There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder to chase away the winter blues. I remember one particularly blustery February when my oldest came home from school sniffling, this chowder became our go-to remedy, packed with healing herbs and cozy comfort. It’s amazing how something so simple can wrap you in warmth from the inside out.
This isn’t your average chicken soup. The magic happens when velvety cream meets aromatic thyme and rosemary, creating a rich base that coats every spoonful. Chicken broth forms the backbone, simmered with carrots and celery until they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender. What makes it special? That generous swirl of cream at the end transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary.
Beyond being soul-warming, this Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder delivers serious nutrition. The garlic and herbs give your immune system a boost, while the protein-packed chicken keeps you satisfied. My family calls it “hug in a bowl”, perfect for chilly nights or when you need some edible comfort. The best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it my secret weapon when everyone’s hungry and I want something wholesome on the table fast.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder
Trust me, this isn’t just another chicken soup recipe, it’s the kind of meal that makes you pause mid-bite and sigh with happiness. Here’s why it’s become my family’s cold-weather staple:
- Comfort in every spoonful: That silky cream base with fragrant herbs feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. The first time I made it, my husband went back for thirds!
- Nutrient-packed goodness: Between the protein from the chicken, vitamins from the veggies, and immune-boosting garlic and herbs, it’s practically medicine disguised as comfort food.
- Weeknight easy: I can have this bubbling on the stove in under 10 minutes, perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” panic moments.
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk, skip the carrots for keto, or add extra veggies, it’s forgiving and flexible.
The secret? That perfect balance where rich meets wholesome. One taste and you’ll understand why my kids beg for this whenever the temperature drops!
PrintDecadent Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder Recipe in 30 Minutes
A rich and comforting Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder packed with flavor and nutrients. Perfect for cold days or when you need an immune boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until soft.
- Add chicken broth, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken and heavy cream. Stir well.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a keto version, skip carrots and add more celery.
- For weight loss, use light cream instead of heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Ingredients for Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder
Grab these simple ingredients (I promise you probably have most already!) to make the coziest pot of chowder:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded, I use rotisserie chicken leftovers, but any cooked chicken works
- 4 cups chicken broth, Homemade if you’ve got it, but boxed works great too
- 1 cup heavy cream, The magic that makes it, well, creamy! Cold from the fridge works best
- 1 cup diced carrots (1/4-inch pieces), Small dice means they cook faster
- 1 cup diced celery, Include those leafy tops for extra flavor
- 1 small onion, chopped, Yellow onions are my go-to
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, Fresh is best here, but jarred in a pinch
- 1 tsp dried thyme, Rub between your fingers before adding to wake up the oils
1 tsp dried rosemary, Same trick as the thyme!
- Salt and pepper to taste, I add this last so I don’t oversalt the broth
Ingredient Substitutions & Notes
Don’t stress if you’re missing something, this recipe is super adaptable! Try these easy swaps:
- Light cream or half-and-half for fewer calories (it’ll be slightly less rich)
- Turkey bacon bits if you want smoky flavor without pork
- Cauliflower florets instead of carrots for keto, they soak up the broth beautifully
- Fresh herbs if you have them, use triple the amount of dried
- Vegetable broth to make it vegetarian (just skip the chicken)
My golden rule? Taste as you go! The beauty of this chowder is how customizable it is to what you’ve got on hand. For more ideas on comfort food recipes, check out Family Tastes.
How to Make Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder
Okay friends, here’s where the magic happens! I’ll walk you through each step, it’s easier than you think, but there are a few tricks to make it perfect. Grab your favorite soup pot (I use my trusty Dutch oven) and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First, heat a drizzle of olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Toss in those chopped onions with a pinch of salt, the salt helps them sweat faster. Stir them around for about 3 minutes until they turn translucent (that’s when you can kinda see through them). Now add the carrots and celery, I like to hear that satisfying sizzle when they hit the pan!
Here’s my secret: don’t rush this part. Let the veggies soften for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them just tender enough that a fork slides in easily, but not mushy. When they’re almost done, toss in the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds until fragrant, any longer and the garlic might burn. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now!
Step 2: Simmer the Broth and Herbs
Time to build flavor! Pour in all that glorious chicken broth, it should come up to a boil pretty quickly. Now sprinkle in the thyme and rosemary (remember to rub them between your fingers first to release their oils). I usually give it one big stir, then let it bubble away happily for about 5 minutes.
After those 5 minutes, reduce the heat to low. You want a gentle simmer, just a few lazy bubbles breaking the surface. This is when the herbs really infuse the broth with their cozy flavors. Set a timer for 15 minutes and resist the urge to stir too much, let the magic happen!
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cream
Here comes the best part! Stir in your shredded chicken, I like to use two forks to separate any clumps. Now pour in the cold heavy cream slowly while stirring. Important: DO NOT let it boil after this point! Cream can curdle if it gets too hot too fast. Just maintain that gentle simmer for about 5 more minutes.
