This Easy Creamy Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and satisfying. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a velvety broth, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a bowl of warm nourishment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is everything you want in a cozy meal: creamy without being too heavy, flavorful without being fussy, and quick enough for a weeknight. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and fully customizable based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a comforting dish, this recipe hits the spot.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups wide egg noodles (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- Fresh parsley for garnish
directions

- In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add cooked chicken, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in milk and cream. Return to a gentle boil.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions until tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- Replace noodles with cooked rice or diced potatoes.
- For a lighter version, use all milk and skip the cream.
- Stir in spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Add a touch of lemon juice or parmesan for brightness.
storage/reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove, adding broth or milk if it has thickened.
- For freezing, omit noodles and dairy; add fresh when reheating to prevent separation.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend and substitute with gluten-free pasta or rice.
What vegetables can I add?
Peas, corn, spinach, kale, or green beans work well in this soup.
Can I use only milk instead of cream?
Yes, using just milk will make it lighter but still creamy.
Is it okay to use raw chicken?
Yes, dice it and cook it thoroughly in the pot before adding broth.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes, make the base ahead and add noodles just before serving for best texture.
Why did my soup thicken too much?
Noodles continue to absorb liquid. Thin it out with more broth when reheating.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, a sprinkle of parmesan adds great flavor depth.
What’s the best broth to use?
Low-sodium chicken broth is best so you can control salt levels.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute with unsweetened plant-based milk and cream alternatives.
Conclusion
This Easy Creamy Chicken Soup is a bowl of pure comfort—simple to make, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a reliable go-to recipe that everyone will love.
PrintEasy Creamy Chicken Soup
A comforting, rich, and velvety chicken soup that’s quick to make, perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing, creamy bowl of goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour to make a roux; cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
- Add shredded chicken and thyme; bring to a gentle simmer and cook 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and warm through for another 3–5 minutes; don’t boil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle into bowls; garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free milk for a lighter version.
- Add diced potatoes or rice for extra heartiness.
- For a smoother texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding cream.
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups (about 360 ml)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg