How many calories are in homemade creamy chicken soup?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

A serving of homemade creamy chicken soup can range from 150 to over 400 calories. Ingredients are key, especially dairy and starches. This guide explains the factors affecting the calorie count.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts in homemade creamy chicken soup vary significantly based on ingredients. Informed choices can lead to a healthier, lower-calorie version. The nutritional impact of each component is key.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The calorie count depends on the recipe and ingredients.
High-Fat Ingredients are Key: Heavy cream and fattier chicken cuts increase calories.
Strategic Swaps Reduce Calories: Use low-fat dairy, lean chicken, and vegetable purees.
Homemade Offers Control: Making soup from scratch gives you control over the ingredients and nutritional profile.
Watch the Toppings: High-calorie additions like cheese can increase the calorie count.

The calorie count in homemade creamy chicken soup varies based on the ingredients used. Unlike processed versions, homemade soup reflects the quality and quantity of each ingredient. The caloric density depends on the fat content of the dairy, the type of chicken, the thickeners, and added toppings.

Factors that determine the calorie count

The type of cream and dairy

Heavy cream contributes significantly to the calories and fat in creamy soup. A cup can add over 800 calories. Using lighter dairy options reduces this number. Whole milk offers more flavor than skim milk but saves calories compared to heavy cream. Non-dairy alternatives like cashew cream or coconut milk can be much lower in fat.

The chicken cut

Using chicken breast instead of thighs or skin-on chicken lowers the calorie count. Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are a lean protein source. Remove the skin and trim visible fat if using a whole chicken.

Thickeners and starches

Many recipes use a roux (butter and flour) to thicken the soup. A vegetable puree can offer a creamy consistency with fewer calories. Puréed potatoes, cauliflower, or white beans provide a velvety texture without added fat.

Added ingredients and toppings

Added ingredients affect the calorie count. Vegetables add few calories while boosting vitamins and fiber. High-calorie toppings like cheese, croutons, and bacon bits can increase the final count.

A comparison of ingredients: High-Calorie vs. Low-Calorie Choices

Here's a comparison of ingredients in a creamy chicken soup recipe.


Ingredient Category	High-Calorie Option	Low-Calorie Option	Calorie Impact
Creaminess	Heavy Cream	Skim Milk or Coconut Milk	High reduction
Protein	Chicken Thighs (with skin)	Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast	Moderate reduction
Thickener	Roux (butter and flour)	Pureed Cauliflower or Potato	Moderate reduction
Aromatics	Sautéed in Butter	Sautéed in Olive Oil or Broth	Low reduction
Toppings	Bacon Bits, Croutons, Cheese	Fresh Herbs, Black Pepper	High reduction

A low-calorie approach: Building a lighter creamy chicken soup

Sauté mirepoix in olive oil or broth instead of butter. Use boneless, skinless chicken breast. Blend half the soup with a cooked potato or cauliflower for creaminess. Use low-fat milk, coconut milk, or cashew cream. Enhance flavor with fresh herbs.

Homemade vs. Canned: The calorie and control difference

Homemade soup avoids high sodium and preservatives in canned varieties. It also allows for calorie control. A canned cream of chicken soup might have around 190 calories per cup. Homemade recipes vary, but the key difference is control over the ingredients. Using fresh ingredients makes homemade soup a nutritionally superior choice. By choosing leaner proteins and natural thickeners, you can create a healthier and more flavorful soup from scratch.

Conclusion

The calorie count of homemade creamy chicken soup is controlled by the ingredients used. By swapping ingredients—such as using leaner cuts of chicken, lower-fat dairy or non-dairy creams, and natural vegetable purees as thickeners—you can create a delicious soup that aligns with your dietary goals. The homemade process offers a nutritious meal that is mindful of its caloric impact. Be conscious of each component and its contribution to the final dish. For more insights, the Center for Science in the Public Interest provides guidance on healthier recipe choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

A serving can range from 150 to over 400 calories, depending on ingredients. Recipes with heavy cream and fattier chicken are on the higher end.

Use lean chicken breast, lower-fat dairy or non-dairy alternatives, and thicken with pureed vegetables.

The calorie count of canned chicken is comparable to cooked chicken breast, but canned products are often much higher in sodium. Cooking fresh chicken is recommended.

Yes, potatoes are an excellent thickener for low-calorie soup. When blended, they add a creamy texture without the need for high-fat ingredients like heavy cream. Cauliflower is another great, even lower-calorie option.

Skim milk is the lowest-calorie option for a creamy soup base. For a slightly richer flavor with more moderate calories, you can use whole milk or a low-fat coconut milk.

Most vegetable additions like carrots, celery, and onions add very few calories to the soup. They primarily increase the fiber, vitamin, and mineral content, making them a great nutritional addition.

To get an accurate calorie count, use an online recipe nutrition calculator. Input the exact quantities of all your ingredients, including fat for sautéing and any toppings. The calculator will provide a total calorie count, which you can then divide by the number of servings.