Cream of Chicken Soup

Published Aug. 20, 2024

Cream of Chicken Soup
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
15 minutes, plus cooling
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Rating
5(32)
Comments
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A classic within the condensed soup lineup, cream of chicken is a multipurpose convenience that enhances a slew of old-school American favorites, including hash brown casserole, chicken spaghetti and chicken and dumplings. A from-scratch version is easy to make, and it can be stored in portions and frozen for future use. Using both stock and bouillon doubles down on the chicken-y flavor, and poultry seasoning and celery salt provide a hint of nostalgia. Cornstarch is the thickener here, giving the soup its velvety texture. The end result is less gloopy than canned, so it doesn’t need as much thinning when adding to recipes or sipping as a soup. It also doesn’t carry the same yellow tinge, but adding a pinch of turmeric will do the trick if you feel like you need it.

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Ingredients

Yield:About 4 cups
  • cup cornstarch
  • 3cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1cup heavy cream
  • 1cube chicken bouillon, or 1 teaspoon bouillon base
  • ½teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½teaspoon onion powder
  • ½teaspoon poultry seasoning, or 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme 
  • ½teaspoon celery salt
  • ¼teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

185 calories; 15 grams fat; 9 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 10 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 4 grams protein; 392 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium pot, whisk cornstarch with ⅓ cup broth until smooth. Pour in the remaining broth and cream; whisk until combined. Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, whisking often. Immediately adjust heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking often, until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Whisk in chicken bouillon. When dissolved, stir in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, celery salt and pepper. Simmer for 1 minute. Turn off heat; taste and add more salt if desired. Cool, then use immediately, or store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Or, freeze in 1-cup portions for up to 3 months.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
32 user ratings
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Comments

I am finding the confusion about the blandness or lack of chicken in this recipe confusing. The description of the recipe makes it clear that this is intended as a base or ingredient for other recipes, such as soups or casseroles. Thus the simplicity of the BASE recipe. Also, use your imagination! There are so many things you can add to this cream of chicken soup! Chilies, Aleppo pepper , paprika, turmeric, cumin, coriander, parsley, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, lemon juice, lemon zest, all manner of squashes and carrots and parsnips and potatoes… I almost forgot! Curry powder! And chicken pot pie! Me? I use chicken bone broth from Three Stone Hearth in Berkeley, Ca. It’s the best. If you’re local, give it a try. Heavy cream is too much for me. I use half and half. No black pepper or onion or garlic: I prefer to start with a blank canvas. Also, no bouillon because it’s way too salty for my family. Me? I’m craving creamy chicken soup with tender melty bites of chicken seasoned with thyme and maybe some wild fennel leaves, a little Aleppo pepper. There needs to be carrots, orange and yellow are my favorites, and some small potatoes, quartered and maybe finish with some chard, slice the stems and roughly chop the leaves. Noodles? Maybe…Tasty? Definitely. There you are. It’s a base for so many things…I forgot to mention pasta! And Mac and Cheese! Chicken broth is so good in Mac and Cheese! Have at it, people! And have fun, too.

Chicken soup without chicken? No.

Where is the chicken?

Tried this once but much prefer my usual canned soup substitute of a very thick bechamel made with half cream and half chicken stock made with bouillon.

Very good. Used as the base for the chicken hot dish, and had the leftover cup as an appetizer. Very well received as a starter while the casserole baked. Quick and easy.

I think its purpose is misunderstood by some. It's very easy to make and useful as MJ says - use it as a base for almost anything chicken and flavor as you like. I don't think its meant to be eaten on it's own.

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