Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

This hearty and creamy chicken and mushroom soup is comforting, full of flavor, and comes together with simple ingredients. Perfect for a cozy dinner or to make ahead for the week.

Ingredients

This recipe was originally developed for 8 servings. Ingredient amounts may be adjusted automatically, but cooking times remain unchanged. Not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 3/4 cup thinly sliced celery
• 3/4 cup thinly sliced carrots
• 1 pound baby portobello (cremini) mushrooms, sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (white or dark meat, or both)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, thyme, or chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring, until onions turn translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes more.
4. Stir in garlic and herbes de Provence, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Pour in chicken broth, add shredded chicken and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil.
6. Cover, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
7. In a small bowl, combine heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of hot soup broth to temper. Slowly pour warmed cream back into the pot, stirring constantly.
8. Add chopped spinach and simmer until wilted.
9. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot, ladled into bowls, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 289
• Total Fat: 18g (23%)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (38%)
• Cholesterol: 95mg (32%)
• Sodium: 354mg (15%)
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g (5%)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (10%)
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 22g (44%)
• Vitamin C: 6mg (6%)
• Calcium: 80mg (6%)
• Iron: 2mg (11%)
• Potassium: 805mg (17%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient values are estimates and may differ depending on exact ingredients used.

The Origins of Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup

Creamy chicken and mushroom soup has roots in European culinary traditions, particularly in French cuisine, where creamy soups, or "crmes," have been a staple since the 17th century. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety cream base reflects the French emphasis on balancing flavors and textures. Over time, this soup made its way to America, where home cooks adapted it using rotisserie chicken for convenience while maintaining its rich, comforting essence.

Regional Variations

While the classic version features chicken, mushrooms, and cream, regional adaptations bring unique twists. In the American South, cooks often add a hint of paprika or cayenne for warmth. In Northern Europe, you might find the soup enriched with dill or nutmeg, while in Asia, versions with soy sauce, ginger, or coconut milk highlight local flavors. The core remains the samea creamy broth with tender chicken and savory mushroomsbut local ingredients give each variation its distinctive personality.

How It Differs from Similar Soups

Creamy chicken and mushroom soup is often compared to classic cream of chicken soup or mushroom soup. The key difference is the combination: rather than focusing solely on one main ingredient, it harmonizes both chicken and mushrooms with cream. Unlike chicken noodle soup, its thicker and richer due to the cream, and unlike a simple mushroom bisque, it adds the heartiness of chicken, making it both a starter and a substantial entre.

Typical Serving Occasions

This soup is versatile in its serving contexts. It is commonly enjoyed as a warming starter in family dinners, served alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad. During colder months, it may be featured as a comforting main course. In restaurants, it often appears as part of a seasonal menu or a lunch special, highlighting its ability to be both elegant and homey at the same time.

Interesting Facts

• The use of rotisserie chicken in modern recipes reflects a trend toward simplifying traditional soups while retaining authentic flavor.
• Mushrooms not only add depth of flavor but also provide umami, which naturally enhances the creaminess of the soup.
• This soup is often recommended for meal prepping because it reheats well and maintains its texture, making it a practical choice for busy households.
• In some cultures, adding spinach or other leafy greens to creamy soups is believed to increase their nutritional value without altering taste significantly.

FAQ about Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Recipe