Cream of chicken soup is a popular and versatile soup that is made with chicken broth, cream, and chunks of chicken meat. It’s a creamy and comforting dish that can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in various recipes. Here’s a basic recipe for homemade cream of chicken soup:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs like thyme, parsley, or rosemary for added flavor
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and the onions are translucent.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cooked chicken to the pot and simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the heavy cream or milk, and stir well. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the soup is heated through.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any optional herbs you prefer.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Serve the cream of chicken soup hot, and you can garnish it with fresh herbs, croutons, or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired. This soup is also commonly used as a base for casseroles, pot pies, or other recipes that call for a creamy chicken base.