If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re in the right place. This Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe is just that—rich, velvety, and packed with tender chicken and hearty veggies that come together in a luscious, flavorful broth. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes for chilly evenings or when you just need a little extra cozy. Let me walk you through everything so you nail it perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of herbs, garlic, and chicken broth creates a soup that’s savory but never overpowering.
Creamy Texture Without Overpowering Richness: The heavy cream blends smoothly with the broth for comfort, but the veggies keep it fresh and light.
Versatility: This soup accommodates optional ingredients like cooking wine, letting you adapt it to what you have on hand or your taste preferences.
Simple Ingredients, Stunning Result: You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items to make this impressive and satisfying soup.

Creamy Chicken Soup, comfort food recipes, hearty chicken soup, easy creamy soup, cozy winter soups - A close-up view of a thick creamy soup in a deep teal pot with two handles, showing one scoop raised by a metal ladle in the center. The soup is off-white with small bits of vegetable pieces and herbs spread evenly, giving a lightly speckled look. The pot sits on a white marbled surface surrounded by small yellow onions and fresh sage leaves on the left and a bunch of orange carrots with green tops in the blurry background above. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe lies in the harmony between fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and a well-seasoned, creamy broth. Each ingredient has its role, whether it’s adding flavor depth, texture, or richness. When shopping, pick fresh, firm carrots and celery, and choose chicken breasts that are thick and moist for the juiciest result.

Creamy Chicken Soup, comfort food recipes, hearty chicken soup, easy creamy soup, cozy winter soups - Flat lay of one and a half boneless skinless chicken breasts, a medium white onion diced, a small pile of minced garlic cloves totaling about six, four bright orange carrots cut into bite-sized chunks, four sliced celery ribs, a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small glass with a pale liquid representing cooking wine, a large bowl of golden chicken broth, a bowl of creamy heavy cream, four dried bay leaves, small piles of ground sage, dried rosemary, and dried thyme, a few pats of salted butter, a small bottle of olive oil, and a small bunch of fresh chopped parsley placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Boneless skinless chicken breast: Convenient and lean, cooks quickly and shreds easily for perfect bite-sized pieces.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
Salted butter: Provides a luscious mouthfeel and helps cook veggies to caramelized perfection.
Olive oil: A great partner to butter for sautéing, balancing richness with a subtle fruity note.
White onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down slowly.
Minced garlic: Pungent and aromatic, it’s a must-have for that comforting aroma.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness cuts through the creamy broth beautifully.
Celery ribs: Give a mild, fresh bitterness that brightens the soup.
All-purpose flour: The secret thickener that helps achieve that silky, creamy texture.
Cooking wine (optional): Adds complexity and loosens up browned bits stuck to the pot for extra flavor.
Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup, ideally low sodium so you can control seasoning.
Heavy cream: Delivers richness and smoothness that defines this soup as “creamy.”
Bay leaves, ground sage, dried rosemary, dried thyme: These herbs bring warmth, earthiness, and a pleasant aroma.
Fresh parsley: Finishing touch that adds a pop of color and freshness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how you can personalize this creamy chicken soup recipe to suit what you have or exactly how you like it. I often swap herbs depending on the season or go dairy-free by switching heavy cream with coconut cream. Play around, and you’ll find your perfect cozy bowl.

Adding noodles or rice: I’ve stirred in egg noodles to make this more filling on cold days—just add them near the end!
Spicy twist: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives some heat I sometimes crave.
Dairy free: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk—it still gets that creamy vibe and is just as tasty.
Vegetable swaps: I’ve replaced celery with green beans or added mushrooms when I want earthier notes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts well with salt and pepper—don’t skip this step because it really brings the flavor in every bite. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium-high heat, then carefully add the chicken. I like to cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust—this adds incredible flavor. Once cooked, move the chicken to a board and shred it with two forks. This shredding is key because every little piece soaks up the soup’s flavor later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, melt the remaining butter and toss in the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cooking these for about 8 to 10 minutes until they soften and turn lightly golden is essential to develop sweetness and complexity. Keep an eye on them and stir now and then—nobody likes burnt garlic!

