Chicken Soup is a comfort food classic, so this creamy chicken soup is one of my Mom’s recipes that I just had to learn. I’ve filled it with chicken, celery, carrots, broth, garlic, and plenty of seasonings. Thanks to heavy cream and white wine, every spoonful has the creamiest, silkiest texture. I have to say, the flavor is unbeatable. It’s not an exaggeration to say this rich and creamy chicken soup is one of my favorite recipes of all time.

overhead view of creamy chicken soup in a bowl, slices of carrots, shredded chicken, and seasonings are visible on the surface, a soup spoon lays at the left-side of the bowl

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I think this is truly the best chicken soup recipe ever, one that our family can’t get enough of, and I hope your family loves it too.

Why We Love This Chicken Soup Recipe

I’ve realized that making chicken soup from scratch is so easier than I once thought! Chicken, broth, veggies, and the best ingredients to season and create the right texture make up the bulk of this homemade recipe. This is my favorite recipe that my Mom makes, I’ve made it countless times for family and friends. Everyone that tries this soup asks for the recipe. It is a standout.

  • Creamy. The thing that really makes this the best chicken soup for me is the silky texture. Creamy is always more comforting!
  • Homemade. Making soup from scratch is well worth the effort for ultimate flavor.
  • Family favorite. This recipe has been a favorite in my family for the longest time, and now it’s been a reader favorite for years too!

Variations

I love to add potatoes to this creamy chicken soup. When wanting to bulk things up a bit, I bake or steam a couple of Yukon Gold potatoes until tender, chop them into 1” cubes, and add them to the soup right before serving! I also love this soup spooned over a baked potato for a unique and delicious twist.

close up view into a pot of homemade chicken soup
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How to Store and Reheat

I always let homemade chicken soup cool to room temperature before storing. Pour it into an airtight container, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

I like to reheat on the stovetop, simmering and stirring until fully heated through. I always stir in a bit of heavy cream to revive the creaminess.

How to Freeze Chicken Soup

This creamy chicken soup recipe actually freezes really well, so add it to your list of freezer meals! After it has cooled, I pour it into an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months. I also pour portions into resealable bags and freeze flat on a tray. That is a great way to give this meal as a gift to new moms or a family that you want to help with meal planning.

When ready to serve, I thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

I do not recommend freezing if you’ve added potatoes to the soup like I talked about above.

Serving Suggestions

I’ve found that the creamy texture of this easy chicken soup recipe makes it perfect for pairing with breads to help scoop or soak up the broth. I love to serve it with skillet bread, rosemary focaccia, cheddar bay biscuits, or homemade naan.

three-quarters view into a bowl of creamy chicken soup with vegetables.

More Chicken Soup Recipes We Love

5-Star Reviews

  • “I found this recipe several years ago and I’ve made this soup several times since. It’s so good!” – Catie
  • “Oh my goodness! This is the best soup in the world! I served it on a cold wintry night with crusty bread and it hit the spot.” – Carolyn
  • “This is my favorite soup ever! I’ve made it so many times and every time I make it for someone, they say it tastes like a very rich, exquisite soup like something you would get at a fancy restaurant! It is so amazing!!!” – Kim

Step by Step

How to make Creamy Chicken Soup

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Recipe Card

Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe

4.72 from 219 votes
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 8 bowls
Author: Susie Gall
featured creamy chicken soup
This homemade creamy chicken soup recipe is super creamy and filled with flavor. It's the most comforting bowl of soup you'll ever eat!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
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Ingredients 

For the Roux

For the Soup

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 6 carrots peeled and cut into ⅛-inch slices
  • 2 ribs celery cut into ⅛-inch slices
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup dry or semi-dry white wine
  • cups half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 3 dried bay leaves
  • teaspoon herbs de Provence
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric optional
  • ½ teaspoon ground paprika optional
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 5 cups cooked chicken cubed or shredded – rotisserie chicken works well (see note)

Optional Garnishes

Instructions 

For the Roux

  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan then sprinkle the flour on top. Whisk quickly until well combined. Cook, whisking occasionally, until the roux turns light golden brown. Slowly, while whisking, add 1-cup chicken stock to the roux and whisk vigorously until smooth. Remove the roux from the heat and set it aside while combining other ingredients.
    2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

For the Soup

  • In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil over Med-High heat. Add the carrots and celery, sauté 5 minutes; stir occasionally. Add the diced onions and cook 3 additional minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds – just long enough for the garlic to bloom.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 6 carrots, 2 ribs celery, 1 medium yellow onion, 1 clove garlic
    carrots, onions and celery in a pan.
  • Slowly add 1 cup of broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze the pan. Add the rest of the broth and the wine, the roux and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir often..
    3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, ¼ cup dry or semi-dry white wine
    a pot with a yellow liquid in it.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add all other ingredients except the garnishes.
    3½ cups half-and-half, 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, 3 dried bay leaves, 1½ teaspoon herbs de Provence, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 5 cups cooked chicken
    a pot with a yellow liquid in it.
  • Simmer 15 minutes then taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary. This is the time to add salt or pepper, if desired. Continue to simmer the soup until it thickens, about 30-45 minutes more, or to the desired consistency.
    chicken noodle soup in a pan with a wooden spoon.
  • Discard the bay leaves.
  • Garnish with sprinklings of shredded Gruyere and fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread.
    Freshly shredded Gruyere cheese, Chopped fresh parsley

