the soup heat through for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Once everything is heated through and well combined, your soup is ready to serve!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple, wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Quick to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Rich and creamy without being overly heavy.
  • Great for using up leftover chicken.
  • Customizable — add your favorite herbs or veggies.

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp fresh thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the flour, cooking for another minute until it forms a paste.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
4. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Allow the soup to heat through for another 5 minutes.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!