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As the seasons change and the weather gets colder, a warm bowl of homemade cream of chicken soup is perfect. This dish was a favorite in our home when I was growing up. The smell of chicken broth and spices always meant it was time to eat.
Now, as a busy parent, I love making this soup again. I’m excited to share my easy and delicious homemade cream of chicken soup recipe with you.
This homemade version is easy to make and lets you choose the ingredients. You can make it in about 15 minutes. It’s great for casseroles, sauces, or just enjoying on its own.
Get ready to enjoy the comforting flavors of this homemade cream of chicken soup. You’ll see the difference that fresh ingredients make.
Why Make Your Own Cream of Chicken Soup
Homemade cream of chicken soup has many benefits over store-bought. You can choose what goes into it, cutting down on sodium and preservatives. It’s also cheaper and lets you make it just right for you.
Benefits of Homemade vs. Store-bought
Commercial campbell’s soup can have over 1,000 mg of sodium per serving. It also has artificial stuff like MSG and food coloring. But, homemade creamy chicken soup uses simple, healthy ingredients like chicken stock, butter, and milk.
Cost-effectiveness and Health Benefits
Making your own cream of chicken soup saves money and lets you control what’s in it. Canned soups often have too much fat. But, you can make yours healthier by cutting down on fat and sodium.
Control Over Ingredients and Sodium Content
When you make your own cream of chicken soup, you decide what goes in it. You can pick low-sodium chicken broth and control the salt. You can even try different thickeners like cornstarch for a healthier soup.
Ingredients for the Perfect cream of chicken
To make a tasty homemade cream of chicken soup, you need a few key ingredients. The base is chicken broth, milk, and flour. For extra flavor, add onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Butter can also be added for a richer texture. These ingredients mix together to create a versatile soup. You can enjoy it alone or use it in other recipes.
This homemade soup is very flexible. You can change the seasonings to fit your taste or the recipe you’re making. It’s perfect for a comforting meal or as part of a casserole. These ingredients ensure a creamy and flavorful soup.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | Provides the liquid base for the soup |
| Milk | 2 cups | Adds creaminess and richness |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup | Thickens the soup |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Enhances the flavor and texture |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | Adds depth of flavor |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon | Enhances the savory notes |
| Dried parsley | 1 teaspoon | Provides a fresh, herbal note |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Balances and enhances the overall flavor |
With these ingredients, you can make a delicious homemade cream of chicken soup. It’s tasty and versatile for many recipes.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make a tasty homemade cream of mushroom or condensed soup, you’ll need some basic tools.
Basic Utensils Required
- Medium or large saucepan: This will be your primary cooking vessel for simmering the soup.
- Whisk: A plastic or silicone whisk is best to avoid scratching non-stick pans.
- The correct consistency and flavor can only be achieved with the use of precise measuring tools, such as measuring spoons and cups.
Storage Containers and Options
After your homemade cream of mushroom or condensed soup is ready, you’ll need to store leftovers. Airtight containers are key for keeping the soup fresh in the fridge or freezer.
Optional Specialty Tools
While not necessary, some extra tools can enhance your soup:
- Fine-mesh strainer: This can be used to achieve an ultra-smooth consistency by straining the soup after blending.
- Freezer-safe containers: Having these on hand makes it easy to store extra batches for future use.
With these basic tools and a few optional items, you’re set to make delicious homemade cream of mushroom or condensed soup in your kitchen.
Cooking Instructions
Making a tasty cream of chicken soup from scratch is simple. Just follow these easy steps to make this comforting dish in your kitchen.
- In a medium-sized saucepan set over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- To make a roux, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. After two or three minutes of continuous stirring, the mixture should be smooth and slightly browned.
- Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken broth while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Slowly add 3/4 cup of whole milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and adjust seasoning as needed.
Here is your freshly made chicken soup, cream of homemade variety! If you need to feed additional people, just double or quadruple the recipe. This savory chicken soup is perfect for a cold day or to use as a foundation for other dishes you love.
Making the Perfect Roux Base
Creating the perfect roux is key to a rich creamy chicken soup. It’s made from equal parts butter and flour. This mix is the base for your condensed chicken broth-based dish. Knowing how to make a roux can make your homemade cream of chicken soup better.
Understanding Flour-to-Butter Ratios
The roux ratio is 1:1, one part butter to one part flour. For a batch of cream of chicken soup, use 1/4 cup of each. This ratio helps the roux mix smoothly with the broth.
