Homemade cream of chicken soup fills my kitchen with a cozy smell. It reminds me of my childhood. My mom made it on cold days, making our home warm and inviting.
Waiting at the dinner table, each bowl full of steam, was exciting. I knew homemade was better than canned. This soup is not just tasty but also warms the heart.
It’s great for many dishes or just on its own. Making it from scratch adds freshness and health to any meal. Are you ready to make this comforting soup with me? Let’s start making our own homemade cream of chicken soup!
What is Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup?
Homemade cream of chicken soup is a rich and velvety base. It’s made with chicken broth, milk, and flour. This mix makes any dish taste better.
It’s different from canned soup because it uses real ingredients. This makes it taste better and is healthier.
This soup is great for many things. You can eat it as a meal, use it in casseroles, or as a base for other soups. Making it at home is easy and fun. It connects you to cooking.
The recipe needs just six ingredients: flour, butter, salt, pepper, milk, and chicken broth. It only takes 10 minutes to cook. This makes it perfect for busy people.
One recipe makes four servings, with about 205 calories each. You can add evaporated milk or cream for a creamier soup. Using gluten-free flour is also an option for those with dietary restrictions.
Homemade cream of chicken soup is not just good for you. It also makes your heart feel warm with its delicious taste.
Benefits of Making Homemade Soup
Making homemade cream of chicken soup is great. It lets me enjoy a meal that’s good for me. I can pick the ingredients I like, avoiding bad stuff found in store soups.
Healthier Ingredients
Homemade soup means I choose fresh, healthy ingredients. I use homemade chicken broth and organic milk. This makes my soup better for me.
Store soups have too much salt. They can have over 800 milligrams of sodium. My soup has about 267 milligrams per serving. That’s much better.
Cost-Effective Cooking
Homemade soup is also good for your wallet. It only needs five ingredients, unlike canned soups with 22. This saves money.
The ingredients like flour and milk are cheap. I can use them in other recipes too. Making a big batch means I can freeze leftovers. This saves time and money.
| Ingredient | Canned Version | Homemade Version |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Content (per serving) | 800+ mg | 267 mg |
| Fat Content (per serving) | 7 g | 8 g (5 g saturated) |
| Protein (per serving) | Varies | 1 g |
| Total Ingredients | 22 | 5 |
| Prep Time | Varies | Less than 4 minutes |
Easy Chicken Soup Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
Making a tasty homemade cream of chicken soup is easy. You just need the right ingredients. This recipe is simple and uses quality items for a great comfort food.
Here are the must-haves and some extra seasonings to make your soup even better.
Essential Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup (75 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500 ml) low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup of milk (750 ml total liquid when combined with the broth)
These basics make a creamy and tasty soup. You can have it ready in just 20 minutes.
Optional Seasonings for Extra Flavor
- Celery salt
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs like parsley
Try adding a bouillon cube for more chicken taste. You can also play with spices to make it your own. This makes your soup even more delicious.
How to Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Making homemade cream of chicken soup is fun and warms your heart. It only takes a few ingredients to make a creamy soup like the canned kind. This recipe cooks in about 5 minutes and makes 1 ⅓ cups, just like one can.
Here are the steps and tips to make your soup perfect every time.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Gradually add flour while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the mixture reaches a consistency similar to wet sand.
- Slowly incorporate chicken broth while continuing to whisk until smooth.
- Add warm milk and whisk until the mixture is creamy and lump-free.
- Bring the mixture to a near boil while constantly whisking to maintain a velvety texture.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Consistency
To avoid a chunky texture, I keep the heat low and whisk constantly. For a smooth soup like canned ones, purée it through a fine mesh strainer. The soup gets thicker as it cools.
I stop heating it when it’s the right thickness. It will thicken a bit more after that.
Using Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup as a Substitute
Homemade cream of chicken soup is a great swap for canned soup. It tastes fresh and is healthier than store-bought. You can make enough for two 14 oz. cans, making it versatile for many dishes.
It’s perfect for casseroles, gravies, and sauces. It adds a homemade touch that canned soups can’t. Plus, it’s ready in about 10 minutes.
