Warm up on a chilly day with a comforting bowl of Cream of Chicken Soup. Rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken and vegetables, this homemade version is easy to make and infinitely more delicious than anything from a can.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in the milk or cream, shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, and dried rosemary (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to heat through.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the soup is too thick, you can add more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
8. Ladle the cream of chicken soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Variations:

• Add diced potatoes or cooked rice for a heartier soup.
• Stir in a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

Serving Tips:

• Serve this creamy soup with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Storage Tips:

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Information:

• This cream of chicken soup is a comforting and nutritious meal, packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables.

FAQs:

• Can I use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe? Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this soup and adds extra flavor.

Conclusion:

• Cream of Chicken Soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any time of year. With its creamy texture and savory flavor, it’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices for a personalized touch.