How do I make cream of chicken soup?

How to Make Cream of Chicken Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cream of chicken soup is a classic comfort food that can be used as a base for a variety of dishes, from creamy pasta sauces to savory casseroles. Making cream of chicken soup from scratch is surprisingly easy and only requires a few simple ingredients. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making cream of chicken soup, highlighting the key steps and tips to ensure a smooth and creamy result.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

The first step in making cream of chicken soup is to cook the chicken. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for this recipe. Make sure to cut the chicken into small pieces to ensure even cooking.

• Place the chicken pieces in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the butter, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent and the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the flour to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is lightly browned.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Cream

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the broth and cream. Use a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. You can also use homemade broth if you prefer.

• Add the chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly.
• Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Make sure to stir gently to avoid breaking up the cream.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

The final step is to season the soup and simmer it until the flavors have melded together.

• Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like (such as thyme or paprika) to the pot. Stir to combine.
• Simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the soup has reached your desired consistency.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making cream of chicken soup:

• Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use it to make cream of chicken soup. Simply skip the cooking step and add the chicken to the pot with the broth and cream.
• Add vegetables: You can add diced vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, to the pot for added flavor and nutrition.
• Use different seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings, such as dried herbs or spices, to give your cream of chicken soup a unique flavor.
• Make it ahead: Cream of chicken soup can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Conclusion:

Making cream of chicken soup from scratch is a simple and rewarding process. By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious and creamy soup that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a great way to add a new skill to your culinary repertoire.

Recipe Summary:

Here’s a summary of the recipe:

• Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half, salt and pepper, optional seasonings
• Steps: Cook the chicken, add the broth and cream, season and simmer
• Tips and Variations: Use leftover chicken, add vegetables, use different seasonings, make it ahead

Conversion Chart:

Here’s a conversion chart for common measurements:

Nutrition Information:

Here’s the nutrition information for the recipe:

• Calories: 240 per serving
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 15g

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.