Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that's both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! This creamy chicken and mushroom soup recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner. It's a simple yet elegant dish that will impress your family and friends, and it's surprisingly quick to prepare. This recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals made easy, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be time-consuming. Get ready to enjoy this ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or a mix work well)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Crusty bread (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and slightly browned.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream (or half-and-half), black pepper, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt to taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid slightly. Stir in fresh parsley just before serving, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping – the perfect pairing for this delicious and easy soup recipe.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or peas.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it lighter: Use less heavy cream or substitute with milk for a lower-fat version.
- Add noodles: For a heartier soup, add cooked egg noodles or rice during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy chicken and cream of mushroom soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are both delicious and satisfying. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish! It’s one of the best recipes for a quick and easy weeknight meal, perfect for busy families or individuals looking for a healthy and tasty option.