Deliciously Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy chicken and mushroom soup to warm your soul. This rich and savory dish blends the earthy flavors of mushrooms with tender chicken, creating a comforting soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal on a chilly day or looking to impress your guests with a flavorful starter, this creamy chicken and mushroom soup is sure to satisfy. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make this classic dish, including a detailed recipe, cooking tips, and variations to suit your taste.
What is Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup?
Creamy chicken and mushroom soup is a rich, comforting dish made by combining tender chicken with sautéed mushrooms in a creamy broth. The result is a soup that’s both hearty and satisfying, perfect for cold weather or a cozy dinner. Traditionally, this soup is made with chicken breast or thigh, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and a blend of seasonings. The creamy texture is achieved by incorporating heavy cream or a roux made from flour and butter.
This classic recipe not only offers a delicious meal but also provides the flexibility to customize it to your liking. From using different types of mushrooms to experimenting with various seasonings, the possibilities are endless. The key is to balance the flavors and textures to create a comforting and flavorful soup that everyone will love.
Ingredients for a Perfect Creamy Mushroom Soup
To create the best creamy chicken and mushroom soup, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Start with high-quality chicken breast or thigh, which provides a rich, tender base. Fresh cremini mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a satisfying texture to the soup. You’ll also need onions, garlic, and a blend of seasonings like salt, pepper, and thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
For the creamy element, you’ll use heavy cream or a combination of milk and flour to create a roux. Chicken broth is essential for building the base of the soup, giving it depth and richness. Adding a splash of white wine or sherry can elevate the flavors even further.
How to Cook Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup
- Sauté the Vegetables: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened and aromatic.
- Brown the Chicken: Add diced chicken breast or thigh to the pot, cooking until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing rich, savory flavors in your soup.
- Add the Mushrooms: Stir in sliced mushrooms, allowing them to cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown. This process enhances the mushroom flavor and adds depth to the soup.
- Create the Roux: In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for a few minutes until it turns golden brown, then gradually add it to the soup base to thicken the mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Finally, stir in heavy cream or milk for a creamy finish.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to ensure everything is well combined and heated through. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.
Using a Slow Cooker for Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup
- Prepare Ingredients: Sauté onions and garlic as directed, then add them to the slow cooker along with diced chicken, mushrooms, and seasonings.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in chicken broth and a splash of white wine or sherry. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Finish the Soup: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream or milk to add creaminess. Thicken the soup with a roux if desired.
Substitutions and Variations for Your Soup Recipe
- For Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quicker option. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth.
- For Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms are great, but you can also use button mushrooms, shiitake, or portobello for different flavors.
- For Cream: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- For Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you prefer a vegetarian soup.
Freezing and Storing Creamy Chicken Soup
- Cool the Soup: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers.
- Freeze: Store the soup in the freezer for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
- Reheat: Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture
To ensure your soup has a creamy, smooth texture:
- Use a Roux: A roux made from flour and butter helps thicken the soup and gives it a velvety consistency.
- Blend if Needed: For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup.
- Adjust Cream: Add heavy cream gradually, stirring to achieve the desired creaminess without overpowering the flavors.
Why Use Chicken Broth in Your Soup?
Chicken broth is essential for adding depth and richness to your creamy chicken and mushroom soup. It provides a savory base that complements the chicken and mushrooms, enhancing the overall flavor. For a lighter option, you can use vegetable broth or a combination of broth and water.
Best Mushrooms for Your Creamy Chicken Soup
The type of mushrooms you use can greatly impact the flavor of your soup. Cremini mushrooms are a popular choice for their rich, earthy flavor. Shiitake mushrooms add an intense umami flavor, while portobello mushrooms offer a meaty texture. Experiment with different mushrooms to find your favorite combination.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes for Chicken Mushroom Soup
To elevate your creamy chicken and mushroom soup, consider adding garnishes like chopped parsley, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For extra flavor, drizzle with a bit of truffle oil or a splash of lemon juice.
1. What ingredients do I need for creamy chicken and mushroom soup?
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Mushrooms (white or cremini)
- Chicken broth or stock
- Heavy cream or a combination of cream and milk
- Onions, garlic, and carrots
- Olive oil or butter for sautéing
- Flour for thickening (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs such as thyme or parsley
2. How do I make the soup creamy?
- Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until they are soft and browned.
- Add flour if you’re making a roux to thicken the soup. Cook the flour with butter or oil for a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the heavy cream towards the end of cooking. Allow the soup to simmer gently so the cream combines well without curdling.
- Blend the soup if you prefer a smoother texture, using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
3. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
- Sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Add the sautéed vegetables, chicken, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in the cream at the end of the cooking time and allow it to heat through before serving.
4. Can I freeze creamy chicken and mushroom soup?
- Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Label and date the container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove. Be aware that cream-based soups may change in texture after freezing.
5. What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
- Add vegetables such as peas, spinach, or green beans for extra nutrients.
- Use different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, for a richer flavor.
- Incorporate spices such as paprika, nutmeg, or cayenne for added depth.
- Swap out the chicken for rotisserie chicken or turkey.
- Use alternative creams, like half-and-half or coconut milk, for different dietary needs or flavor profiles.
Summary
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Use fresh chicken, mushrooms, and chicken broth for the best flavor.
- Sauté Before Adding to Soup: Browning the chicken and mushrooms adds depth to the flavor.
- Use a Roux for Creaminess: Flour and butter create a rich, velvety texture.
- Customize to Your Taste: Try different mushrooms, cream alternatives, and broth options.
- Freeze and Reheat: Make ahead and store for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain texture.Print
creamy chicken and mushroom soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Learn how to make creamy chicken and mushroom soup with tender chicken and savory mushrooms. Perfect for a comforting meal anytime.
Ingredients
Scale- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into one-inch chunks
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or chopped
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken breast with sea salt and black pepper. Add chicken to the pot and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the chicken is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pot. Once melted, add thyme, garlic, onion, carrots, and mushrooms. Season with additional sea salt and black pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 6 minutes until garlic is fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in chicken broth, frozen peas, and heavy cream. Increase heat to medium-high and cover the pot.
- Simmer and Serve: Cook until the soup is heated through and bubbly, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 cups
- Calories: 272kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 562mg
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 96mg
Keywords: creamy chicken mushroom soup, chicken and mushroom soup, creamy mushroom chicken soup, rich mushroom chicken soup
