There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming bowl of Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup when you need comfort food that actually loves you back. This recipe became my go-to during nursing school finals week, when I needed something quick, nourishing, and guaranteed to boost my immunity after long nights in the library. The magic happens in just 30 minutes, but the rich broth packed with tender chicken and vibrant spinach tastes like it simmered all day. My roommate still jokes that she knew I was making this soup whenever our tiny apartment smelled like garlic and thyme. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just craving cozy flavors, this soup delivers warmth in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup
This isn’t just any chicken soup, it’s your new kitchen superhero. Here’s why it’s become my weekly staple:
- Quick comfort: Ready in 30 minutes flat (yes, I’ve timed it while chasing my toddler around the kitchen).
- Immune-boosting magic: Garlic + spinach = nature’s cold-fighting dream team.
- Secretly healthy: Packed with 22g protein per bowl but tastes indulgent thanks to that velvety cream.
- Keto’s best friend: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and boom, low-carb heaven.
- Freezer-friendly: Makes enough for tonight’s dinner plus lunch tomorrow (if you can resist seconds).
Trust me, once you taste that first spoonful of creamy, garlicky broth with pops of fresh spinach, you’ll understand why my family begs for this soup year-round.
PrintCreamy Chicken Spinach Soup: Immune-Boosting Comfort in 30 Minutes
A hearty and nutritious Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup packed with protein and vitamins. Perfect for cold days, boosting immunity, or a healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, stir in spinach and seasonings.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and stir well.
- Cook for another 5 minutes and serve.
Notes
- For a keto version, skip onions and use coconut cream.
- Add more spinach for extra fiber.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup
Gathering these simple ingredients feels like assembling a flavor dream team, each one brings something special to our creamy chicken spinach soup. Here’s what you’ll need (and why each matters):
- 2 chicken breasts, diced: About 1-inch cubes cook evenly and stay juicy (I always trim excess fat but keep some for flavor).
- 4 cups chicken broth: The soup’s soul! Use homemade if you’ve got it, or my favorite boxed low-sodium brand in a pinch.
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Packed measure, those emerald leaves wilt down to perfection (baby spinach works great too).
- 1 cup heavy cream: The “creamy” in our title! Cold cream added at the end prevents curdling.
- 1 onion, chopped: Yellow onions bring sweetness, but whites work if that’s what’s in your pantry.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is non-negotiable here, that pre-minced stuff just doesn’t sing the same way.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing our aromatics to golden perfection.
- 1 tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper: Start here, then adjust to taste, I always add an extra pinch at the end.
- ½ tsp dried thyme: Its earthy notes make the chicken sing (rub between fingers before adding to wake up the oils).
See? Nothing fancy, just honest ingredients that transform into something magical together. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup
Now for the fun part, turning those simple ingredients into silky, soul-warming magic. Follow these steps exactly like I do (learned from my third batch that veering off-course leads to sad, overcooked spinach).
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in your favorite soup pot over medium-low heat, this is crucial! Too hot, and your garlic will burn before the onions soften. Add chopped onions first, stirring occasionally until they turn translucent (about 3 minutes). Now toss in the minced garlic, the second it becomes fragrant (about 30 seconds), move fast to Step 2. Burnt garlic ruins everything!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Increase heat to medium and add diced chicken in a single layer, no overcrowding! Let pieces sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop golden edges (this builds flavor). Then stir occasionally until no pink remains (about 5 minutes total). Pro tip: Undercook slightly here since it’ll keep cooking in the broth, dry chicken is the enemy!
Step 3: Simmer and Finish
Pour in broth and thyme, scraping up any tasty browned bits. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, this concentrates flavors. Turn off heat before stirring in spinach (it wilts perfectly from residual heat). Finally, drizzle in cold cream while stirring constantly. Taste and adjust salt, the flavors bloom beautifully after 5 minutes off heat.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup
After making this soup more times than I can count (my family’s obsessed!), here are my can’t-skip secrets:
- Cold cream is key: Always add chilled heavy cream at the very end, room temp stuff can curdle when heated.
