If you are craving a warm, comforting bowl to soothe your soul, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, earthy mixed mushrooms, and delicate herbs all swirled into a luscious, velvety broth that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. The balance of flavors and the richness of the cream make this soup utterly irresistible, perfect for family dinners or when you want a little luxury in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an essential role in creating marvelous flavor, texture, and color. From the sweetness of onions to the earthy depth of mushrooms and the fresh brightness of parsley, every component is carefully chosen to elevate this dish.
- Unsalted butter: Used to sauté vegetables and enhance the soup’s richness without adding excess salt.
- Sweet onion: Adds a subtle natural sweetness and a tender base flavor when cooked down.
- Chopped celery: Provides a refreshing crunch and a hint of earthiness to complement the other veggies.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to release their aromatic punch, making the soup fragrant and appetizing.
- Mixed sliced mushrooms (18 ounces): A blend of varieties adds dimension and depth to the soup with their umami goodness.
- Fresh chopped rosemary: Bright and slightly piney herb notes that perfectly balance the creamy texture.
- Dried thyme: Earthy and floral, it enhances the soup’s herbal profile beautifully.
- Cooking sherry: Used to deglaze the pan, giving a subtle acidity and complexity to the broth.
- Boneless chicken breast or thighs (1 pound): Tender protein that soaks up flavors and adds satisfying heartiness.
- Chicken broth (8 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together in the soup.
- Heavy cream (2/3 cup): Provides a gorgeous creamy silkiness for that classic comforting soup texture.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon) or arrowroot: Used to thicken the soup so it’s smooth and rich.
- Chopped parsley: Adds fresh color and a pop of herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the natural flavors perfectly.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables and Mushrooms
Start by melting butter in a large soup pot over medium heat, then add the chopped onions, celery, and garlic. Sauté them gently for a couple of minutes until they start softening and releasing their wonderful aromas. Next, toss in your mixed mushrooms along with fresh rosemary and dried thyme. Cook everything until the mushrooms shrink and turn tender, soaking up the warm, herbal flavors.
Step 2: Deglaze and Add Chicken
Deglazing the pan with dry sherry is a game-changer for this recipe—it lifts all those caramelized bits off the bottom of the pot and adds a lovely depth to your soup. Then place whole chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer juicier meat) right into the pot, pour in chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and let the chicken cook through for about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Mixture and Finish the Soup
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth with no lumps—that thickener ensures your soup will be beautifully silky. When the chicken is done, remove it, chop into bite-sized pieces, then pour the cream mixture into the pot, stirring constantly. Let the soup simmer until it thickens slightly, then return the chicken and sprinkle in fresh parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste to bring everything together perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a few fresh thyme leaves on top adds a refreshing pop of color and aroma. For some extra indulgence, consider a drizzle of truffle oil or a dusting of grated Parmesan to elevate the experience even further.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or a soft buttered roll for dipping. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can also complement the richness and bring brightness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls and add a homemade garlic crouton or crispy bacon bits on top for texture contrast. For a fancy gathering, present it in mini cups as an appetizer so everyone can sample this creamy delight without spoiling their appetite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually marry nicely overnight, so it can taste even better the next day!
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Just be sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, but know that cream-based soups can sometimes separate, so gentle reheating is key.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup has thickened too much or appears separated, whisk in a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of mushrooms?
Absolutely! This soup shines with a variety of mushrooms, like cremini, shiitake, or portobello, but feel free to use what you enjoy or have on hand. Mixing types adds more flavor complexity.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free alternative and use arrowroot instead of cornstarch if you prefer keeping it keto-friendly and dairy-free.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Certainly! Boneless chicken thighs add a richer flavor and remain extra juicy, which pairs beautifully with the mushrooms and cream.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. The cornstarch and cream combine to create a smooth, comforting texture that feels indulgent but not heavy.
Can I add vegetables or other ingredients to the soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in carrots, peas, or even some cooked wild rice for added texture and nutrition. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day. It’s straightforward to make, with ingredients you probably already have, but the result is rich in flavor and beautifully comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving a soothing bowl yourself, I encourage you to try this recipe and savor every spoonful of creamy, mushroom-studded goodness.
PrintCreamy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe
A comforting and creamy chicken mushroom soup featuring tender chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a touch of sherry. This hearty soup is simmered to perfection and thickened with heavy cream and cornstarch, making it a perfect meal for cozy days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 5–6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 18 ounces sliced mushrooms (mixed varieties)
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Chicken and Broth
- 1/3 cup cooking sherry
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast (or boneless chicken thighs)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste (1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper initially)
Finishing Ingredients
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot for ketogenic)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Add the butter to a large 6-8 quart soup pot and set it over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped onions, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté them gently to develop their flavors, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Sauté mushrooms and herbs: Add the sliced mushrooms, fresh chopped rosemary, and dried thyme to the pot. Continue sautéing until the mushrooms have softened and cooked down, releasing their moisture and flavor into the base.
- Deglaze and add chicken: Pour in the cooking sherry to deglaze the pot, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Then add the whole boneless chicken breasts, chicken broth, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.
- Chop the chicken: Remove the fully cooked chicken breasts from the pot using tongs. Chop the breasts into bite-sized pieces suitable for the soup.
- Thicken the soup and finish: Whisk the cornstarch into the heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Slowly whisk this mixture into the simmering soup to thicken it. Stir in the chopped chicken and add the fresh parsley. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.
- Arrowroot can replace cornstarch for a ketogenic or gluten-free alternative.
- Use a mix of mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, and button for deeper flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before freezing.