Name: The Best Creamy Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American cuisine
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 carrots, thinly sliced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup frozen peas; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup whole milk; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste); 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

If you're searching for a bowl of sheer comfort, The Best Creamy Chicken Soup is the answer. This soup is absolutely dreamy-bursting with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a rich, velvety broth that hugs every spoonful.

What sets this chicken soup apart? It's irresistibly creamy without being heavy, thanks to a clever blend of broth and a touch of cream cheese. Simple pantry staples come together effortlessly for a foolproof weeknight dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.

Whether you're cozying up on a chilly night or feeding a hungry crowd, this one-pot wonder never disappoints. It's been a family favorite in my kitchen for years-always soothing, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make!

A creamy, golden chicken soup brimming with vegetables and topped with fresh herbs

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ultimate comfort food: Soothes the soul and warms you up on the coldest days.
Quick and easy: Done in less than an hour with minimal prep and cleanup.
One-pot meal: Everything cooks together, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family friendly: Picky eaters and adults alike will ask for seconds.

Key Ingredients for The Best Creamy Chicken Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breast

Lean and flavorful, chicken breast is the star of this soup, offering plenty of satisfying protein. Dice it into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking. You can also use rotisserie chicken for even faster prep or swap in chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Carrots

Carrots add a subtle sweetness and beautiful color. Slice them thinly for even cooking. If you're running low on carrots, try parsnips or sweet potatoes for a fun twist.

Celery

Classic in every chicken soup, celery brings crunch and savoriness. Dice it small for perfect texture in every bite. No celery? Try chopped fennel or leek for a mild onion flavor.

Cream Cheese

This is the secret to a silky, luxuriously creamy soup without needing a ton of heavy cream. Let your cream cheese come to room temperature so it melts smoothly. Neufchâtel cheese can be used for a lighter option, or substitute with half-and-half for a subtler creaminess.

Chicken Broth

A rich, flavorful broth forms the heart of the soup. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control seasoning, or substitute with homemade stock for even more depth. Vegetable broth can work in a pinch for a lighter flavor profile.

The Best Creamy Chicken Soup cooking process

Instructions for The Best Creamy Chicken Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sauté the Veggies and Chicken

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in the diced chicken and cook until lightly golden on the outside, about 4-5 minutes (it doesn't need to cook through yet).

Add Flour and Seasonings

Sprinkle flour over the chicken and veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly-this helps thicken your soup later. Add dried thyme, parsley, black pepper, and salt.

Pour in Broth and Simmer

Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked and veggies are tender.

Make It Creamy

Scoop out about ½ cup of the hot broth and whisk with softened cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth. Stir mixture back into the soup along with the milk and peas. Simmer for 3-4 more minutes until everything is creamy and peas are heated through.

Taste and Serve

Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!

Recipe Variations

Add Extra Veggies

Load up your soup with extra vegetables like diced potatoes, corn, or green beans for even more color and nutrition. Just toss them in with the carrots and celery so everything gets perfectly tender.

Go Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend or simply stir in a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) toward the end to thicken the soup.

Dairy-Free Creaminess

Skip the cream cheese and milk and use a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened cashew cream or coconut milk. You'll still get a creamy result and it's perfect for lactose-intolerant friends or family.

Spice It Up

Like a little heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the veggies for a cozy, spicy twist.

Use Rotisserie Chicken

Save time by stirring in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken when you add the broth. This shortcut is a weeknight lifesaver!

Serving Suggestions

A big bowl of The Best Creamy Chicken Soup pairs perfectly with warm, crusty bread (try sourdough or a baguette) for soaking up every last drop. Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast. For extra flair, sprinkle each bowl with fresh herbs like dill or parsley, and a little cracked black pepper.

Storage and Reheating

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed to thin. The soup also freezes well for up to 2 months-thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above, stirring to restore smoothness.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Creamy Chicken Soup (FAQ)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra richness and stay super tender. Use boneless, skinless thighs and dice them as you would the breast.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A: Yes! The flavors deepen as it sits. Cool completely, then store covered in the fridge. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if it's too thick.

Q: What if I don't have cream cheese?

A: You can substitute with a half cup of half-and-half or heavy cream for a similarly creamy result. For a lighter option, try plain Greek yogurt, but stir it in at the very end off the heat to prevent curdling.

There's nothing quite like a warming bowl of homemade creamy chicken soup to brighten your day. This recipe is nourishing, easy, and pure comfort-perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try, and don't forget to let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment or rating below!