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#### 1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
#### 2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pot and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (and rosemary, if using). Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
#### 3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In the same pot, add a bit more oil or butter if necessary. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until they release their moisture and become golden brown. Mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to the soup, and sautéing them well helps enhance that flavor.
#### 4. Make the Soup Base:
Once the mushrooms are browned, add the flour (or cornstarch) to the pot. Stir well to coat the mushrooms and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken the soup and give it that creamy texture. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.
#### 5. Add the Cream:
Once the soup has thickened to your liking, add the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Stir to combine, and let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
#### 6. Return the Chicken to the Pot:
Add the cooked chicken back into the soup. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes to allow the chicken to heat through and soak up the flavors.
#### 7. Garnish and Serve:
Once the soup is hot and well-mixed, it’s ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
### Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup:
– **Chicken Options:** You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken for added convenience. If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and add it to the soup at the end, warming it through.
– **Mushroom Variety:** Feel free to mix different types of mushrooms for a more complex flavor. Shiitake, cremini, and portobello mushrooms all bring different textures and depths of flavor to the soup.
– **Gluten-Free Version:** If you need the soup to be gluten-free, simply substitute the flour with cornstarch. You can make a slurry by dissolving 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a bit of cold water, then stirring it into the soup during the thickening process.
– **Extra Creaminess:** For an even richer soup, you can add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese to the soup. It will make the soup even creamier and add a tangy richness.
– **Make Ahead:** This soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make it in advance, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing.
### Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup:
– **Comforting & Hearty:** This soup is the perfect comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy broth is so satisfying.
– **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and minimal steps, this soup is easy to whip up, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
– **Customizable:** Whether you want to add extra veggies, use a different type of protein, or make it dairy-free, this recipe is highly customizable to suit your dietary preferences.
– **Crowd-Pleaser:** Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or impressing guests, this soup is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
### Conclusion:
*Creamy Chicken Mushroom Soup* is the perfect dish for when you’re craving something cozy and comforting. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a creamy base creates a satisfying soup that’s guaranteed to please everyone. Whether served on a cold evening or as a starter to a family meal, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
