Delicious and Warm Cream of Chicken or Turkey Soup

Written by
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone
Peggy Trowbridge Filippone is a writer who develops approachable recipes for home cooks. Her recipes range from Grandma’s favorites to the latest food trends.
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Peggy Trowbridge Filippone
Updated 11/13/20
Chicken soup
Foodcollection RF / Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 15 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
218 Calories
22g Fat
3g Carbs
3g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 218
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 14g 69%
Cholesterol 72mg 24%
Sodium 1072mg 47%
Total Carbohydrate 3g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 2mg 8%
Calcium 51mg 4%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 107mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Sometimes a simple soup is most appealing on a chilly night, and you cannot get more basic than this easy cream of chicken or turkey soup. Chicken or turkey broth, heavy cream, and seasonings are all that you need to make this comforting recipe. Serve this soup as a first course to family or guests, or paired with a sandwich for a filling lunch. This is a great recipe to use leftover holiday turkey. Make the stock with the bird carcass and add any leftover meat to the soup.

This recipe can be found in "The New Doubleday Cookbook" by Jean Anderson and Elaine Hanna. 

Ingredients

  • 1 quart chicken broth (or turkey broth)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (or mace) 

  • 1 tablespoon parsley (or chives)

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Bring the broth to a simmer and slowly mix in the cream.

  3. Add salt to taste, the pepper, and nutmeg.

  4. Cover and let the flavors mellow over the lowest heat for about 10 minutes.

  5. Serve hot, topped with minced parsley or chives.

  6. Enjoy!

Variations

  • For a homestyle chunky cream of chicken or turkey soup, substitute a cup of half-and-half for the heavy cream; cook along with the broth until thickened, and then mix in the spices along with chopped, cooked chicken or turkey, potatoes, peas, and/or carrots.
  • If you don't have heavy cream, you can make a substitute using butter and milk.
  • For a non-dairy version of this soup, use either a dairy-free heavy cream or combine soy milk with olive oil using a ratio of 2 to 1.
  • This soup can also be served cold; let cool completely before putting in the refrigerator to chill.

Sandwich Pairings

  • A pesto chicken panini or grilled cheese with turkey on sourdough.
  • Grilled chicken and pimiento cheese sandwiches on crusty French bread. 
  • Chipotle, chicken, avocado, and Monterey Jack cheese panini.
  • Sourdough bread with slices of avocado, tomato, bacon, and lettuce, topped with a dollop of mayonnaise.
  • Classic club sandwiches—slices of crispy bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and turkey with mayonnaise on country white bread.
  • Chicken salad on country white or French bread.

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