Achieving the Right Consistency
To make a perfect roux, cook it over medium heat. Stir constantly until it thickens into a pasty mix. This takes 5 to 12 minutes, depending on the color and flavor you want.
When the roux is ready, whisk in your condensed chicken broth slowly. This lets the mixture thicken to your liking. Some recipes use up to 3/4 cup of flour for a thicker soup base.
Mastering roux-making opens up new flavors and textures for your creamy chicken soup. With practice and attention, you’ll make the perfect homemade cream of chicken soup.
Seasoning and Flavor Variations
Make your homemade cream of chicken soup even better with different seasonings and flavors. The basic mix includes salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. But, you can make it even more delicious by trying new spices and herbs.
For a special kick, add ingredients like:
- Paprika – adds a subtle smoky note
- Dried parsley – lends a fresh, herbal taste
- Lemon pepper – imparts a zesty, citrusy kick
Chopping onions and garlic finely can also add rich, savory flavors to your creamy chicken soup. You can adjust the seasonings to match your taste or the dish you’re making.
| Seasoning | Flavor Profile | Suggested Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Paprika | Smoky, sweet | Chicken casseroles, soup mix, rice dishes |
| Dried thyme | Earthy, slightly minty | Chicken pot pies, chicken stock-based soups |
| Lemon pepper | Zesty, citrusy | Grilled or roasted chicken, creamy chicken pasta dishes |
Try mixing different herbs and spices to make your soup taste unique. You can create flavors that go well with your favorite meals. The world of seasoning and flavor is full of possibilities.
Storage Tips and Shelf Life
Keeping your homemade cream of chicken soup fresh is key. Whether you choose to refrigerate or freeze, the right steps will keep it tasty for a while.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store your soup in the fridge for up to a week in airtight containers. This keeps the flavor in and prevents it from going bad. Don’t forget to mark the containers with the date you made it.
Freezing Methods
Freezing your soup for 3-4 months is also an option. Make sure to leave some space in the container for it to expand. Then, reheat it on the stovetop, whisking to mix everything back together. You might need to add a bit of milk or broth to get the right consistency.
With these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade condensed soup for months. No more store-bought Campbell’s soup for you.
Recipe Adaptations and Substitutions
The basic cream of chicken soup recipe can be easily adapted to create tasty variations like cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. For a gluten-free version, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute or a cornstarch slurry. Vegetable broth can also replace chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Going dairy-free? No problem! Substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or coconut milk. And if you’re craving an even richer flavor, try using heavy cream in place of some of the milk.
- A gluten-free version can be made by using cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
- Swap vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- Substitute non-dairy milk like almond or coconut for a dairy-free soup
- If you want a creamier taste, try using heavy cream in place of some of the milk.
With a few simple swaps, you can easily customize this cream of chicken recipe to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating delicious homemade soups!
Cream of Chicken
Using Your Homemade Soup in Other Recipes
You can’t go wrong with homemade cream of chicken soup; it’s tasty and adaptable. It can make many dishes better. Whether it’s a comforting casserole, a creamy sauce, or adding depth to slow-cooked recipes, it’s a game-changer.
Casserole Applications
Cream of chicken soup is great for hearty casseroles. Mix it into your favorite recipes for baked hashbrowns, mac and cheese, or tater tot hotdish. It adds moisture, richness, and a creamy texture, making these dishes even better.
Sauce Base Ideas
Use your homemade creamy chicken soup to make tasty sauces and gravies. It’s perfect for chicken and rice dishes, chicken pot pie, or pasta sauces. The soup’s thickness and flavor make it a great thickener and flavor enhancer.
You can replace canned condensed soup with your homemade version in most recipes.
By using your homemade chicken soup in different dishes, you can improve the taste and texture of your meals. It also helps avoid the high sodium and preservatives in store-bought canned soups.
Conclusion
Making homemade cream of chicken soup is easy, affordable, and healthier than store-bought. You can adjust the flavors and ingredients to fit your diet. This recipe is quick, versatile, and great for storing.
Learning to make this soup can improve your cooking at home. It helps you avoid processed foods and feel proud of making something from scratch. Homemade soup lets you control the sodium, use fresh ingredients, and save money.
This homemade cream of chicken soup recipe is perfect for many dishes. It’s great for comforting meals, casseroles, and sauces. Making your own soup is rewarding and delicious.