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • Creamy Chicken Soup is delicious served over baked potatoes.
  • A variation: Potatoes are delicious added to this soup. I like to bake or steam a couple of Yukon Gold potatoes until tender, chop them into 1” cubes and add to the soup right before serving.
  • If the soup doesn’t thicken to your liking, add 2 tablespoons cornstarch to ¼ cup cold milk/cream, stir and add it to the soup. Bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes, stir often. Reduce heat to LOW and simmer until desired thickness.
  • Creamy Chicken Soup freezes well. It will keep up to 3 months. Be sure no potatoes are added before freezing.
  • We love to use shredded rotisserie chicken in this soup. It makes things quick and easy. Do not use smoked rotisserie chicken because it will change the overall taste significantly.
Serving: 1bowlCalories: 444kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 26gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 166mgPotassium: 538mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 8408IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 153mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

How to Make Creamy Chicken Soup Step by Step

Make a roux: Heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan, then sprinkle the flour on top. Whisk quickly until well combined. Cook, whisking occasionally, until the roux turns light golden brown. Slowly, while still whisking, add 1 cup of chicken stock, and whisk vigorously until smooth. Remove the roux from the heat and set it aside.

roux in a pan.

Sautee vegetables: In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add 6 carrots (peeled and cut into 1/8 inch slices) and 2 stalks of celery (cut into 1/8 inch slices), then sauté 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the diced onions (1 yellow onion) and cook 3 additional minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add 1 clove of minced garlic, and cook 30 seconds (just long enough for the garlic to bloom).

carrots, onions and celery in a pot.

Add liquid and deglaze: Slowly add 1 cup of chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits of veggies. Then add the rest of the broth (2 cups) and 1/4 cup of a dry white wine. Stir in the roux and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.

Add the rest of the ingredients: Reduce the heat to low and add all other ingredients. 3 1/2 cups of half and half; 2 tablespoons of chicken base granules; 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper; 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley; 3 dried bay leaves; 1 1/2 teaspoons of Herbs de Provence; and 5 cups of cooked chicken (shredded or cubed).

Simmer the soup: Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, then taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Continue to simmer the soup until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 30-45 minutes more.

cream of chicken soup in a pot with a wooden spoon.

Serve: Once it’s done, discard the bay leaves, garnish with sprinklings of shredded Gruyere and fresh parsley, and enjoy!

What is a roux?

A roux is a simple mixture that combines equal parts flour and fat (like butter or oil) and is briefly cooked. This mixture is used to thicken liquids, like soups or sauces.

What’s the best kind of chicken to use in chicken soup?

Use chicken that has already been fully cooked. A rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, shredded chicken, or cubed chicken all work fine in this recipe. If you are cooking something fresh for this recipe, try this pan-seared chicken breast.

How do you thicken chicken soup?

We use a roux to thicken the soup base. If the soup doesn’t thicken to your liking, add 2 tablespoons cornstarch to ¼ cup cold milk/cream, stir, then add it to the soup. Bring to a boil and cook 5 minutes, stir often. Reduce heat to LOW and simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.

How do you make chicken soup creamy?

Half and half is my secret ingredient to make the creamiest chicken soup recipe.

How long do you cook chicken soup on the stove?

Let the soup simmer anywhere from 45-60 minutes, until it reaches your desired thickness and consistency.

Meet Susie Gall

Susie Gall is Becky's mom and a seasoned recipe developer and home cook. Everyone who tastes Susie's food says it's the best they have ever had. Susie has been cooking for family and friends for over 60 years. You can find more of her amazing recipes on her food blog, Simply Sated.

4.72 from 219 votes (157 ratings without comment)
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268 Comments
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Tab
Tab
February 27, 2014 5:19 pm

Just made this tonight! Sooooooo yummy on a cold evening!!! Thanks for sharing the recipe!! XOXO Tab

becky gall hardin
becky gall hardin
February 27, 2014 9:14 pm
Reply to  Tab

this totally made my night!!! we are so glad you loved it! <3

Linda
Linda
February 23, 2014 2:40 pm

Just made this soup (seems like it make around 4 quarts) and and sharing with my daughter and her family for dinner. It is absolutely delicious!

becky gall hardin
becky gall hardin
February 24, 2014 9:22 am
Reply to  Linda

I’m so glad!!! that is wonderful to hear :)

Kari Nelson
Kari Nelson
February 17, 2014 9:30 pm

This was SO GOOD!! I substituted evaporated skim milk (about 2 cups/ 1 can) and then skim milk for the rest, instead of the cream. I got this trick from a healthy cookbook, to substitute out evaporated skim milk for heavy cream. This recipe was SO GOOD! I can’t say it enough. I toasted a piece of sourdough bread and broke it up on top, and topped with parmesan cheese. It was the most delicious soup ever- thanks for a great recipe!!

becky gall hardin
becky gall hardin
February 18, 2014 10:37 am
Reply to  Kari Nelson

what a GREAT tip for lightening it up! I will have to try that next time I make this (which will be soon lol). so glad you loved it, thanks for stopping by!

