Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Alternative
Are you looking for a creamy and flavorful soup that is easy to make and does not require a trip to the grocery store? Look no further than this homemade cream of chicken soup recipe!
This recipe yields about 1 1/2 cups of soup, which is the same amount as a standard can. It takes only a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes to prepare. Plus, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking and even add in some chopped vegetables for added nutrition.
What You Need:
To start, you will need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1/2 cup of whole milk, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 cup of cooked and shredded chicken.
What To Do:
First, melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Then, add the flour to the melted butter, whisking constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes until it begins to turn a light golden color.
Next, add the chicken broth and whole milk to the roux, whisking constantly until well combined and smooth. Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to the saucepan, whisking to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the soup has thickened and the flavors have melded. Add the cooked and shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.
Remove the soup from heat and let it cool slightly before serving. You can also store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This homemade cream of chicken soup is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. It is also a great base for other recipes like casseroles, pot pies, and more. So, get creative and enjoy!
Substitutes & Additions For This Recipe
If you have allergies to any of the ingredients in the homemade cream of chicken soup recipe, there are a few substitutions you can make to accommodate your dietary needs.
Here are some ideas:
For unsalted butter: You can use a dairy-free or vegan butter substitute, such as Earth Balance or Miyoko's Kitchen, or you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil.
For all-purpose flour: You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, such as Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, or you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent.
For chicken broth: You can use vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube or powder to add flavor.
For whole milk: You can use a non-dairy milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. If you need a thicker consistency, you can use coconut milk or full-fat canned coconut cream.
For salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme: You can use other seasonings that you enjoy, such as dried basil, oregano, or parsley.
For cooked and shredded chicken: You can use cooked and shredded turkey, pork,or beef, or you can use a meat substitute such as tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version. Alternatively, you can omit the protein altogether for a vegetable-based cream soup.
Benefits Of Making This Recipe Homemade
There are several benefits to making cream of chicken soup at home. First, you have control over the ingredients, which allows you to tailor the recipe to your dietary needs and preferences. For example, you can use organic, free-range chicken or choose to use non-dairy milk for a vegan version.
Second, homemade cream of chicken soup is often more flavorful and nutritious than store-bought versions. By using fresh herbs and spices, you can enhance the taste of the soup without adding excess salt or preservatives.
Third, making cream of chicken soup at home is often more cost-effective than purchasing it pre-made. By using ingredients that you already have in your pantry and fridge, you can save money on expensive pre-packaged soups.
Rewarding & Worth It
Finally, making soup at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. It's a great way to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques, and it can be a comforting and nourishing meal to share with family and friends.
A Popular American Ingredient
Cream of chicken soup is a popular ingredient in many recipes, but its origins can be traced back to early American cooking. In the early 20th century, Campbell's Soup Company introduced condensed soups, including cream of chicken, which became a staple in American kitchens.
However, many people prefer to make their own cream of chicken soup, and this recipe is a simple and delicious way to do so. It is likely that variations of this recipe have been made in home kitchens for many years, using ingredients that were readily available.
The Use of Roux
The use of a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour, to thicken the soup is a traditional method that has been used for centuries. The addition of chicken broth and whole milk provides a rich and creamy base for the soup, while the seasonings, including garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme, add depth of flavor.
The use of cooked and shredded chicken adds protein to the soup, making it a satisfying and filling meal on its own or a versatile ingredient in other dishes.
A Classic Example of Home Cooking
Overall, this recipe for homemade cream of chicken soup is a classic example of simple, comforting, and delicious home cooking. It is likely that variations of this recipe will continue to be enjoyed in home kitchens for many years to come.
This homemade cream of chicken soup recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and pot pies.
Here are some examples:
Cream of Chicken Soup: Of course, the most obvious use for this recipe is to enjoy it as a soup on its own, perhaps paired with some crusty bread or crackers. You can also add in some cooked rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
Chicken and Dumplings: This classic Southern dish is made by simmering chicken and vegetables in a flavorful broth, then adding fluffy dumplings made from flour, milk, and eggs. Instead of using canned cream of chicken soup as many recipes call for, you can use this homemade version for a fresher, more flavorful dish.
Casseroles: Many casseroles call for cream of chicken soup as an ingredient, and this homemade version is a great substitute. You can use it in dishes like chicken and rice casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole, or green bean casserole. Try my recipe here: Quick and Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe for Busy Weeknights.
Pot Pies: Chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food that typically includes a creamy filling made with canned soup. This homemade version is a great substitute and can be used in other types of pot pies as well, like beef or vegetable. Try my Granny Sue’s recipe here: (Coming Soon!)
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas: This Mexican-inspired dish is typically made with a creamy sauce made from canned soup. You can use this homemade version for a fresher, more flavorful take on the classic dish.
Overall, this homemade cream of chicken soup is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in many different types of dishes. Don't be afraid to get creative and try it in your favorite recipes!
What To Do With Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this homemade cream of chicken soup, it's important to store them properly to ensure that they stay fresh and safe to eat.
Here's how to do it:
Let the soup cool: Before you can store the soup, you need to let it cool to room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the soup to a shallow container or putting it in an ice bath.
Choose a storage container: Once the soup is cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are good options. Alternatively, you can use resealable plastic bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Label and date the container: To keep track of how long the soup has been in the fridge or freezer, be sure to label the container with the contents and the date.
Refrigerate or freeze the soup: You can store leftover cream of chicken soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you won't be using it within that time frame, transfer it to the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
Reheat the soup: When you're ready to enjoy the soup again, you can reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe container, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
Remember to always use safe food handling practices when storing and reheating leftover soup. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, unusual texture, or discoloration, discard the soup immediately.
A Healthier Alternative
This homemade cream of chicken soup is a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought canned soup. By making it from scratch, you can control the ingredients, adjust the seasoning to your liking, and avoid any added preservatives or artificial flavors. Plus, you'll be amazed at how much better it tastes compared to the canned version!
This soup is not only versatile and easy to make, but it's also a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or vegetables. You can enjoy it as a soup on its own or use it as an ingredient in casseroles, pot pies, and other dishes.
By storing any leftovers properly, you can ensure that this homemade cream of chicken soup stays fresh and safe to eat. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you for it!