Soups & Stews

Creamy Chicken And Mushroom Soup

Name: Creamy Chicken And Mushroom Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

By Wren Merriweather · June 19, 2026 · Soups & Stews

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

Creamy Chicken And Mushroom Soup — Warm, creamy soup for a cozy night

As the weather starts to cool down, I find myself craving warm, comforting bowls of goodness that bring everyone together. My creamy chicken and mushroom soup is one of those dishes that never fails to hit the spot. It's a recipe that's been perfected over the years, with a combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy broth that's sure to become a family favorite.

I remember making this soup for the first time on a chilly autumn evening, when my kids were still young and always seemed to be coming down with something. I wanted to create a dish that would not only warm their bellies but also soothe their souls. And so, this recipe was born. Over the years, it's been tweaked and refined, with the addition of new ingredients and techniques that have made it even more delicious and satisfying.

One of the things I love about this soup is its versatility. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it's also special enough to serve at a casual gathering or potluck. And because it's made with common ingredients that are easy to find, you can whip it up whenever the mood strikes. So go ahead, grab a spoon, and let's dive into the world of creamy, dreamy chicken and mushroom soup!

As we cook our way through this recipe, you'll notice that it's all about balance and harmony. The key to a great soup is finding that perfect balance of flavors, textures, and temperatures. And that's exactly what we'll be doing here, with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy broth that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

So who is this recipe for? It's for anyone who loves a good bowl of soup, whether you're a busy parent looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a cozy night in with a good book. It's for those who appreciate the simplicity of a well-crafted dish, made with love and care, and for those who are always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors to add to their repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
The soup is creamy and comforting, making it a great option for a cold winter's night.
It's a versatile recipe that can be made with a variety of mushrooms and chicken.
The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
It's a great way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with common ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this soup's success lies in its layers of flavor, which are carefully built throughout the cooking process. First, we start with a classic combination of sautéed onions and garlic, which provide a deep, rich flavor that's the foundation of the soup. Then, we add in our mushrooms, which are cooked until they're tender and fragrant, releasing their earthy goodness into the pot.

Next, we add in our chicken, which is cooked until it's tender and juicy, before being removed from the pot to make way for the creamy broth. And that's where the magic happens, as we combine our chicken broth with a mixture of heavy cream and butter, which adds a rich, velvety texture to the soup. Finally, we season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, which adds a bright, freshness to the dish.

But what really makes this soup special is the way it all comes together. The combination of flavors and textures is truly greater than the sum of its parts, with each spoonful a perfect balance of creamy, dreamy goodness. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, with a simple recipe that's hard to mess up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making this soup, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You'll need a combination of common pantry staples, such as onions, garlic, and chicken broth, as well as some fresh ingredients like mushrooms and herbs. Be sure to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor out of your soup.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the mushrooms. You can use any type of mushroom you like, but I prefer to use a combination of cremini and shiitake for their earthy flavor and meaty texture. Be sure to clean and slice them before adding them to the pot, as this will help them cook more evenly and add more flavor to the soup.

2 tablespoons butterUse high-quality, salted butter for the best flavor. You can also use olive oil or a combination of the two if you prefer.
1 medium onion, choppedChoose a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor. Be sure to chop it finely so it cooks evenly.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
8 oz mushrooms, slicedChoose a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms for the best flavor. Be sure to clean and slice them before adding them to the pot.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighsUse boneless, skinless chicken for the best results. You can also use a combination of breast and thighs if you prefer.
4 cups chicken brothUse low-sodium chicken broth for the best flavor. You can also use homemade broth if you prefer.
1 cup heavy creamUse high-quality, heavy cream for the best flavor. You can also use half-and-half or a combination of the two if you prefer.
1 teaspoon dried thymeUse fresh or dried thyme for the best flavor. You can also use other herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse kosher salt for the best flavor. You can also use sea salt or other types of salt if you prefer.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. You can also use white pepper or other types of pepper if you prefer.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor. You can also use other herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken And Mushroom Soup

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot or Dutch ovenWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometerMeasuring cups and spoonsCutting board and knifeColander or strainer

How to Make Creamy Chicken And Mushroom Soup

1
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they're tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Add the chicken to the pot and cook until it's browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil.
6
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the broth for 10-15 minutes, or until it's reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together.
7
Add the heavy cream to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it's heated through.
8
Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and stir to combine. Season the soup with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
9
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165 F (74 C).
10
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
11
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to cool slightly.
12
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the chicken or the mushrooms, as this can make them tough and rubbery.
Add the heavy cream towards the end of cooking, as this will help to prevent it from curdling or separating.
Use a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream for a rich and creamy soup.
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste, as this will help to bring out the flavors.
Let the soup rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, as this will help the flavors to meld together and the soup to cool slightly.
Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Consider adding other ingredients, such as diced vegetables or cooked noodles, to make the soup more substantial and filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken or the mushrooms, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a bland and unappetizing soup.
Not seasoning the soup with salt, pepper, and herbs, which can make it taste flat and uninteresting.
Adding the heavy cream too early, which can cause it to curdle or separate.
Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can make it taste rushed and unrefined.
Not serving the soup with a side of crusty bread or a green salad, which can make it feel incomplete and unsatisfying.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to make the soup more substantial and filling.
Use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add cooked noodles or rice to make the soup more filling and satisfying.
Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a richer and more flavorful soup.
Add a splash of wine or cream for an extra-rich and creamy soup.
Use fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor.

What to Serve With Creamy Chicken And Mushroom Soup

This creamy chicken and mushroom soup is perfect for a cold winter's night, served with a side of crusty bread or a green salad. You can also serve it with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme.

Consider serving the soup with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or broccoli, for a well-rounded and nutritious meal. You can also serve it with a side of cooked noodles or rice for a more filling and satisfying meal.

Crusty breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesCooked noodles or riceSwirl of creamSprinkle of chopped fresh herbs

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through.

When storing the soup, be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can also add a splash of cream or milk to the soup before reheating it, as this will help to restore its creamy texture and flavor.

To freeze the soup, simply transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of mushrooms should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of mushroom you like, but I prefer to use a combination of cremini and shiitake for their earthy flavor and meaty texture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breast for a richer and more flavorful soup.

How do I prevent the soup from curdling or separating?

To prevent the soup from curdling or separating, be sure to add the heavy cream towards the end of cooking and stir it in gently. You can also add a splash of cream or milk to the soup before reheating it, as this will help to restore its creamy texture and flavor.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through.

What should I serve with this soup?

This soup is perfect for serving with a side of crusty bread or a green salad. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or broccoli, for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Can I add other ingredients to this soup?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this soup to make it more substantial and filling. Consider adding diced vegetables, such as carrots or celery, or cooked noodles or rice.

How do I reheat the soup without drying it out?

To reheat the soup without drying it out, be sure to stir it occasionally and add a splash of cream or milk if necessary. You can also add a pinch of salt or pepper to taste, as this will help to bring out the flavors.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through.

The Full Recipe

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