There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of Creamy Chicken Soup on a chilly day. This dish is a rich, flavorful take on classic chicken soup, blending tender pieces of chicken with hearty vegetables, creamy broth, and just the right amount of seasoning. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal for dinner or a dish to serve when you’re feeling under the weather, this creamy chicken soup will warm you up from the inside out. Ready to learn how to make this ultimate comfort food? Keep reading!

What is Creamy Chicken Soup?
Creamy Chicken Soup is a deliciously rich and velvety take on the traditional chicken soup. It combines shredded chicken, vegetables, herbs, and a creamy base to create a hearty, comforting dish. Unlike regular chicken soup, which has a clear broth, creamy chicken soup uses milk or cream to add richness and smooth texture. This makes it perfect for cooler months or anytime you crave something warming and filling. You can enjoy it on its own, pair it with crusty bread, or serve it as a starter for a larger meal.
Ingredients List for Creamy Chicken Soup
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you’ll need for this recipe:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor with a punch of garlic.
- 2 large carrots, sliced: Adds sweetness and color.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: For a touch of bitterness and crunch.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken works great, or you can cook your own.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Serves as the base for the soup. Homemade or store-bought both work.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the soup.
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%): Balances the cream and makes the soup velvety without being too heavy.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the soup.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle herb flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley: For herbal freshness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning.
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup peas: For added color and sweetness.
- 1 cup diced potatoes: For extra heartiness.
- ½ cup corn: Adds a slight sweetness and texture.
- 1 cup cooked rice or small pasta (like orzo or ditalini): To make the soup even more filling.
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley: For color and a fresh herbal note.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping and enjoying with the soup.
Substitutions and Variations
This creamy chicken soup recipe is flexible, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. You can also use any plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, though these options won’t be as rich.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. If you're adding pasta, be sure to use a gluten-free version.
- Low-Calorie Version: Replace the heavy cream with evaporated milk or use more milk instead of cream for a lighter version.
- Add Greens: Add a handful of spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce if you prefer a bit of heat in your soup.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Once you've gathered all your ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, creamy chicken soup.
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Roux (Thickener)
Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot, and in the empty space, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour over the butter and whisk together, creating a roux. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes a pale golden color. This will help thicken the soup.
Step 3: Add the Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once all the broth is added, stir everything together to combine the vegetables with the roux and broth.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Herbs
Add the shredded chicken, thyme, and parsley to the pot. Stir well and bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Milk
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and milk. Let the soup simmer on low for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let the soup boil after adding the cream, as this can cause the cream to curdle.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference. If you’re using any optional add-ins like peas, potatoes, or rice, stir them in at this stage and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes until everything is heated through and the vegetables are tender.
Step 7: Serve
Once the soup has thickened and the flavors are well combined, remove from heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
How to Cook Creamy Chicken Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps:
- Sauté vegetables: Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Make a roux: Melt butter, add flour, and whisk to create a roux for thickening.
- Add chicken broth: Slowly whisk in broth, then stir in the vegetables and roux mixture.
- Simmer with chicken and herbs: Add shredded chicken, thyme, and parsley, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in cream and milk: Lower the heat and stir in the cream and milk, letting the soup simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Season and serve: Adjust seasoning, add any optional ingredients, and serve hot with fresh parsley.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Boiling the Cream: Be sure not to boil the soup after adding the cream and milk. High heat can cause the dairy to curdle, which will ruin the smooth texture of the soup.
- Not Thickening the Soup: The roux is key for giving the soup its creamy consistency. Make sure to cook the flour and butter mixture for a minute or two before adding the broth to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Overcooking the Vegetables: The carrots, celery, and onions should be sautéed until soft but not mushy. Be careful not to overcook them before adding the broth.
- Underseasoning: Be generous with the salt and pepper! Chicken soup relies heavily on proper seasoning to bring out the flavors of the broth, chicken, and vegetables.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can elevate your creamy chicken soup, especially if you're serving it to guests. Here are some ways to serve it beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Soup
- In Bread Bowls: Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, hearty presentation.
- With Crusty Bread: A side of toasted sourdough or French bread is perfect for dipping.
- With Crackers: Serve with buttery crackers or even garlic breadsticks for a crunchy contrast.
- As a Starter: This soup makes a lovely starter course before a main dish like roasted chicken or pasta.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Chicken Soup
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, dill, or chives on top for a fresh pop of color.
- Add a Swirl of Cream: Drizzle a swirl of heavy cream on the surface of each bowl for an elegant look.
- Crumbled Bacon: For extra flavor and texture, top with crispy crumbled bacon.
- Parmesan Shavings: Add a few shavings of Parmesan cheese to each bowl for a rich, umami boost.
Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe Tips
- Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup also freezes well—just be sure to freeze before adding the cream. Add the cream after reheating.
- Leftover Chicken: This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or even Thanksgiving turkey.
- Thick or Thin: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth or add more flour. If you prefer it thinner, add more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
A: Yes! You can simmer raw chicken breasts or thighs directly in the broth until fully cooked, then shred them and add them back to the soup.
Q: How can I make this soup gluten-free?
A: To make the soup gluten-free, use cornstarch or gluten-free flour instead of regular flour to thicken the soup. Make sure to check that all other ingredients (like broth) are gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze creamy chicken soup?
A: Yes, but freeze it before adding the cream. Dairy tends to separate and become grainy when frozen. When reheating, add the cream after the soup is thawed and warmed through.
Q: Can I use other vegetables in this soup?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add or swap in vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, mushrooms, or peas. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Soup is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and heartiness. Whether you're making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or preparing it for a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The rich creaminess of the soup, combined with tender chicken and flavorful vegetables, makes it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on your dietary preferences and ingredients on hand. Try this recipe out tonight—you’ll be serving bowls of warmth and love! Enjoy!
PrintCreamy Chicken Soup Recipe
This creamy chicken soup combines tender shredded chicken, vegetables, and a rich broth made with heavy cream and milk. With flavors from thyme and parsley, it’s a perfect comforting meal for cold days. Add optional ingredients like peas, corn, or rice to make it even heartier. Keywords: creamy chicken soup, comfort food, rich chicken soup, chicken and vegetable soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 large carrots (sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- ½ cup corn
- 1 cup cooked rice or small pasta (like orzo or ditalini)
- For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crusty bread
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for another minute, creating a roux.
- Add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream and milk, and simmer for 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
- (Optional) Add peas, potatoes, corn, or rice/pasta and cook for another 10 minutes until all ingredients are tender.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
- For a lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy, but you can also cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of the recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
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