Ingredients
The magic of this soup lies in choosing fresh, quality ingredients that build layers of flavor without fuss. When I shop for mushrooms, I lean towards cremini or baby bellas for their robust, earthy taste, but feel free to experiment with shiitake or porcini if you’re feeling adventurous. And don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs—their aroma lifts the whole dish. Using a good-quality rotisserie chicken is key, too; it’s my shortcut to deep, roasted chicken flavor without the extra work.
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This step smells so good—like a promise of comfort to come.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 8 minutes. This caramelization adds essential depth.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw taste. This will help thicken your soup, giving it that silky texture I love.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and thyme. Stir to combine, warming the chicken through for about 3-4 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Heat gently—do not boil—to keep the cream from curdling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving, adding a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
