Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup Delight?
It is a comforting and rich soup recipe inspired by Chili's Chicken and Mushroom Soup, featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, and a silky cream base.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe serves up to six people.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The entire process takes just under an hour from start to finish.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include margarine, yellow onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, flour, chicken broth, half-and-half, and cooked chicken.
How much chicken is required?
You will need 3/4 lb of cooked, diced chicken.
Can I substitute margarine?
Yes, you can use butter as a substitute for margarine for a similar flavor profile.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of sliced mushrooms; button or cremini mushrooms work exceptionally well.
How do I prevent lumps in the soup?
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly after the flour has been added to the vegetables.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce and black pepper, which can be adjusted to your preference.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 467 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is in this soup?
Each serving provides 25 grams of protein.
What are the carbohydrate levels?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried tarragon, dried thyme, and fresh chopped parsley for flavor.
Why is lemon juice included in the recipe?
Lemon juice is added at the end to provide a touch of acidity that brightens the rich, creamy flavors.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, heavy cream can be used for an even richer consistency, though it will increase the fat content.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The onion, carrot, and celery should be diced into 1/4-inch pieces for even cooking.
How long should the mushrooms be sautรฉed?
Sautรฉ the mushrooms for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften before adding the flour.
What is the purpose of the flour?
The flour acts as a thickening agent, creating a roux with the margarine to give the soup its creamy body.
Is this a copycat recipe?
Yes, it is designed to recreate the flavor of the famous Chicken and Mushroom Soup from Chili's.
Should the chicken be pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe requires 3/4 lb of cooked chicken to be added during the final simmering stage.
What is the best way to serve this soup?
Serve it hot in bowls, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can adapt it by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the chicken or using a plant-based substitute.
What type of pot is recommended?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot is recommended to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
Does the recipe use white pepper?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground white pepper is used for a subtle heat and flavor.
How much liquid broth is needed?
The recipe calls for 5 1/2 cups of chicken broth.
How long does the soup simmer after adding the herbs?
The soup should simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before adding the dairy.
What is the final simmering time?
After adding the half-and-half and chicken, simmer for a final 10 minutes on low heat.
Is there a specific way to dice the onions?
The onions should be diced into 1/4-inch pieces to match the carrots and celery.
Is this soup gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour as a thickener, so it contains gluten.