Cream of chicken soup is a popular canned soup variety that can be used as a base for casseroles, gravies, and other recipes. With “chicken” in the name, it may seem obvious that this soup contains chicken. However, some people are surprised to find that many brands of cream of chicken soup do not actually contain chicken.
What is cream of chicken soup?
Cream of chicken soup is a thick, creamy soup that has a smooth texture. It is made with chicken broth and thickened with a roux or a cream base. Some versions contain pieces of chicken, while others just have chicken flavoring without any actual chicken meat. The soup often relies on chicken fat or chicken broth to provide the signature chicken taste.
Main ingredients
While ingredients can vary between brands, cream of chicken soup typically contains:
- Chicken broth or chicken stock – provides chicken flavor
- A cream base like milk, cream, or condensed milk – gives the soup a creamy texture
- Flour, cornstarch, or a roux – used as a thickening agent
- Vegetable oil
- Onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper – extra seasonings
Common uses
Cream of chicken soup is valued for its rich, comforting flavor. It can be used in recipes like:
- Casseroles
- Pot pies
- Gravies and sauces
- Chicken salad
- Green bean casserole
Does cream of chicken soup contain chicken?
Whether cream of chicken soup contains actual chicken pieces comes down to the specific brand and variety:
- With chicken – Some brands offer “chunks” versions with diced chicken meat. These obviously contain real chicken.
- Without chicken – Many standard creamy chicken soups rely just on chicken broth and do not contain any solid chicken.
- Check the label – The ingredient list will clarify if a soup has chicken pieces or is simply chicken flavored.
Why some don’t contain chicken
There are a few reasons why many cream of chicken soups don’t actually have chicken meat:
- Cost – Chicken is more expensive than broth, allowing broth-only versions to be cheaper.
- Texture – Chicken pieces may disrupt the desired smooth, creamy texture.
- Longer shelf life – Leaving out chicken meat allows the soup to be shelf-stable without refrigeration.
- Flavor – Many people feel the chicken broth provides enough chicken taste on its own.
Nutrition comparison
The nutrition profile of cream of chicken soup can vary greatly depending on ingredients:
| Nutrition Facts | With Chicken Per 1 Cup | Without Chicken Per 1 Cup |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 205 | 120 |
| Fat | 8g | 6g |
| Protein | 8g | 2g |
| Carbs | 14g | 14g |
Key differences:
- Higher calories and fat when chicken is added
- Significantly more protein from chicken meat
- Carbs remain similar
Making your own
It’s easy to make homemade cream of chicken soup with real chicken pieces:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2-3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Cook onion for 3-5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and flour. Whisk constantly for 1 minute to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth. Increase heat and bring to a simmer, stirring often.
- Add milk or cream. Return to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in chicken, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Adjust seasonings as desired. Serve soup hot.
Conclusion
Cream of chicken soup may or may not contain actual chicken pieces depending on the brand. Reading the label closely can clarify if a version has real chicken or is chicken-flavored. Making homemade allows control over the ingredients. But whether it has chicken or just broth, cream of chicken soup remains a versatile and comforting pantry staple.