Cream of chicken soup is a popular canned soup product that can be used as a base for casseroles, gravies, and other recipes. The name “cream of chicken soup” leads many people to wonder – does this soup actually contain chicken?
The Short Answer
The short answer is yes, cream of chicken soup does contain chicken. However, it may not contain as much real chicken meat as you might expect.
Examining the Ingredients
To get a better understanding of the chicken content in cream of chicken soup, we need to examine the ingredients list on a can of cream of chicken soup. Here are the typical ingredients:
- Chicken stock
- Cooked chicken meat
- Water
- Wheat flour
- Vegetable oil
- Salt
- Spices and flavorings
The main source of chicken in cream of chicken soup comes from the chicken stock and cooked chicken meat. Chicken stock is made by simmering chicken bones and vegetables to extract flavor. This imparts the classic chicken taste into the soup. The cooked chicken meat also adds bits of chicken for texture and flavor.
How Much Chicken is in Cream of Chicken Soup?
While cream of chicken soup certainly contains chicken, the actual amount compared to the other ingredients is relatively small. Here is the approximate chicken content in a 1 cup serving of cream of chicken soup:
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon cooked chicken meat
So in a typical serving, the chicken component makes up about 1/4 of the total volume. The rest is water, flour, vegetables oils, and seasonings.
Chicken Content Varies By Brand
Keep in mind that the amount of chicken can vary depending on the brand of cream of chicken soup. Some brands use higher quality chicken stock and bits of meat, while cheaper brands use less chicken content. Always check the ingredients list for the most accurate information.
Making Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
If you want a cream of chicken soup with more pronounced chicken flavor, you can easily make it yourself at home. Here is a basic homemade cream of chicken soup recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil.
- Add the chicken breast and gently simmer until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken breast and shred the meat when cool enough to handle. Set aside.
- In another pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes.
- Whisking constantly, slowly add the milk and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning if needed.
This homemade version contains an entire chicken breast along with homemade chicken stock. You can adjust the chicken amount to your taste preference for a soup with even richer chicken flavor.
Uses for Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of chicken soup is valued for its rich flavor and velvety texture. Here are some of the most popular ways to use cream of chicken soup:
Casseroles
Cream of chicken soup is the secret ingredient in many classic casserole recipes like chicken and rice casserole or green bean chicken casserole. The soup provides moisture and chicken flavor.
Gravies and Sauces
A quick and easy way to create a creamy gravy or sauce is to use cream of chicken soup as a base. Simply thin it with milk or cooking liquids.
Soup Bases
Add vegetables, rice, pasta, or other ingredients to cream of chicken soup to turn it into a complete meal in minutes.
Pot Pies
For a quick and comforting chicken pot pie filling, blend cream of chicken soup with frozen vegetables and chunks of chicken or turkey.
Casserole Substitute
If you don’t have a recipe’s called-for creamy soup, substitute with cream of chicken soup thinned with milk or broth as needed.
Nutrition Information
Cream of chicken soup is high in fat and sodium, which is expected for such a rich, savory product. Here are the nutrition facts for a 1 cup serving of condensed cream of chicken soup:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Sodium | 790mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Protein | 4g |
When using cream of chicken soup in recipes, be mindful of its high sodium and fat content. Look for reduced sodium varieties or use less of the soup when possible.
Cost Comparison
Cream of chicken soup is relatively inexpensive, especially when purchased in multi-can packs. Here is a cost comparison of some popular brands:
| Brand | Price |
|---|---|
| Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can) | $1.19 per can |
| Store brand Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can) | $0.79 per can |
| Pacific Organic Creamy Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can) | $2.69 per can |
Store brands offer the best value at around $0.80 per can. Name brands like Campbell’s cost a little more at around $1.20 per can. Organic options can run as much as $2.50+ per can.
Shelf Life of Cream of Chicken Soup
An unopened can of cream of chicken soup has a very long shelf life. Here are the shelf life estimates:
- Unopened – 2 to 3 years
- Opened – 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator
- Frozen – 6 months
The high sodium content and preservatives allow cream of chicken soup to last years if unopened at room temperature. Once opened, it should be used within 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months.
Common Questions
Is cream of chicken soup already cooked?
Yes, cream of chicken soup is already fully cooked and ready to eat straight from the can. No additional cooking is required, though it is often heated as part of a recipe.
Can I make substitutions for cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom or celery soup in most recipes calling for cream of chicken soup. For lighter options, replace up to half the cream soup with milk or broth.
Is cream of chicken soup gluten free?
No, most brands of cream of chicken soup contain wheat flour so they are not gluten free. However, some brands do offer a gluten-free version made with corn or rice flour instead.
Conclusion
Cream of chicken soup does contain real chicken stock and meat to provide its signature chicken flavor. However, the chicken content is relatively small compared to the water, flour, and other ingredients. Homemade cream of chicken soup will have a much higher chicken content. When using canned soup, be mindful of the high sodium and fat content. Look for low-sodium options or dilute with milk or broth if needed. With proper storage, canned cream of chicken soup has an incredibly long shelf life of 2 years or more.