A homemade Cream of Chicken Soup is completely and utterly incomparable to the canned stuff. It’s silky and thick, with the subtle fragrance of thyme, and it tastes real.
Simple to make, this recipe is sure to become a favourite you’ll make over and over again!
Cream of Chicken Soup recipe
Growing up, I was “deprived” of canned soup. And such is the case when you’re a kid that you always want what you can’t have.
I got sent to school with bento boxes and eyed off my friends’ peanut butter sandwiches with jealousy. I looked forward to sleepovers, not only because of the excitement of staying at a friends’ place, but because I got to try food that my mother would never make.
Such as – soup from a can. I can’t believe how much I used to love that stuff!
(I also can’t believe that I used to be embarrassed being sent to school with bento boxes. It’s all the rage nowadays!)
At some point, I grew up, learned how to cook, found and made a homemade cream of chicken recipe.
And today, I shake my head, wondering how on earth I used to think canned soup was so delish.
Homemade cream of chicken soup is SO GOOD. If you like canned cream of chicken soup or those instant cup-a-soup packets, you are going to LOVE this!
This cream of chicken soup recipe is very straight forward. Thick, creamy, and it tastes real. The canned stuff is no comparison!
Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
This recipe is an updated version of a recipe I posted way back when I started RecipeTin Eats. The previous recipe was written starting with a homemade condensed cream of chicken soup – thick and gloopy like Campbell’s soup in a can.
I went through a phase when I made homemade condensed soup which I would then keep for a few days then later use to make a soup or casserole. However, I found that I haven’t made condensed soup in years, mainly because it can only be kept for a few days so it kind of defeats the purpose of that recipe. But in case you want it, I’ve kept it – click here to get the recipe for the homemade Cream of Chicken Soup!
This is what it looks like. I told you – gloopy!!
With just 395 calories for a meal size bowl, this cream of chicken soup recipe is healthier than most creamy soups because it’s made without cream. It’s far healthier than canned – lower in sodium, preservative free and other artificial additives.
And you can tell the difference with just one spoonful. It tastes so much better than canned, it’s almost a joke!
I know I’ve included croutons here, but nobody would ever say no to a side of crusty bread for dunking! Here are some of my favourites.
Soup Dunkers
I use this cream of chicken soup recipe as a base for making more fully loaded soups, filled out with noodles or rice, and more veggies. Such as this Cream of Vegetable Soup with Noodles.
But for this one, I wanted to share the “classic” version, like what you get out of the can. So it’s light on the veggies and chicken – but what you do see is the real deal, nice and fresh!
I really think you’ll love this. The subtle fragrance from the thyme is really lovely, I think that’s what seals the deal for me. 🙂
Enjoy! – Nagi xx
Cream of Chicken Soup recipe
WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe video! (Not my hands, I was just the “director”, videographer, editor, gofer, lighting person, stylist, script writer, recipe maker. 😉 The hands will be back on Friday for a weekend treat I’m super excited about! )
PS Also, I forgot celery when filming. Oops.
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Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 50 g / 3.5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup / 75 g flour
- 1 garlic clove , minced
- ½ small brown onion , finely chopped
- 1 small carrot , diced
- 1/2 red capsicum/bell pepper , finely chopped
- 1 small celery stick , diced
- 2 cups / 500 ml chicken stock / broth , preferably low sodium
- 3 cups / 750 ml milk , any fat %
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp EACH garlic powder , onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper (“Spices”)
- 3/4 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cooked chicken , diced or shredded
Croutons
- 2 slices white bread , cut into cubes
- Olive oil spray
- Salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until partly translucent but not browned.
- Add carrots, celery and capsicum, cook for 1 minute to soften.
- Add butter and melt. Then add flour and mix until incorporated, and stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Add broth, mix until flour is incorporated, then add milk. Mix to combine, then add salt, Spices, chicken and peas.
- Bring to simmer, mixing occasionally to stop bottom of sticking. As it heats, it will thicken – about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t let it bubble.
- Once thickened to your taste, adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve garnished with croutons and fresh thyme if desired.
- Croutons: Spray croutons generously with oil, sprinkle with salt, then bake for 5 minutes at 180C/350F or until golden and crunchy.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition Information:
And more creamy cream-less soups
Browse all Soups
LIFE OF DOZER
Dozer wants highlights too!
(Either that, or he’s crawling over me in a mad panic trying to escape 😈)
PS Yes, I live in a very dog friendly neighbourhood!
Rose says
Wonderful! Should have made double the portion though, only got 5 lunches in the freezer, we ate too much before I got it in the freezer containers.
I did add more carrot and celery but will add more next time, I cannot eat capsicum so omitted that.
I made the chicken stock from scratch so used both broth and chicken for the soup. The stock had such a good taste so decided to use 3 cups of stock and 2 cups of milk. Still got a wonderful creamy soup.
So will see which soup to make for next week 🙂
Nagi says
I absolutely love hearing that!!! I’m so pleased, thanks for letting me know Rose! N x
Ila Ulrich says
I would like to include this in my little dog’s meal. Will it taste good if I eliminate the onion and garlic?
Nagi says
For your dog? YES!!!!
Fran says
Just made your soup. OMG!!!!! Delicious
Thank you
Nagi says
I love hearing that Fran, thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed it! N x
Darice Murray says
I used your homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe to make my family’s favorite, “Chicken and Noodles.” They loved it! Tastes much better than canned soup.
Nagi says
I love hearing that Darice, thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed it! N x
James says
That looks yummy! I am drooling. Will have to cook it this weekend. Thank you for the recipe.