- Spinach timing matters: Toss those greens in after turning off the heat, they’ll wilt perfectly without turning mushy.
- Broth boost: For extra depth, stir in a spoonful of nutritional yeast or parmesan rind while simmering. If you like other creamy chicken recipes, check out this creamy garlic parmesan chicken soup.
- Texture trick: If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth, the cream thickens when chilled.
Oh, and don’t skip tasting right before serving, a squeeze of lemon can brighten all those cozy flavors beautifully!
Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup Variations
One of my favorite things about this soup is how easily it adapts to different diets and cravings! Here are the variations I’ve tested (and loved):
- Keto dream: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream, it adds the slightest tropical twist that’s surprisingly delicious.
- Extra protein: Toss in diced turkey bacon when sautéing the onions, gives that smoky depth without overpowering.
- Veggie boost: Stir in ½ cup diced zucchini or mushrooms with the chicken, they soak up all that garlicky goodness. For another veggie-packed option, try this creamy spinach mushroom chicken soup.
- Dairy-free: Use cashew cream instead of dairy, blend ¾ cup soaked cashews with ½ cup water until silky smooth.
My neighbor swears by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, try it if you like things spicy!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup
This soup shines bright all on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it for maximum comfort:
- Crusty bread: My garlic-rubbed sourdough slices are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth.
- Simple salad: A crisp side of arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Soup trio: On sick days, I pair it with ginger tea and honey-drizzled oranges for ultimate healing power.
Honestly though? Sometimes I just grab a big spoon and eat it straight from the pot, no judgment! For more comfort food ideas, visit familytastes.com.
Storing and Reheating Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup
Here’s the good news, this soup tastes even better the next day! Just store it right:
- Fridge: Cool completely, then keep in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The spinach stays vibrant if you don’t reheat it more than once.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer bags (lay flat to save space!) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating tip: Always use the stovetop on low heat, stirring frequently. Microwaving separates the cream, trust me, I learned this the hard way after my “quick” lunch turned into a grainy mess!
Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup Nutritional Info
Nutrition varies by ingredients, but here’s what you’re getting in each comforting bowl of this creamy chicken spinach soup (based on my exact recipe):
- 280 calories, cozy without the guilt
- 22g protein, keeps you full for hours
- 8g carbs (only 3g sugar), great for low-carb diets
- 18g fat, that’s where the creamy magic happens
- 2g fiber, thank you, spinach!
Pro tip: Using low-sodium broth cuts the salt content nearly in half if you’re watching your intake. If you are watching your carbs, you might also enjoy this creamy chicken bacon chowder.
FAQs About Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup
Can I freeze creamy chicken spinach soup?
Yes! But here’s my trick, freeze it before adding the cream. The broth and chicken freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, then stir in fresh cream and spinach. This prevents that weird grainy texture thawed dairy sometimes gets.
Is this soup really good for colds?
Absolutely! Between the garlic’s antiviral properties and spinach’s vitamin C, this creamy chicken spinach soup is my go-to when sniffles strike. The steam helps clear sinuses, while the easy-to-digest protein gives your body energy to heal. Bonus: The warmth soothes sore throats better than any lozenge!
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
You can, but squeeze out ALL the water first (I wrap it in a clean towel and twist). Frozen spinach tends to make the soup watery if you don’t. Personally? I think fresh baby spinach gives better texture and brighter flavor, it’s worth the extra minute of prep!
How can I make this soup thicker?
Two easy fixes: 1) Simmer uncovered for an extra 5 minutes to reduce the broth, or 2) Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, then stir it in during the last 2 minutes of cooking. But honestly? I love it just slightly brothy, perfect for dunking bread! For another thick, comforting option, try this cozy homestyle chicken soup.
Did this soup become your new comfort food obsession like it did mine? I’d love to hear how your version turned out! Drop a comment below with your favorite tweaks or snap a photo of your steaming bowl, nothing makes me happier than seeing those flecks of green spinach in everyone’s creamy chicken spinach soup creations. Your ratings help other home cooks discover this recipe too!