Vanessa G.
Vanessa G.
February 17, 2014 3:31 pm

How long do you keep it on low for (after bringing it to a boil)? And how often do you recommend stirring it so it doesn’t burn? Making it now and looking forward to trying it!

Susie G
Susie G
February 17, 2014 3:48 pm
Reply to  Vanessa G.

Hey Vanessa, Susie here (Becky’s mom). I let it simmer 20-30 minutes until it thickens a little and comes to the consistency I like. This isn’t a soup I would leave unattended (even on low) since it has cream and cheese in it. I stir it at least every 3-4 minutes. I use the time it simmers to prepare bread and salad and I’m in the kitchen while it simmers. Thanks so much for trying this soup. I hope you love it as much as we do.

Vanessa G.
Vanessa G.
February 20, 2014 10:45 am
Reply to  Susie G

This soup is just as great as it sounds!! I followed the recipe exactly. I did not have provincial herbs on hand but looked up a recipe online (http://homecooking.about.com/od/allherbrecipes/r/blherb9.htm) and had everything but the savory (substituted with tarragon). I made it during the day and I was able to let it sit on low for about 1-1/2 hours but stirred about every 10 minutes so it wouldn’t burn. I also didn’t add the cheese until I served it. So so delicious! Thank you for sharing the family recipe! I will definitely make it again and double the recipe so I have some to freeze!

becky gall hardin
becky gall hardin
February 20, 2014 10:50 am
Reply to  Vanessa G.

that is wonderful to hear! thanks so much for letting us know you loved it!! made my day :)

huntfortheverybest
huntfortheverybest
February 17, 2014 9:45 am

i’ve never had creamy chicken soup, but it does look wonderful especially in this weather!

tattted
tattted
February 16, 2014 8:06 am

could this be made into a chicken noodle version

becky gall hardin
becky gall hardin
February 16, 2014 10:37 am
Reply to  tattted

Hi! Yes, I think you could, as long as you add cooked noodles. I have never tried that, but it sounds yummy!

Abbie
Abbie
February 12, 2014 2:54 pm

Does the T stand for teaspoon or tablespoon??

becky gall hardin
becky gall hardin
February 12, 2014 3:29 pm
Reply to  Abbie

Tablespoon. Thanks for checking out the recipe!

Susie G
Susie G
February 12, 2014 3:33 pm
Reply to  Abbie

Hi Abbie, (Susie here – Becky’s mom) The capital “T” stand for tablespoon and a lower-case “t” stands for teaspoon. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Abbie
Abbie
February 12, 2014 3:59 pm
Reply to  Susie G

Awesome thank you making it right now!!

becky gall hardin
becky gall hardin
February 12, 2014 4:15 pm
Reply to  Abbie

yay!!!! let us know how you like (LOVE) it! :)

Donna
Donna
February 7, 2014 7:18 pm

Made this soup tonight and it was so good! We loved it! I added cubes of yukon gold potatoes and used parmesan instead of gruyere (to save myself a trip to the store!). It definitely made the keep recipe file, which is hard to do. :-) Look forward to making more of your recipes!

becky gall hardin
becky gall hardin
February 7, 2014 9:45 pm
Reply to  Donna

That is awesome! Love the idea of using Parmesan in a pinch, I think that would taste great. Thanks so much for your comment :) so glad you loved it!

LaTonya
LaTonya
February 7, 2014 8:27 am

That looks awesome !! Will try it.

becky gall hardin
becky gall hardin
February 7, 2014 8:33 am
Reply to  LaTonya

let us know how you like it!! thanks for stopping by :)

Jordan
Jordan
February 7, 2016 9:38 am

I am a new wife trying to gain some great meals in my repertoire and made this soup last night. Wow! Beyond amazing. I was so excited first off that I made it correctly and secondly that it turned out so delicious! Thank you for sharing! I have already shared the recipe with several family members. This will be my go to chicken noodle soup for sure!

Ann
Ann
March 11, 2016 2:36 pm

Are those noodles or is that cheese in the soup? Also can the wine be left out & can I use vegetable stock or broth instead of chicken to make this soup meatless/ Thank you!

Angela Althide
Angela Althide
February 1, 2014 10:42 pm

love this soup!! Even had the very own, Susie, make it for me. What an honor and hopefully I will make it one day!

Dixie Lidia
Dixie Lidia
March 31, 2017 9:27 am
Reply to  Angela Althide

Need do you know how to make the creamy chicken soup . When I click on make it The screen jumps to something else

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