Creamy Winter Comfort: Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 (as a first course) or 2 (as a main dish)
Calories per Serving: 363.4
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 from 64 reviews)

Description:

Warm up your winter nights with this comforting Cream of Chicken Soup. Perfect as a standalone meal with a side salad and crusty French bread or as an elegant starter for a dinner party. This recipe is ideal for using leftover baked chicken, combining rich flavors with a creamy texture that will satisfy any appetite.

Ingredients:

• 6 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Gather all the ingredients and chop celery, onion, and garlic as specified.

2. Saute Aromatics:

   • In a large heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Saute until they are soft and translucent.

3. Add Flour:

   • Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sauteed vegetables. Mix well to combine.

4. Cook Flour Mixture:

   • Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. This will help cook off the raw flour taste.

5. Add Liquid Ingredients:

   • Gradually pour in milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, stirring constantly to incorporate and prevent lumps.

6. Thicken Soup:

   • Cook and stir until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This usually takes a few minutes.

7. Season the Soup:

   • Stir in white pepper, black pepper, salt, and ground cayenne pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste preferences.

8. Incorporate Chicken:

   • Add cooked chicken pieces (leftover baked chicken works great here) into the soup mixture. Stir well to combine.

9. Simmer:

   • Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

10. Serve:

    • Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot with crusty French bread on the side.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 363.4
• Total Fat: 27.7g
  • Saturated Fat: 16.2g
• Cholesterol: 96.1mg
• Sodium: 1061.8mg
• Carbohydrates: 12.8g
  • Fiber: 0.7g
  • Sugars: 1.2g
• Protein: 15.8g

Tips for Perfect Cream of Chicken Soup:

• Chicken: Use leftover baked or roasted chicken for added flavor and convenience.
• Consistency: Adjust the thickness by adding more or less flour depending on your preference.
• Seasoning: Don’t skip on the white pepper and cayenne for that extra depth of flavor.
• Storage: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated gently on the stove.

Enjoy this Cream of Chicken Soup as a heartwarming dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether served as a main course or an elegant starter, its creamy texture and rich flavor will surely impress.