Chicken Mushroom Soup

Picture a steaming bowl of chicken mushroom soup, where the earthy aroma of mushrooms mingles with the warmth of freshly cooked chicken.

This comforting dish is delightfully easy to make, perfect for those cozy evenings when you crave something indulgent yet simple.

As the flavors meld together, the transformation from raw ingredients to a hearty, soul-warming soup is simply magical.

Let’s bring this delicious, inviting dish to life.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chicken Mushroom Soup, you can follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe and gathering all necessary ingredients and equipment. This will help streamline the process once you start cooking.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes)
   • Minute 1-5: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the mushrooms.
   • Minute 6-10: Cut the boneless chicken breasts into small pieces.
   • Minute 11-15: Measure out chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and chop fresh parsley.
3. Cooking (30 minutes)
   • Minute 0-5: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chopped onion until translucent.
   • Minute 5-10: Stir in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are softened.
   • Minute 10-15: Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
   • Minute 15-20: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
   • Minute 20-35: Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes.
   • Minute 35-40: Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and dried thyme and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Resting and Serving (5 minutes)
   • Minute 40-45: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.

Stir in minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until mushrooms are softened.

Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and let simmer for about 15 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.

Allow soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich flavors of the soup.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the creamy texture of the soup.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve on the side or add directly to the soup for a more filling meal.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Adds a delightful crunch and a hint of garlic flavor to each bite.
• Steamed Vegetables: A healthy and colorful accompaniment to balance the hearty soup.

Storage

Store Chicken Mushroom Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For extended storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

To freeze Chicken Mushroom Soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.

Label with the date and freeze.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Chicken Mushroom Soup gently on the stove over low heat.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid boiling to maintain creaminess.

Alternatively, microwave in short intervals. Stir in between.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Mushroom Soup is a delightful and comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy broth creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.

With its relatively simple preparation process, this soup is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

Remember to experiment with different mushroom varieties and seasoning adjustments to suit your personal taste.

Enjoy this warm, hearty soup as a standalone meal or alongside a fresh salad and crusty bread for a complete dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Vegetable Broth Instead of Chicken Broth?

You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth using a 1:1 ratio. Confirm you maintain the same volume, 4 cups, to preserve the soup’s liquid balance. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding extra herbs for flavor depth.

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with a mixture of 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Combine thoroughly. This will replicate the creamy texture while maintaining the richness required for the dish.

How Can I Make the Soup Spicier?

To spice up your soup, add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or 1 finely chopped jalapeño during step 3. Alternatively, incorporate 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper with the seasonings in step 7 for extra heat.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, the recipe is gluten-free as written. Verify all ingredients like broth are gluten-free certified. For extra thickness, use cornstarch instead of flour. Always check labels to confirm no cross-contamination with gluten-containing products.

Can I Add Vegetables to This Soup?

You can add vegetables to this soup. Consider dicing 1 cup of carrots or celery. Sauté them with onions for ideal flavor integration. Make certain vegetables are uniformly cut to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.