Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup

### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### 1. Sauté the Chicken
– Begin by heating **1 tablespoon of olive oil** or **butter** in a large pot over medium-high heat.
– Add the **cut chicken pieces** to the pot and cook for about **5-6 minutes**, until the chicken is browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook it all the way through at this point, as it will cook further in the broth.
– Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

#### 2. Sauté the Aromatics
– In the same pot, add the remaining **1 tablespoon of olive oil**.
– Add the **chopped onion** and sauté for about **3-4 minutes** until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
– Add the **minced garlic** and sauté for another **30 seconds** until fragrant.

#### 3. Cook the Mushrooms
– Add the sliced **mushrooms** to the pot and cook for about **5 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are soft and have released their moisture. The mushrooms will shrink and start to brown, adding a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup.

#### 4. Make the Soup Base
– If you want a thicker soup, sprinkle **1 tablespoon of flour** over the vegetables and stir well. This will help thicken the soup as it simmers.
– Gradually pour in the **chicken broth**, stirring constantly to avoid lumps if you added flour. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
– Add the **dried thyme**, **dried rosemary**, **salt**, and **black pepper** to the pot, stirring to combine.

#### 5. Add the Chicken and Simmer
– Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with any juices that have accumulated. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low.
– Let the soup simmer for about **15-20 minutes** to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to fully cook through.

#### 6. Add the Cream
– Once the soup is ready, stir in the **heavy cream** and cook for an additional **5 minutes** until the soup becomes creamy and heated through. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use **half-and-half** or **whole milk** instead of heavy cream.

#### 7. Garnish and Serve
– Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more **salt** and **pepper** if necessary.
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with **chopped fresh parsley** for a pop of color and freshness.
– Serve with a side of warm bread, crackers, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

—

### Tips for Success

1. **Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor**: If you have the time, using bone-in chicken (such as thighs or breasts) will give the broth a richer, deeper flavor. Simply simmer the chicken in the broth and remove the bones before serving.
2. **Use Different Mushrooms**: While button mushrooms are the most common choice, you can experiment with other types, such as cremini, shiitake, or portobello, for added texture and flavor.
3. **Make It Dairy-Free**: For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream, and substitute dairy-free butter for the olive oil or regular butter.
4. **Add Extra Vegetables**: If you’d like to boost the nutrition of this soup, you can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for more color and texture.

—

### Why This Recipe Is So Special

**Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup** is the epitome of comfort food. The richness of the creamy broth paired with the tender chicken and earthy mushrooms makes for a satisfying, well-balanced meal. The simple yet flavorful combination of herbs and seasonings brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and mushrooms, creating a soup that is hearty, creamy, and full of depth.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or as a soothing bowl of soup on a cold day, this recipe delivers. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients to make it your own. The smooth, velvety texture and savory flavor will warm you from the inside out, making this soup an irresistible comfort dish.

—

### Conclusion

**Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup** is a bowl of pure comfort. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety, flavorful broth makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re looking for something hearty to feed the family or simply want a dish that will make you feel cozy and content, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a bowl of homemade soup that rivals anything from a restaurant. Give this recipe a try and experience the heartwarming goodness of **Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup** for yourself!