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Velvety Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup (Canned Substitute)

A close-up of a hearty bowl of homemade cream of chicken soup topped with shredded chicken and bright green peas.

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Make rich, velvety homemade cream of chicken soup from scratch. This recipe replaces condensed canned soup, offering a superior, flavorful base for casseroles or a comforting meal on its own.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until it thickens slightly.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream. Heat through, but do not boil.
  7. Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  8. If using, stir in the frozen peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  9. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve this creamy chicken soup hot.

Notes

  • For a freezer-friendly soup, cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
  • If you want a thicker consistency, increase the flour to 5 tablespoons or simmer for a few extra minutes.
  • This recipe works perfectly as a base for Chicken Pot Pie Soup or creamy chicken casseroles.

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