Name: Comforting Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Butter (Adds richness and flavor; swap with olive oil for a dairy-free option.); 1 tbsp Olive oil (Ideal for sautéing vegetables; any cooking oil can work in a pinch.); 8 oz Fresh mushrooms, sliced (Provides an earthy flavor and chewy texture; canned mushrooms will suffice if you’re short on time.); ½ cup Onion, diced (The essential base flavor; yellow or white onions fit well here.); 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Enhances overall flavor; garlic powder serves as a quick substitute.); 1 Carrot, chopped (Adds sweetness and a pop of color; can be omitted for a simpler soup.); 1 stalk Celery, chopped (Contributes depth to the flavor; more carrot can be added instead if desired.); 2 tbsp All-purpose flour (Helps thicken the soup; cornstarch or gluten-free flour can replace this for dietary needs.); 4 cups Chicken broth (Serves as the soup’s flavorful base; low-sodium options are best.); 2 cups Chicken, shredded; 1 Bay leaf (Infuses flavor during the simmering process; can be omitted if needed.); 1 tsp Fresh thyme (Introduces bright herbal notes; dried thyme can be used in a pinch (reduce to ½ tsp).); ½ cup Heavy cream (Adds a velvety richness; use half-and-half or omit for a lighter soup, or allow broth to replace it entirely.); Salt & black pepper (Essential for seasoning; adjust to your preference.); 1 tbsp Parsley, chopped (Optional garnish that offers a fresh kick.); Lemon juice (Brightens flavors; vinegar is a good substitute if lemon isn't available.); White wine (Great for deglazing mushrooms, adding depth; skip if not preferred.); Wild rice or egg noodles (For added heartiness; these ingredients create a more substantial soup base.)

As I stood in my kitchen, the comforting aroma of sautéing mushrooms filled the air, instantly transporting me to cozy dinners remembered from childhood. Today, I’m thrilled to share my beloved Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe, a dish that perfectly balances creamy goodness with nourishing warmth. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a bowl of this delightful soup that’s not only a quick meal but also a versatile comfort food—great for versatile eaters. Whether you’re warming up on a rainy day or feeling under the weather, this dish offers a luxe flavored broth without the heaviness. The best part? It’s easily customizable to suit your taste, so it’s never boring in your kitchen! Want to learn how to whip up this deliciously satisfying soup? Let’s dive in!

Why is this soup so special?

Comforting, nourishing experience: This Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup delivers a bowl of warmth that feels like a hug. Perfect for those chilly evenings or when you’re under the weather!

Quick to whip up: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Versatile base recipe: You can easily customize it—add chickpeas for a vegetarian version or noodles for extra heartiness.

Flavorful depth: The combination of browned mushrooms and fresh thyme creates a rich taste that elevates your dining experience to gourmet levels. Pair it with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal or explore other quick meals like Wonton Soup Amp!

Crowd-pleaser: Whether for family or guests, this soup is sure to impress, turning even the simplest gatherings into special occasions.

Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup Ingredients

• Gather these ingredients for a deliciously nourishing dish!

For the Soup Base

Butter (2 tbsp) – Adds richness and flavor; swap with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Ideal for sautéing vegetables; any cooking oil can work in a pinch.
Fresh mushrooms (8 oz, sliced) – Provides an earthy flavor and chewy texture; canned mushrooms will suffice if you’re short on time.
Onion (½ cup, diced) – The essential base flavor; yellow or white onions fit well here.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Enhances overall flavor; garlic powder serves as a quick substitute.
Carrot (1, chopped) – Adds sweetness and a pop of color; can be omitted for a simpler soup.
Celery (1 stalk, chopped) – Contributes depth to the flavor; more carrot can be added instead if desired.

For Thickening and Flavor

All-purpose flour (2 tbsp) – Helps thicken the soup; cornstarch or gluten-free flour can replace this for dietary needs.
Chicken broth (4 cups) – Serves as the soup’s flavorful base; low-sodium options are best. Vegetable broth works well for vegetarian adaptations.
Chicken (2 cups, shredded) – Provides the hearty protein; replace with shredded rotisserie chicken or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
Bay leaf (1) – Infuses flavor during the simmering process; can be omitted if needed.
Fresh thyme (1 tsp) – Introduces bright herbal notes; dried thyme can be used in a pinch (reduce to ½ tsp).

For Creaminess and Seasoning

Heavy cream (½ cup) – Adds a velvety richness; use half-and-half or omit for a lighter soup, or allow broth to replace it entirely.
Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your preference.
Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped) – Optional garnish that offers a fresh kick.
Lemon juice (optional) – Brightens flavors; vinegar is a good substitute if lemon isn’t available.
White wine (optional) – Great for deglazing mushrooms, adding depth; skip if not preferred.
Wild rice or egg noodles (optional) – For added heartiness; these ingredients create a more substantial soup base.

Craft a comforting meal with these delightful ingredients for your Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe. Happy cooking!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by prepping your ingredients for the Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup. Slice 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, dice half a cup of onion, mince 2 cloves of garlic, and chop 1 carrot and 1 stalk of celery. Make sure to shred or dice 2 cups of cooked chicken, setting it aside for later. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Brown Mushrooms
In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Sauté without stirring for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are golden brown on one side, then stir occasionally until fully browned. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside for later.

Step 3: Cook Vegetables
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion, chopped carrot, and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring until everything is well coated, which will help thicken your soup.

