Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for the ultimate comfort in a bowl, you’ve got to try my Chicken Mushroom Soup! It’s one of those recipes that just wraps you up like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. I remember the first time I made it; I was feeling a bit under the weather, and a friend brought me a big pot of this deliciousness. The aroma filled my kitchen, and the first warm spoonful brought me right back to life! Trust me, this dish is not just easy to make—it’s downright therapeutic. With juicy shredded chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy broth, it’s perfect for any day you need a little extra love. Plus, it comes together in about 35 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. So grab your pot, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Chicken Mushroom Soup
Let’s gather our ingredients for this cozy bowl of goodness! You’ll want to make sure everything is prepped and ready to go before we get cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded: I love using rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option, but any cooked chicken will do!
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Fresh mushrooms add an earthy flavor, but you can use canned mushrooms in a pinch.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium onion works perfectly to give that delicious base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma; don’t skimp on this one!
- 4 cups chicken broth: Homemade is great if you have it, but store-bought works just fine for convenience.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what gives the soup its rich, creamy texture. You can substitute with half-and-half if you’re looking to lighten it up a bit.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding a hint of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust to your preference; I like to add a bit more black pepper for a kick!
That’s it! With these ingredients, you’ll be on your way to a warm and delicious bowl of Chicken Mushroom Soup in no time!
How to Prepare Chicken Mushroom Soup
Alright, let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful Chicken Mushroom Soup! I promise it’s easier than you think, and your kitchen is going to smell amazing! Here’s how I do it:
- Heat the olive oil: Start by pouring the olive oil into a large pot over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute or two. You want it hot enough to sauté your veggies but not so hot that they burn!
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Keep stirring to avoid sticking!
- Add the mushrooms: Toss in the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until they’re nice and soft. This step really brings out their earthy flavors!
- In goes the chicken: Now, stir in your shredded chicken. Mix it all together and let it warm up for a couple of minutes.
- Pour in the broth: Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
- Add the cream: Finally, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and let it warm through for a couple of minutes.
- Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls, and get ready to enjoy! You can garnish it with fresh herbs if you like, but trust me, it’s delicious just as it is!
And there you have it! A hearty bowl of Chicken Mushroom Soup that’s ready to warm your soul. Enjoy every spoonful!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the goodness packed in each bowl of my Chicken Mushroom Soup! This hearty dish not only warms you up but also provides a decent nutritional boost. Here’s the estimated breakdown of what you’ll find in a serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But one thing’s for sure: you’re in for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your Chicken Mushroom Soup turns out absolutely fantastic! First off, if you’re short on time (and who isn’t?), using rotisserie chicken is a total game changer. It saves you the hassle of cooking and shredding chicken yourself, plus it adds great flavor!
Next, don’t be shy with the seasonings! I always recommend tasting as you go. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
And here’s a little trick: if you prefer a thicker soup, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender. You’ll get that creamy texture without having to add more cream! With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a deliciously comforting bowl of soup. Happy cooking!
Variations of Chicken Mushroom Soup
One of the best things about my Chicken Mushroom Soup is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste buds! If you want to switch things up, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a burst of flavor. Just toss them in right before serving for a lovely freshness!
If you’re a spice lover, why not sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat? It really elevates the dish! For extra nutrition, feel free to throw in some diced carrots or celery along with the onions. They’ll add texture and a hint of sweetness.
And if you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try incorporating some spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrition. You could even swap out the chicken for turkey or add in some cooked pasta for a heartier version. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this soup so much fun to make!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Mushroom Soup
Now that you’ve got a pot of warm Chicken Mushroom Soup ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! A crusty loaf of bread is a must-have; I love pairing it with a freshly baked baguette or sourdough that you can tear apart and dip right into the soup. It adds such a satisfying crunch!
If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the creamy soup beautifully. You could also whip up some roasted veggies—think carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. The slight sweetness from roasting balances the savory soup perfectly!
And don’t forget about toppings! A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the dish even further. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for extra creaminess. Enjoy your meal and savor every delicious spoonful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious Chicken Mushroom Soup left over? Lucky you! Storing it properly is key to keeping all that wonderful flavor intact. First things first, let the soup cool down to room temperature before storing. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and leave a little space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating it is super simple. Just pour it into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it seems a bit thick after refrigeration, don’t hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth or water to get it to your desired consistency. You could also microwave it in a bowl, but keep an eye on it to avoid any hot spots. Enjoy your cozy leftovers!
FAQ about Chicken Mushroom Soup
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about my beloved Chicken Mushroom Soup! First off, if you’re wondering about dietary considerations, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. If you need to make it dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Now, regarding ingredient substitutions, feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey if that’s more your style, or even add different vegetables like peas or corn for a colorful twist. If you’re out of mushrooms, a mix of bell peppers or zucchini can work in a pinch—just remember to sauté them to bring out their flavors!
As for storage tips, like I mentioned before, let your soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as it will expand. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and voilà—comfort food is back on the menu!
Print
Chicken Mushroom Soup: 7 Comforting Steps to Warm You Up
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and creamy chicken mushroom soup that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and cook until soft.
- Stir in shredded chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- For a thicker soup, blend part of it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken Mushroom Soup