You can change the flavors to your liking. Add herbs, garlic, or spices for a unique taste. This way, you get a fresher taste and control over what goes into your food.
Using homemade cream of chicken soup is good for your cooking and health. Try it in your next dish to see the difference.
Storage Tips for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Storing homemade cream of chicken soup right is key. It keeps the soup tasty and creamy. After making it, think about how to store it for later.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Put leftover soup in an airtight container. It stays good for a week in the fridge. Cool it fast to stop bacteria.
Let it cool down to room temperature. Then, put it in the fridge. Make sure it’s 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
Freezing Options and Duration
Freezing is great for keeping soup longer. Use freezer-safe containers and cool it down first. This keeps it smooth and prevents separation.
It can stay frozen for up to four months. Leave some space at the top for expansion. When thawing, let it thaw slowly in the fridge.
Reheat it well to mix everything together again. This keeps the soup’s taste and texture.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 1 week | Store in an airtight container; cool before refrigerating. |
| Freezing | Up to 4 months | Use freezer-safe containers; allow for expansion. |
| Thawing | Overnight in refrigerator | Reheat and whisk to smooth consistency. |
Creative Ways to Use Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Homemade cream of chicken soup is great for many dishes. It adds rich flavor and creamy texture. It’s perfect for casseroles or new soups.
In Casseroles and Bakes
Homemade cream of chicken soup makes casseroles special. It turns simple meals into comfort food. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Chicken and rice bake
- Cheesy potato casseroles
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole
The soup keeps casseroles moist and flavorful. It’s also great for freezing. This way, I can enjoy warm meals later.
As a Base for Other Soups
This soup is great for making other soups. I add:
- Fresh vegetables
- Extra broth
- Cooked chicken
These ingredients make the soup into hearty dishes. It’s perfect for chicken noodle or creamy vegetable soup. This soup is a great base for easy meal prep.
Homemade Soup from Scratch: Simplifying Your Cooking
Making homemade soup from scratch makes my kitchen run smoothly. It’s great on busy days. With simple ingredients, I make a nourishing soup that saves time. Cooking ahead and in bulk means tasty meals are ready, even when it’s hectic.
Tips for Simplifying Meal Prep
Being organized helps a lot. Here are some tips for easy meal prep:
- Prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Chop veggies and measure spices when you’re not busy.
- Make big batches of soup and freeze it for later meals.
- Use freezer-safe containers for quick soup access during the week.
Making Cooking More Convenient
Having homemade soup makes meal planning easy. It’s perfect with a salad or bread for a complete dinner. This makes weeknight dinners fun and healthy, without losing flavor.
| Recipe Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipe Yield | 2 cups |
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Total Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Recommended Freezing Portion Size | 1.5 cups (equivalent to 1 can of soup) |
| Recommended Storage Duration | Up to 5 days in the refrigerator |
Why I Love My Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Making my homemade cream of chicken soup warms my kitchen. It’s more than food; it’s family tradition. Every time I make it, I think of happy times with my family.
The smell of the soup makes everyone feel better. It’s a special dish that brings us together.
Personal Touch and Family Traditions
My recipe has flavors from my family’s past. The butter, onion, and garlic make it rich and deep. It reminds me of family dinners filled with laughter and stories.
The soup has chicken stock, cooked chicken, and flour for a smooth taste. Heavy cream adds a creamy touch. It’s a soup that feels like home.
Sharing this recipe with my family has brought us closer. It’s not just about the soup; it’s about the time we spend together. These moments make me want to keep this tradition alive for my family’s future.
Final Thoughts on Homemade Comfort Food
Thinking about homemade creamy chicken soup makes me feel warm inside. It’s perfect for cold nights or when I need a boost. The soup’s rich taste and creamy feel remind me that food can heal our hearts and bodies.
Making this soup is special because it brings my family together. We enjoy every step, from cooking veggies to simmering chicken. It’s these moments that make a meal unforgettable.
Every spoonful of this soup shows the love in my cooking. It’s great to share with family or enjoy alone. So, let’s cook and fill our homes with its cozy smell.
