Name: Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini); 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp dried rosemary (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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When the weather turns chilly or you simply crave something hearty and nurturing, this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe is the ultimate solution. It combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh veggies all swimming in a luxuriously smooth cream-based broth. Every spoonful delivers cozy warmth and layers of flavor that feel like a comforting hug from the inside out. Whether it’s for a relaxing lunch or an easy dinner, this soup is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate placed on a white marbled surface with two raw, pale pink chicken pieces on it. Surrounding the plate are small glass bowls and containers with different ingredients: sliced light brown mushrooms in a white bowl at the top left, a small bowl of white cream below the mushrooms, a clear bowl of pale yellow liquid to the left, a small square block of butter, and clear round bowls containing transparent liquid, coarse black pepper, and some green herbs. There are two black and clear spice grinders on the top right. The setup is clean and simple, showing the ingredients before cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This soup is a beautiful example of how a few simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the butter and olive oil that provide a luscious base, the mushrooms that bring depth, or the fresh herbs that add that fragrant pop of flavor.

2 tbsp butter: Adds a rich, creamy foundation and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
1 tbsp olive oil: Balances the butter with a subtle fruity flavor and helps prevent scorching.
1 medium onion, diced: Brings a sweet and savory base note to the soup.
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini): Provide an earthy, meaty texture and intensify the umami flavor.
2 carrots, diced: Add sweetness and vibrant color, making the soup visually appealing.
2 celery stalks, diced: Offer subtle herbal notes and an aromatic crunch.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Bring a fragrant warmth to elevate the overall flavor profile.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the soup, creating that smooth, velvety texture.
6 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, providing depth and the perfect savory background.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: Adds hearty protein and making the soup truly satisfying.
1 tsp dried thyme: Infuses a subtle earthy and slightly minty aroma.
½ tsp dried rosemary (optional): Lends a piney, aromatic touch that complements the mushrooms beautifully.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half: Creates the creamy richness that defines this soup.
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the butter and olive oil together in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown slightly. This step is crucial because it builds the base flavor — caramelized onions and browned mushrooms bring richness that forms the soul of the soup.

Step 2: Add Carrots and Celery

Next, toss in the diced carrots and celery. Continue cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes until these vegetables soften and start releasing their natural sweetness. These veggies add layers of texture and color that elevate the overall experience of this creamy delight.

Step 3: Incorporate Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook just for 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic is a flavor powerhouse here, so don’t skip this step as it provides a subtle punch that harmonizes all the other ingredients beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This step thickens the soup later on and ensures that it will have a perfectly smooth, luscious texture.

Step 5: Add Chicken Broth and Simmer

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Once combined smoothly, add the cooked chicken, dried thyme, dried rosemary if using, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. This simmering time lets the flavors meld beautifully and allows the vegetables to become tender while the chicken infuses the broth with hearty goodness.

Step 6: Finish with Cream

Turn the heat down to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half carefully. Let the soup simmer gently for 5 more minutes, but be sure not to let it boil after adding the cream to avoid curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This final touch creates the signature creamy texture of our Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe

A bowl filled with creamy soup that has a light yellow base mixed with pieces of cooked chicken, sliced brown mushrooms, and orange carrot slices. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. A spoon is placed inside the bowl, ready to scoop the soup. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a simple yet beautiful garnish that adds brightness and a burst of fresh herbal flavor. For an extra touch, a dash of cracked black pepper on top makes each spoonful visually appealing and aromatic.

Side Dishes

This creamy soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or homemade garlic toast to scoop up every last bit. For a light side, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly and rounds out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Dreaming of impressing guests? Serve this soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation that doubles as edible serving ware. Or ladle it into pretty ceramic mugs for cozy, casual individual servings that feel just right on chilly evenings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it thickens as it cools, you can easily thin it with a bit of extra chicken broth when reheating to bring back that perfect creamy consistency.

Freezing

This soup freezes well when stored in freezer-safe containers. To maintain the creamy texture, it’s best to freeze before adding the cream and stir it in freshly after thawing and reheating. This keeps your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe tasting fresh and luscious anytime.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent burning at the bottom. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the soup gets too thick. Avoid boiling once cream is added to keep the silky texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use different types of mushrooms in this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Cremini or baby bella mushrooms offer a deeper, earthier flavor than button mushrooms, but feel free to experiment with shiitake or portobello for unique twists. Just slice them evenly for consistent cooking.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and texture, but the soup will remain delicious and creamy.

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

If you prefer to use raw chicken, add it with the broth in Step 5 and cook the soup until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 20 minutes. This method is convenient but requires longer simmering to develop flavors fully.

How thick should the soup be?

The soup should be luscious and creamy but not overly thick. It will thicken as it cools, so slightly thinner right after cooking is ideal. You can always adjust with additional broth during reheating.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding a splash of white wine during the vegetable sauté for subtle acidity or a pinch of smoked paprika for warmth. Fresh thyme sprigs or a bay leaf simmered with the broth can enhance herbal complexity as well.

Final Thoughts

If comfort food had a champion, this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe would be it. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in warmth, satisfies deep cravings, and feels like a soothing homemade remedy after a long day. I genuinely encourage you to whip up a batch and enjoy all the rich, hearty magic it brings to your table. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes too.