Nagi says
Hope you love it James!
Vana Antonopoulou says
Great recipe! I marinated the chicken with curry and skipped on the powdered onion and garlic (just chopped more in the beginning). Amazing!!!!
Nagi says
Love hearing that Vana! Thanks for letting me know – N x ❤️
Judy says
Hi. Can you use this recipe in making casseroles?
Nagi says
Absolutely!
Toston says
I made this tonight for dinner. It is such an easy recipe and so delicious!
Nagi says
That’s great to hear Toston, thanks for sharing your feedback! N x ❤️
Cheryl says
I made this today and it is awesome! My question is can it be frozen?
Nagi says
Yes it can! Mix well once you reheat it so it comes together again 🙂 N x
Alexis says
Just made this for dinner, it turned out delicious! I love the simple crouton topping too.
Nagi says
That’s terrific to hear Alexis! Thank you for sharing your feedback! N x ❤️
Jenn says
Dogs are the best Nagi! Mine share bed and table with me and I’m not ashamed to say so. I say Yes, let’s keep on loving them!
Nagi says
There is no shame in that! N x ❤️
Carol Chiasson says
Hi there Nagi, I happen to stumble on your site a few weeks ago, and by goly am I ever happy I did, I’ve tried a few of your recipies and they were DELICIOUS, and Easy. Thank you so much for sharing your recipies with us along with your very helpful tips. keep up your good work, and please Keep on smiling! 🙂
Mezzle says
Cream of Chicken soup is honestly one of my favouritest things in the whole entire world and I honestly did not know it could be make like this.. I thought it was just one of those instant soup flavour things. I feel so silly now! I really must try this recipe you made it look so easy! Does that mean cream of vegetable soup is the same thing but with vegetable broth? (that’s my second fave)… I too asian household was deprived of western ‘soup’. It’s still something I dont make all that often because we usually have asian broth (canh) which is fantastic but it doesn’t stop me from stocking all the flavours of ‘cuppa soup’ whenever woolys has a sale 🙂
Nagi says
Don’t feel silly Mezzle! I understand what you mean. 🙂 And yes I make cream of veggie soup just like this with veg broth, no chicken, more veggies! N xx
Barbara Harilaou says
Ηey Nagi the weather is still pretty warm here in Corfu . Your soup looks so delish I’m afraid I’m gonna have to wait to try it a little while longer until the weather cools down a little. I think Dozer got little jealous and probably wanted a hair cut too.Cuteeeeeeeeee.Have a great week.
Nagi says
Does it ever get cool in Corfu??? I did a whole heap of research on Corfu when I planned to travel there a few years back! PS Really had to resist asking for pink streaks in his tail…..
Marsha H says
I’m sort of new to your blog and I’m so impressed with your recipes, how easy and tasty they are, and how thorough your instructions are. This soup was too yummy–I overate a bit. But I needed some serious comfort food today, so I’m glad I made it. Do you think it would freeze well? Thanks for your Down Under down-to-earth blog and fabulous recipes and gorgeous photos!!
Nagi says
Hi Marsha, I’m so pleased you’re enjoying my recipes, thank you! Yes this will freeze well. 🙂 Just defrost and reheat!
Carol says
Hi Nagi, made this soup today and have to say it’s delicious. Did add a bit more onion salt to taste but otherwise superb! I have to tell you I have a book where I only put my all time favourites, I already have quite a few of your recipes in it.😊 My husband said today after eating this soup it’s definitely book worthy 👍👍Thank s Nagi
Nagi says
This made The Book? 😂 I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for the great review Carol! N xx
Carol says
Forgot to say I LOVE Dozer, he’s such a character 😊
Nagi says
And he knows it too 🙄
Jen says
Hi Nagi, I made this for my flu ridden family and it went down a treat. They all enjoyed it thoroughly and went back for seconds. Perfect winter comfort food. Thanks heaps for yet another great recipe.
Nagi says
Sorry to hear the family is not well, but I’m glad they found some comfort in this soup! Hope everyone gets better soon – N xx
Marta says
I don’t usually comment, but this time I have to.
It looks absolutely amazing! And as the biggest fan of chicken, I will definitely try this next week, as I come back from trip.
Keep up the awesome work and see ya! 🙂
Nagi says
Hi Marta! Hope you do try it, it’s SO GOOD! Enjoy your trip, safe travels! N xx
Eha says
Remember my older daughter at her first luncheon in a rather posh Rome restaurant at age of about seven asking the head waiter whether the tomato soup she fancied was made with ‘real tomatoes’: she was tomato soup crazy at the time. I got a rather ‘dirty look’ from the gentleman before he bowed to her and said ‘Signorina, it certainly does not come from a Heinz tin’ !!! And she and her sister got a handheld trip into the kitchen to see her soup prepared 🙂 !! Lovely recipe, Nagi . . . I’ll use more onion and garlic . . . Oh, Dozer – no hairdresser will be able to put the glorious highlights his coat already sports into your hair I am afraid :_) !!
Nagi says
Ohhhhh! I love hearing that Eha, I can just imagine the haughty attitude, ha ha ha!!! ❤️
Eha says
Actually, no – Italians are much ‘softer’ than the French and Germans in such latters. Just everyone, very much including my husband dear, had a laugh at my expense: true enough, on busy social nights back home, the occasional tinned soup had slipped thru’ the net 🙂 !!
Nagi says
Ha ha!!!! I love the vision! 🙂 N xx
Dhanya Samuel says
A classic that I love, especially when its homemade.
Nagi says
AGREED! N x