QUICK CHICKEN MUSHROOM SOUP

Imagine the savory aroma of tender chicken simmering with earthy mushrooms in a rich, creamy broth, swirling with flavors that warm you from the inside out. This Chicken Mushroom Soup recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, ready in under an hour! I promise you, this will become your new go-to comfort soup.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup cooked rice or pasta

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started: Prep Work

1. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms. Set aside.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and are tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Creating the Creamy Base:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and 1/2 cup of the chicken broth until smooth. This will prevent lumps in your soup.
2. Pour the flour mixture into the pot with the mushrooms and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour.
3. Gradually pour in the remaining chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Finishing the Soup:

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
2. If using, add the dry sherry. This adds a lovely depth of flavor but is completely optional.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Stir in the heavy cream. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the cream, as it may curdle.
5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serving:

1. Ladle the Chicken Mushroom Soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips for Perfect Soup

Dealing with Lumps:

Lumpy soup can be a real bummer. The key is to whisk the flour with a small amount of cold broth before adding it to the pot. This creates a slurry that will dissolve smoothly into the hot broth. If you still end up with lumps, don’t panic! Use an immersion blender to smooth out the soup. Just be careful when blending hot liquids.

Too Thick or Too Thin?:

If your soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering soup to thicken it.

Boosting the Flavor:

Want to take your Chicken Mushroom Soup to the next level? Try adding a splash of dry sherry or white wine. You can also use different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms, for a more complex flavor. A bay leaf added during simmering can also add depth.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Creamy vs. Brothy:

If you prefer a lighter soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or milk. For a richer, creamier soup, you can add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to each bowl before serving.

Vegetarian Option:

To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra mushrooms or other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes, to make it more filling.

Adding Noodles or Rice:

For a heartier soup, you can add cooked noodles or rice. Add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they don’t become mushy. Egg noodles, ditalini pasta, or cooked rice all work well.

Making It Ahead & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions:

This Chicken Mushroom Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing Instructions:

To freeze the soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Important Note: Cream-based soups can sometimes separate slightly when thawed, but this doesn’t affect the flavor. Simply stir well before reheating.

What to Serve With Your Soup

Chicken Mushroom Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a tasty side dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic comfort food combination.
• Side Salad: A light and refreshing complement to the rich soup.
• Garlic Bread: Adds a delicious garlicky flavor.

More Soups You’ll Love

If you’re a soup lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite soup recipes. For a low-carb option, try this Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup. It’s incredibly rich and satisfying! Or, for a romantic dinner, you might want to try Marry Me Chicken Soup – it’s sure to impress! There’s also another version of Marry Me Chicken Soup you might enjoy. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out the original Chicken Mushroom Soup recipe! For something a bit different, you can try Chicken Tortellini Soup or Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

The Joy of Homemade Soup

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making soup from scratch. It’s a simple and affordable way to create a delicious and nourishing meal for yourself and your loved ones. I hope this Chicken Mushroom Soup recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!