Creamy Chicken Soup is a dish that warms the heart and comforts the soul. It’s a family favorite in many homes, and for a good reason. With its rich texture and delightful flavors, it’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave a cozy meal. My first taste of this soup instantly took me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of simmering chicken filled the air, inviting everyone to gather around the table. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug, simple yet satisfying, making it ideal for any occasion.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Creamy Chicken Soup is the perfect blend of ease and elegance. Not only does it come together quickly, but it’s also budget-friendly, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner that won’t break the bank. The comforting, creamy nature of the soup is kid-approved, often raved about by picky eaters. It’s a great dish for family gatherings, providing nourishment in a delightful way that even the youngest will love.
“This soup is my go-to for chilly nights! It’s creamy, filling, and absolutely delicious. My whole family asks for seconds every time!”
Step-by-step overview
Making this Creamy Chicken Soup is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll start by sautéing aromatic vegetables, then create a savory broth filled with tender noodles and chicken. The process is quite forgiving, perfect for those who may not be culinary wizards. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal that feels gourmet.
What you’ll need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to customize this list! If you don’t have heavy cream, half-and-half works too. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Directions to follow
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re tender.
- Once the noodles are cooked, reduce the heat and add the shredded chicken and heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld those delicious flavors.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Best ways to enjoy it
This Creamy Chicken Soup is delightful on its own but can be paired with various accompaniments. Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Alternatively, a fresh side salad can balance the richness of the soup nicely.
If you want to get creative, consider serving it in sourdough bread bowls for a fun twist. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of lemon juice can elevate the flavors even further.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers of your Creamy Chicken Soup can easily be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it’s best to do so on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as you usually would.
Helpful cooking tips
- For a more intense flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth.
- To save time, prep your vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the flavors.
Creative twists
There are countless ways to switch up this recipe! For a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. If you’re a fan of greens, throw in a handful of spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition. You could also try different proteins, such as turkey, or make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding beans or lentils.
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time for Creamy Chicken Soup?
The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, with a total cooking time of about 20 minutes.
Can I substitute the egg noodles?
Absolutely! You can use rice, gluten-free pasta, or even dumplings as a delicious alternative.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute to make it dairy-free. Just be mindful of the flavor transition!
PrintCreamy Chicken Soup
A heartfelt and comforting creamy chicken soup, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the diced carrots to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re tender.
- Once the noodles are cooked, reduce the heat and add the shredded chicken and heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld those delicious flavors.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce. You can also make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding beans or lentils.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