Step 3: Make the Roux and Add Liquids

Sprinkle the flour over your veggies and stir thoroughly—this helps thicken the soup later. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, to get rid of that raw flour taste. If you’re using cooking wine, pour it in now and give the pot a good stir to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom (this is flavor gold). Then, gradually pour in your chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring constantly, so the texture stays smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Herbs, Then Simmer

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and toss in your bay leaves, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Bring the whole pot to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat so it’s just a gentle simmer. Cover and let everything cook together for 20 to 25 minutes—this moment is where all the flavors marry into that dreamy, creamy chicken soup you’re craving. Stir occasionally to keep everything happy and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the simmering is done, fish out the bay leaves—they’ve done their job and shouldn’t stay in the soup. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if you want. Pour into bowls, sprinkle fresh parsley on top, and get ready for a bowl of cozy goodness.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe

Searing Chicken for Maximum Flavor: Don’t rush the browning step—it adds a rich layer of flavor that steaming won’t give you.
Perfect Roux Consistency: Stir constantly while cooking the flour to avoid lumps and stale flavor.
Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low during simmering so the cream doesn’t curdle and the flavors meld beautifully.
Don’t Skip Fresh Parsley: It adds a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness and makes each spoonful pop.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Soup, comfort food recipes, hearty chicken soup, easy creamy soup, cozy winter soups - A close-up of a black ladle holding thick creamy soup filled with chunky pieces of orange carrots, pale green celery, and light beige tender meat. The soup has a smooth, light cream base with small black pepper specks scattered throughout. The background features a white marbled texture with some of the soup visible in a pot. The texture looks rich and velvety. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top my bowls with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it adds a lovely burst of color and that final hint of freshness. Sometimes, I like to grate a bit of sharp Parmesan cheese or add a swirl of crème fraîche for extra indulgence, especially when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread—artisan baguette or buttery garlic toast work wonders. On busy nights, I enjoy it alongside a simple mixed green salad or a wedge of warm cornbread for something heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this creamy chicken soup in mini bread bowls—so fun and inviting! Garnishing with edible flowers or finely sliced scallions adds a pretty restaurant touch that always impresses my friends at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge where this soup keeps beautifully for 3-4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it often tastes even better the next day—great for busy weeknights.

Freezing

Freezing creamy soups can be tricky because cream can separate, but with this recipe, I’ve had luck freezing it without the cream first. Simply freeze the soup base with chicken and veggies, then stir in fresh cream when reheating for that perfect smooth texture.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently over low heat on the stovetop to prevent curdling. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming up to get back that silky consistency. Stir often and warm it slowly—it’s worth every bit of patience!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this creamy chicken soup recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly and shred the meat well. The flavor may be a bit richer, which works wonderfully with the creaminess of the soup.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream, or can I substitute a lighter option?

Heavy cream gives the soup that indulgent, silky texture, but you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Just keep in mind the soup will be less rich and creamy. Using cream alternatives like coconut cream works too if you want dairy-free.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Brown the chicken and sauté the veggies on the stovetop first to build flavor, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add broth, herbs, and cream, then cook on low for 4-6 hours. Just add the flour separately as a slurry or thicken at the end since slow cookers can cause lumps if you add it too soon.
What’s the best way to avoid lumps when adding flour to thicken the soup?

The key is to sprinkle the flour evenly over the softened vegetables and stir constantly as it cooks to form a roux. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps it blend smoothly with the liquids. Gradual stirring while adding broth and cream also prevents lumps from forming.
Can I add noodles or rice to this creamy chicken soup recipe?

Definitely! Adding egg noodles or cooked rice towards the end of cooking or after reheating makes this soup even heartier. Just be mindful they can soak up liquid quickly, so you might want to add extra broth as needed to keep the soup creamy.

Final Thoughts

This creamy chicken soup recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want to make something that feels homemade but also a little special. Its comforting creaminess paired with fresh herbs and tender chicken pulls me back to cozy nights around the kitchen table with friends and family. I know you’ll love it just as much as I do, and once you make it, I think you’ll find it’s worth keeping in your recipe rotation for a long, long time.