Craving a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both light and packed with flavor? Look no further than this creamy chicken mushroom soup recipe. This easy-to-make soup is a dinner-time champion, brimming with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms, all swimming in a savory, umami-rich broth that’s surprisingly lean. It’s a feel-good dish you can proudly serve your family, and they’ll happily slurp it down!
For me, mushrooms embody the essence of autumn. Their intense, rustic depth elevates any dish. This creamy chicken mushroom soup is a prime example. It’s luxuriously creamy, robust, and loaded with hearty mushrooms and tender chicken, ensuring you feel full and content. This is a nourishing recipe I frequently make when I need a healthy and delicious meal. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One reader, GeorgeP, raves: “Oh my gosh, I’m so glad this recipe is back! I used to make it all the time and then it disappeared off your site and I didn’t know why. I saw it come up in my feed this evening and I was so excited. I will be making this again this week. It’s absolutely perfect the way that it is.”
Recipe Highlights
Nourishing: From the fiber-rich assortment of mushrooms to the succulent pieces of chicken, every spoonful of this soup is wholesome and nourishing. Plus, it’s low in carbs and calories, allowing you to enjoy it guilt-free!
Easy Weeknight Meal: This recipe is my go-to when I need a quick and satisfying dinner on the table. It requires just a few fresh ingredients, minimal chopping, and less than 30 minutes to simmer this exceptional chicken soup.
Meal Prep Friendly: It’s also perfect for meal prepping! The leftovers keep well for several days, and the flavor and texture remain just as delicious after reheating. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week.
Key Ingredients for the Best Chicken Mushroom Soup
Let’s explore the essential ingredients that make this chicken mushroom soup truly exceptional:
- Chicken: For those juicy, tender chicken pieces, I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breast or boneless chicken thighs. Both options work wonderfully.
- Mushrooms: The undisputed star of the show! A medley of mushrooms adds incredible depth and texture. I often combine cremini, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms. However, using all white button mushrooms is also perfectly acceptable. Experiment and find your favorite combination!
- Onion: Sweet onion is crucial for building the foundational flavor of the broth. Its sweetness beautifully balances the earthy notes of the mushrooms. Don’t skip this ingredient!
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary, parsley, and dried thyme infuse the soup with aromatic herbal notes, adding complexity and warmth.
- Dry Sherry: A splash of dry sherry introduces a unique depth of flavor to the entire pot. It’s a secret ingredient that elevates the soup to another level.
- Heavy Cream: Just a touch of cream provides the soup with its signature luxurious, creamy texture, making it utterly irresistible. For a lighter option, consider using half-and-half.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the soup to the perfect consistency, you can use either cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Here’s a breakdown of the simple steps to create this delectable soup:
Find the full recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
- Build the Base: Begin by melting butter in a large pot. Sauté the onion, garlic, and celery until they become tender and softened, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Infuse with Mushroom Magic: Stir in the mushrooms, rosemary, and thyme. Cook for a few minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture. The aroma filling your kitchen will be simply divine!
- Deglaze and Chicken-ify: Pour in a splash of dry sherry to deglaze the bottom of the pan, lifting any flavorful browned bits. Then, add the chicken pieces and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, typically around 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces that will easily fit on a spoon.
- Make it Creamy: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream with a pinch of cornstarch until smooth. This prevents clumping. Stir the creamy mixture back into the pot. Then, add the chopped chicken, a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley, and you’re ready to savor the deliciousness!
Recipe Variations: Customize Your Soup
Want to add a personal touch to your chicken mushroom soup? Here are some exciting variations to try:
- Potatoes: Incorporate chunks of potatoes to create an even heartier and more filling soup.
- Lemon: Brighten up each spoonful with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a zesty twist.
- Heat: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a touch of spiciness.
- Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach to add a vibrant pop of color and an extra boost of nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Soup
This wholesome one-pot meal is fantastic on its own, but I sometimes like to pair it with a few delightful side dishes to create a more substantial meal! Here are some of my favorite combinations:
- Low Carb Cauliflower Crackers
- Magic Mug Low Carb Bread Recipe
- Cathead Biscuits
- Steakhouse Salad (Romaine Hearts Salad)
- Jennifer Aniston Bulgur Salad
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Mushroom Soup
How do I make sure the chicken is fully cooked before chopping?
If the chicken has been simmering in the broth for at least 15 minutes, it’s most likely cooked through. To check for doneness, you can press the thickest part of the chicken with your finger. If it bounces right back, it’s done.
What if I can’t find cooking sherry?
You can also use dry sherry, white wine, or omit the alcohol and add extra chicken broth. However, I feel like when you do this, you lose an important part of the flavor.
How should I whisk the cornstarch into the cream so it doesn’t clump?
Use a small whisk or a fork to whisk the two ingredients vigorously until very smooth. Then whisk this creamy slurry into the soup.
Storing Your Chicken Mushroom Soup
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 days. It also freezes beautifully and will last in the freezer for up to 6 months. To reheat, thaw the soup at room temperature before gently reheating it over medium-low heat to prevent the cream from separating.
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