Our creamy chicken mushroom spinach soup delivers deep flavor, hearty texture, and nutritional balance. Made with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach in a velvety broth, this soup offers comfort in every spoonful while being simple enough for weeknight meals and sophisticated enough for guests.
Ingredients – Whole Foods for Full Flavor
Base Soup Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced or shredded
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1½ tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Creamy Component
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or arrowroot starch for gluten-free)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 oz baby spinach, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Crusty sourdough or garlic bread on the side
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and sauté for 8–10 minutes, allowing moisture to evaporate and browning to develop for umami depth.
2. Add Chicken and Seasoning
- Push the mushrooms to the side and add diced chicken. Sear until no longer pink on the outside.
- Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and crushed red pepper (if using).
- Pour in the chicken broth, stir, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
3. Thicken the Soup
- In a small bowl, whisk flour with ½ cup cold broth or water until smooth.
- Stir into the soup and let simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes to thicken.
- Add the cream and Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy.
4. Add Spinach and Finish
- Stir in chopped spinach and simmer for 3–4 minutes until wilted.
- Add lemon juice for brightness (optional).
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
- Bread Pairing: Rustic garlic bread, focaccia, or grilled cheese.
- Add Crunch: Top with croutons or crispy fried onions.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked wild rice or orzo for a complete one-bowl meal.
- Wine Match: A light Chardonnay or dry Riesling enhances the creamy texture and earthy notes.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing if using milk instead of cream.
- Reheating: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring to reincorporate cream. Add extra broth if needed.
Variations to Suit Your Taste
Keto/Low-Carb
- Replace flour with xanthan gum or omit thickener entirely.
- Use heavy cream for fat content without carbs.
Gluten-Free
- Use cornstarch or arrowroot to thicken.
- Ensure broth and Parmesan are gluten-free certified.
Dairy-Free
- Replace cream with coconut milk and skip cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
Vegan Version
- Replace chicken with cannellini beans or chickpeas.
- Use vegetable broth, coconut cream, and plant-based Parmesan.
Nutrition Breakdown per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
High in protein and low in refined carbohydrates, this soup supports balanced eating without sacrificing flavor.
Common Questions About Chicken Mushroom Spinach Soup
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Skip the browning step and add shredded rotisserie chicken directly with the broth to save time.
Can I substitute kale for spinach?
Yes. Use chopped lacinato or curly kale and simmer 5–8 minutes until tender.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Absolutely. The flavors deepen over time, and it reheats beautifully.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Add an extra tablespoon of flour, blend 1 cup of the soup and return it to the pot, or add a few tablespoons of instant mashed potato flakes.
What’s the best type of mushroom for this soup?
Cremini or baby bella mushrooms offer the best balance of flavor and texture. Shiitake adds depth but should be balanced with milder types.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken mushroom spinach soup is a powerful blend of comforting textures, nourishing ingredients, and rich umami flavor. It’s adaptable, prep-friendly, and satisfies a range of diets—all while delivering restaurant-level quality in your own kitchen.