Step 4: Simmer Soup
Gradually pour in 4 cups of chicken broth while stirring to combine and prevent lumps. Add in the bay leaf and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme for aroma and flavor. Gently fold in the shredded chicken, whether it’s raw or pre-cooked. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, allowing it to cook for 15 to 20 minutes until everything is tender and infused with flavor.

Step 5: Finish & Serve
Once your soup has simmered to perfection, return the browned mushrooms to the pot. Stir in half a cup of heavy cream, incorporating it until the soup is creamy and luscious. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then season with salt, black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and your Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup is ready to serve!

How to Store and Freeze Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave for quick enjoyment.

Freezer: To freeze, pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly before serving, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.

Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and steaming. Enjoy your comforting Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup!

Expert Tips for Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup

Mushroom Mastery: Properly browning the mushrooms enhances the soup’s flavor. Avoid stirring them too early; let them develop a nice golden color.
Consistency Control: Adjust the cream and broth proportions based on your desired richness. For a lighter option, consider reducing the cream or using more broth.
Flavor Boost: A splash of white wine while deglazing the skillet adds an extra depth of flavor that’s hard to resist in your Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup.
Time-Saving Tips: Using rotisserie chicken can significantly cut down your prep time, turning this dish into a quick meal that’s ready in no time.
Keep it Fresh: Fresh herbs elevate flavor, but dried thyme works in a pinch. Just remember to reduce the amount to half if using dried.

Make Ahead Options

This Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade comfort with ease! You can chop the vegetables (mushrooms, onion, carrot, celery, and garlic) and even shred the chicken up to 24 hours in advance; just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can sauté the mushrooms and cook the base of the soup up to 3 days ahead. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop, add the cream, and simmer it for about 5 minutes until heated through. This way, you’ll have a nourishing meal ready to enjoy, even on your busiest nights!

What to Serve with Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup

When you savor this cozy bowl of creamy goodness, consider these delightful pairings to elevate your meal experience.

Crusty Bread: A warm, freshly baked baguette is perfect for dipping into the savory broth, adding a delightful texture to each bite.
Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Savory Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness complements the earthy flavors of the mushrooms, making every spoonful irresistible.
Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses like brie and sharp cheddar for a treat that will beautifully balance the soup’s creamy richness.
Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables can add a splash of color and sweetness, enhancing the overall meal with their caramelized flavor.
Herbed Rice: Fluffy, herb-infused rice provides a lovely base and absorbs the soup’s delicious broth, making it a hearty addition to your table.
Smooth Chardonnay: A chilled glass of smooth Chardonnay with its crisp notes cuts through the creaminess, offering a perfect accompaniment.
Homemade Crackers: Crunchy, homemade crackers add a fun texture and can be topped with a dollop of your favorite cheese spread for some extra indulgence.

Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your unique touch on this warm, comforting soup for fun and flavor!

Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with one can of chickpeas, creating a protein-rich, plant-based delight. The chickpeas will soak up all that delicious broth!
Heartier Base: Add wild rice or egg noodles to the soup for a denser texture, perfect for those who crave a more filling meal. You can pair these with a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra flavor layer.
Asian Flair: Incorporate soy sauce and fresh grated ginger, giving the soup an exciting, aromatic twist that transports you to the streets of a bustling Asian market. Think vibrant flavors that dance on your palate!
Garlic Lovers’ Version: Increase the garlic to 4 cloves (or more) for maximum flavor impact. The sumptuous garlic aroma will envelop your kitchen in the coziest way possible.
Herb Garden Style: Toss in a variety of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or rosemary for a garden-fresh vibe, enhancing the flavors of this delicious soup. These herbs add a bright and fragrant note, refreshing in every spoonful.
Creamy Comfort: For an extra creamy indulgence, boost the heavy cream to 1 cup or swap it for sour cream. You’ll end up with a luscious texture that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for character and a gentle heat to the soup. Perfect for those cold nights when a little extra warmth is truly appreciated.
Slow Cooker Savior: Prepare everything as directed, then transfer to the slow cooker, cooking on low for 6-8 hours. This method deepens the flavors, making for a delightful, hassle-free meal that’s waiting for you when you get home.

Make each version your own and enjoy the inviting nature of this Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup! If you’re curious about other quick meal options, check out my Copycat Panera Chicken recipe for more delicious ideas!

Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup Recipe FAQs

What type of mushrooms should I use for this soup?
Absolutely! Fresh mushrooms, specifically button or cremini, are ideal for rich flavor. If you’re short on time, you can substitute with canned mushrooms, but the flavor won’t be as robust. Look for mushrooms that are firm and free of dark spots for the best quality!

How do I store leftover chicken mushroom soup?
Very simply, store any leftover Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Can I freeze the chicken mushroom soup?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as you would fresh soup!

What if my soup is too thick after reheating?
No worries! If you find your Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup has thickened too much after reheating, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Stir while heating until you achieve your desired consistency.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version of this soup, simply replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the soup to thicken without lumps.

Is this soup suitable for kids or those with allergies?
Definitely! The Easy Chicken Mushroom Soup can be a hit with kids, especially with its creamy texture and flavors. If there are allergy concerns, just substitute ingredients as needed—like using coconut milk instead of heavy cream or eliminating chicken for a vegetarian option. Always check labels for any hidden allergens in processed ingredients!