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Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: The Best Scratch Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, creamy cream of chicken soup featuring shredded chicken and diced carrots.
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Replace canned soup with this easy, from-scratch homemade cream of chicken soup. It is velvety, comforting, and perfect as a base for casseroles or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the flour, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates your roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in the milk (or half-and-half) and the shredded chicken. Heat through, but do not let it boil once the milk is added.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve hot, or cool completely before storing or freezing.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, you can blend half of the soup mixture with an immersion blender before adding the shredded chicken back in.
  • This recipe works well as a casserole base; reduce the liquid slightly if using it as a thick binder.
  • Freeze cooled soup in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/homemade-cream-of-chicken-soup-scratch-recipe/