You ever have one of those days when the chill just settles into your bones and won’t budge? That’s when I pull out this soul-hugging classic: Chicken and Turkey Soup Dinner Recipes. It’s the kind of soup that doesn’t just warm your hands it brings you back to center. Simple, nourishing, and cozy as a patchwork quilt.
Why This Soup Will Be Your New Fall Favorite
- Full-on comfort in every spoonful cozy, creamy, deeply satisfying.
- Perfect for using leftovers or making from scratch on a lazy Sunday.
- Freezes like a dream, making it one of those soups to freeze best recipes.
Let’s Talk Ingredients and Why They Matter
Every ingredient in this soup plays a role like a well-rehearsed band in a fall symphony.
Shredded chicken or turkey: This is the heart of it. Whether it’s leftovers from Thanksgiving or a rotisserie bird from your grocer, this soup welcomes them all.
Onions, carrots & celery: This classic trio lays the cozy flavor foundation. Call it the soup trinity if you will.
Garlic: Because flavor without garlic is like Nashville without music.
Butter & a splash of cream: This is how we make it creamy. Not thick, just silky. Just like you’d find in smothered chicken-style recipes.
Chicken broth: Homemade if you’ve got it, boxed if you don’t. No shame here. It’s the soup base, the canvas.
Thyme, parsley, black pepper: Earthy and herbaceous, because fall isn’t fall without it.
Pasta or rice (optional): Some days call for carbs. You do you.
Here’s How We Do It (Step-by-Step)
Put on your favorite flannel and let’s make soup the way grandma might’ve taught us—only with a little more flavor punch.
- In a big ol’ soup pot, melt your butter over medium heat. Add in those chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Let them get tender and aromatic. Stir with love.
- Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let that cook until it smells like the kind of kitchen that pulls people in from the porch.
- Pour in your broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Toss in your shredded chicken or turkey and reduce to a simmer.
- Let everything mingle for 15–20 minutes. If you’re adding pasta or rice, do it now. Taste and adjust with more salt or cream as needed.
- Right before serving, stir in the chopped parsley. Serve hot with a side of something buttery. (Cornbread, anyone?)
Common Mistakes to Watch Out For
Even good soup can go wrong, bless its heart. Here’s what to watch out for when making chicken and turkey soup dinner recipes:
- Overcooking your meat: If you’re using cooked chicken or turkey, don’t let it boil forever. It’ll get stringy and sad.
- Under-seasoning: Broth can be bland. Taste as you go and adjust. Salt and herbs are your flavor besties.
- Too much cream: We want creamy, not heavy. Balance is key.
What Goes with This Cozy Cook’s Classic?
Soup is a hug. But soup + a good side? Now that’s a love story. Here are some sides for soup dinners I always come back to:
- Garlic cheddar drop biscuits soft, cheesy, and begging to be dunked.
- Roasted brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze for a little green crunch.
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
For more inspiration, check out our take on easy dinner recipes here that pair up beautifully with a hot bowl of soup.
Creamy Chicken and Turkey Soup
Ingredients
- – 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or turkey
- – 1 tbsp butter
- – 1/2 cup diced onion
- – 1/2 cup diced carrots
- – 1/2 cup diced celery
- – 2 cloves garlic minced
- – 4 cups chicken broth
- – 1/4 cup heavy cream
- – 1 tsp thyme
- – 1 tsp parsley
- – Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in butter until tender.
- Add garlic and herbs; stir until fragrant.
- Pour in broth and add shredded meat.
- Simmer 20 minutes.
- Stir in cream and parsley just before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overboil cooked poultry,it’ll dry out.
- Fresh herbs make all the difference.
- Add lemon juice at the end for brightness.
- Freeze without noodles for best texture later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this soup creamy without adding flour?
Great question, friend! The trick is using heavy cream or even evaporated milk for richness. If you’re dairy-free, canned coconut milk works too—it won’t taste coconut-y, promise.
Can I freeze this soup with noodles in it?
You can, but just know that noodles will soften when reheated. If that’s not your thing, freeze the base without noodles and cook fresh ones when you reheat. It’s freezer magic, done right!
What’s the difference between this and Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup?
Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup usually includes sundried tomatoes, cream, and a deeper spice profile—this one is cozier, simpler, and more traditional. Think of this as the soup you bring to a friend going through it.
How long does it last in the fridge?
About 4–5 days stored in an airtight container. I swear it gets better by the day. Like good advice and banana bread.
A Cozy Note Before You Go
Whether it’s for a quiet Tuesday dinner or part of your quick easy fall dinner ideas, this chicken and turkey soup dinner recipe has your back. It’s simple enough to whip up when you’re short on time and cozy enough to make you feel held. As always, cook from the heart—and save some for later, honey.
Short & Sweet Summary
This Chicken and Turkey Soup is creamy, comforting, and made for those chilly days when only a bowl of cozy will do. Whether you’re using leftovers or starting from scratch, it’s quick, flavorful, and easy to freeze. A soup that feels like a Southern hug in every spoonful.