Test a spoonful (careful, it’s hot!), this is when I adjust the salt and pepper. The flavors will have melded beautifully, and the cream will have thickened the broth slightly. If it seems too thick, add a splash more broth. Too thin? Let it simmer another minute or two. Then turn off the heat and get ready for the coziest meal ever!
Tips for Perfect Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder
After making this chowder more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to get it just right every single time. Here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Keep an eye on the chicken: If you’re cooking chicken just for this recipe, pull it off the heat at 165°F, overcooked chicken turns stringy in the soup. I always shred it while still warm; it blends into the chowder so much better!
- Stir the cream like you mean it: When adding the heavy cream, pour it in slowly while stirring constantly. This prevents curdling and creates that dreamy, velvety texture we all love.
- Herbs are your friends: Start with the recipe amounts, but taste and adjust! Sometimes I add an extra pinch of thyme if it’s feeling bland, or a crack of black pepper for zing.
- Low and slow wins the race: That gentle simmer after adding cream is crucial, if your burner runs hot, use the smallest one and keep the heat on low. Patience makes perfect chowder!
One last pro tip? Let it sit for 5 minutes off heat before serving, the flavors marry beautifully, and it thickens slightly to that perfect spoon-coating consistency. Now go forth and make chowder magic! If you enjoy creamy soups, you might also like this Creamy Chicken Bacon Chowder Recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder
Oh, the joy of ladling this golden chowder into bowls! Here’s how I love to serve it for maximum comfort factor:
- Crusty bread is a must: My family fights over who gets the last piece to dunk in the creamy broth. A warm baguette or hearty sourdough works perfectly.
- Simple green salad: The crisp freshness balances the richness beautifully, just toss some greens with lemon vinaigrette.
- Garnish game strong: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color, while a grind of black pepper gives it a little kick.
For extra fun, set out toppings like shredded cheese or croutons and let everyone customize their bowl. Pure cozy perfection! For another comforting meal idea, check out the Cozy Homestyle Chicken Soup Pot Recipe.
Storage and Reheating
This Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder keeps like a dream! Just let it cool completely before popping it in the fridge, it’ll stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth to bring back that silky texture. Pro tip: Stir gently and never let it boil, that cream stays happy when treated with care!
Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder Nutritional Info
Let’s talk numbers, but don’t worry, this comfort food comes with benefits! Here’s what you’re getting in each generous bowl (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 320, satisfying without being overly heavy
- Protein: 18g, thanks to all that chicken!
- Fat: 22g (12g saturated), that’s where the cream works its magic
- Carbs: 10g, mostly from the nutritious veggies
- Fiber: 2g, every bit helps!
Important note: These are estimates, actual numbers may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. For lower calories, try my light cream swap mentioned earlier. And remember, this isn’t just food, it’s edible comfort with real nutritional perks! If you are looking for a lighter option, consider the Healthy Healing Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe.
FAQ About Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder
I get asked about this chowder all the time, here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and inbox!):
Can I freeze Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder?
Oh honey, I wish! Dairy-based soups don’t freeze well, the cream separates when thawed, leaving you with a grainy texture. But here’s my trick: Make the broth base (without cream) and freeze that. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, then stir in fresh cream. Works like a charm!
Is this chowder keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Just skip the carrots (they’re higher in carbs) and add extra celery or some cauliflower florets instead. The cream and chicken make it perfect for keto, my sister lost 30 pounds eating versions of this soup!
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
You bet! Dried herbs are actually more potent than fresh. Use half the amount called for fresh herbs (so if a recipe says 1 tbsp fresh, use 1 1/2 tsp dried). Crush them between your fingers before adding to wake up those flavorful oils.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No panic! Half-and-half works in a pinch (though it’ll be slightly less rich), or for dairy-free, coconut milk adds lovely flavor. Just avoid milk, it tends to curdle when simmered.
How can I make it thicker/thinner?
Too thick? Add splashes of broth until it’s just right. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce, or make a quick slurry with 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water, then stir it in.
Remember, cooking should be fun, not stressful! This chowder is forgiving, so don’t be afraid to tweak it to your taste. Happy simmering! For more creamy chicken options, see the Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Soup Recipe.
Try This Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder Tonight!
Don’t just take my word for it, grab that soup pot and experience the magic yourself! This Creamy Herb Chicken Chowder is waiting to become your new comfort food obsession. I’d love to see your creations, snap a photo of that steamy, herb-flecked goodness and tag me on social media. Nothing makes me happier than seeing families gathered around bowls of this cozy chowder!
Trust me, once you taste that first spoonful of velvety broth with tender chicken and aromatic herbs, you’ll understand why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my weekly rotation. Now go warm some hearts (and bellies) with your cooking, I can’t wait to hear how much your crew loves it!