If you have ever craved that rich, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug, you are going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe. It’s the magic blend of creamy, savory chicken goodness with tender chunks of veggies and a silky texture that simply can’t be matched by any canned version. Every spoonful brings out layers of flavor built from scratch, making it a true kitchen triumph for both novice cooks and seasoned pros alike. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or looking for the perfect base for casseroles, this soup will become your go-to, guaranteed.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy soup that has a thick texture. The soup is light beige in color with visible small green peas, orange carrot pieces, and white chunks of meat mixed throughout. The surface of the soup has small green herb bits scattered, giving it a fresh look. A metal spoon is scooping some of the soup, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to a delicious Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe lies in using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable depth of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in achieving that dreamy creaminess and hearty feel.

Butter: This adds richness and helps soften the vegetables to release their natural sweetness.
Onion: A foundational aromatic that infuses the soup base with subtle pungency and body.
Minced garlic: Gives a gentle kick that warms the palate without overpowering.
Carrots: Adding color and a touch of natural sweetness with their tender, chunky slices.
Celery: Brings a fresh, slightly crisp texture and earthy undertones.
Fresh minced thyme: An herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
Bay leaf: Adds complexity and enhances the savory flavor profile.
Flour: The thickening agent responsible for that classic creamy consistency.
Evaporated milk: Delivers luscious creaminess without the heaviness of cream.
Chicken broth: The savory base that ties all the flavors together.
Cooked chicken: Tender protein that makes this soup truly satisfying and hearty.
Creole seasoning: A burst of spice and warmth that adds personality and depth.
Chicken bouillon: Boosts the umami richness without overwhelming the soup.
Worcestershire sauce: For a subtle tangy complexity that elevates the overall taste.
Frozen peas: Pops of bright green and a sweet contrast to the creamy broth.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for balancing and perfecting the flavors.
Chopped flat-leaf parsley: A fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten each bowl.

How to Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Begin by melting butter in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, minced garlic, thick carrot chunks, diced celery, fresh thyme, and the bay leaf. Sauté them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to mingle and the vegetables to soften perfectly, setting the stage for a soulful soup base.

Step 2: Add Flour and Liquids

Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. This step is crucial for avoiding lumps and building that rich texture. Follow this by slowly adding the evaporated milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine. This mixture will start to thicken as it comes to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Thicken

Increase the heat just enough to bring the soup to a gentle boil, continuing to stir frequently. This keeps the soup smooth and prevents it from sticking to the pot. Once the mixture has slightly thickened and has a velvety consistency, you’re ready to add in the rest of the ingredients.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Seasonings, and Peas

Gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken, Creole seasoning, chicken bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, and the frozen peas. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste buds. Let everything simmer for a few more minutes to marry the flavors beautifully, while the peas thaw and the chicken heats through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, remove the bay leaf and sprinkle the chopped flat-leaf parsley over the top for that pop of color and fresh finish. Your Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe is now ready to delight!

How to Serve Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

A bowl filled with thick, creamy soup that has a light beige color with visible pieces of green peas, orange carrot slices, and small bits of white chicken mixed throughout. The soup has a slightly chunky texture with fresh green herb bits scattered on top. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl. Next to the bowl, there is a small white dish filled with chopped green herbs and a white plate with toasted bread slices. The surface under everything is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t hesitate to experiment by topping your soup with a touch of cracked black pepper, a drizzle of cream, or even crispy fried onions for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm, buttery crackers to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad or a light coleslaw can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup, making your meal feel balanced and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in mini bread bowls for a fun, rustic twist or ladle it over a bed of rice or noodles for a heartier meal. You can also use this soup as a base for casseroles or pot pies—it’s incredibly versatile and elevates many dishes with its comforting flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, making sure to reheat only what you plan to enjoy to maintain its creamy texture and fresh taste.

Freezing

The Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe freezes well. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Just note that peas might become a bit softer after freezing, but the flavors will stay intact.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup in a pot over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to bring back its smooth, creamy consistency. If the soup thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up as it heats.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs first, or use leftover rotisserie chicken. Just add the cooked chicken towards the end of the cooking process to keep it tender and juicy.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the evaporated milk?

Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk like cashew milk. Keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor profile but will still yield a deliciously creamy soup.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Definitely! Increase the Creole seasoning amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a lovely warmth that complements the creaminess. Adjust gradually so the spice doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors.

What is the purpose of Worcestershire sauce in this recipe?

Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle tangy, umami depth that enriches the soup’s flavor layers without being overpowering, balancing the creaminess with a complex savory note.

Can I skip the flour for a gluten-free version?

You can replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch. Use about half the amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water as a slurry, added toward the end of cooking to thicken the soup nicely.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe a go in your kitchen soon. It’s one of those comforting classics that fills the home with warmth and the heart with joy. Perfect for any occasion, and simply bursting with love in every spoonful—that’s the kind of recipe worth sharing and savoring again and again.