👨‍🍳 Chicken Corn Soup Recipe: Easy & Comforting

Ever thought about what makes homemade chicken corn soup so comforting? It’s different from other foods. It fills your heart and calms your soul with every bite. This soup is filled with tender chicken, sweet corn, and hearty veggies. It gives you a taste experience like nothing else.

This soup is like a warm hug, reminding you of family dinners at home. Picture a kitchen smelling of simmering soup. It makes you eager for the delicious meal. This recipe mixes juicy chicken, lots of veggies, and the sweetness of corn. It’s a dish that warms you up and makes you feel good. It’s more than food; it’s a beloved tradition that means comfort and simplicity.

Key Takeaways

• This chicken corn soup recipe contains 464kcal per serving.
• The soup boasts 52g of carbohydrates, 25g of protein, and 20g of fat.
• Rich in vitamins, it provides 4840 IU of Vitamin A and 39mg of Vitamin C per serving.
• The recipe yields 4 servings and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing the soup is not recommended due to texture changes upon defrosting.
• For reheating, use the stove or microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments.

Introduction to Chicken Corn Soup

The classic chicken corn soup is beloved for its hearty, simple taste. It’s eaten worldwide, loved at family meals or when someone needs comfort. Mixing just the right ingredients, it feels like a warm, homemade meal.

Chicken corn soup has essential ingredients carefully selected for great taste and nutrition. It includes 2 cups of shredded chicken breast and 3/4 cup of corn. Other veggies like 1/4 cup each of red bell pepper and red onion are added for flavor. 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour make it creamy. 3 cups of evaporated milk add nutrients.

This soup not only tastes good but is also nutritious. Each serving has 99 calories, 12 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of fat. It’s low in sodium, at only 35mg per serving, and high in potassium, at 119 mg per serving.

To cook this soup perfectly, simmer it for 4-5 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. You can keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 2-3 months. This way, the nutritious and tasty soup is always ready to enjoy.

History and Origins of Chicken Corn Soup

The history of chicken corn soup is a mix of culture and food changes over time. It started as a key food for the Pennsylvania Dutch people. This tasty soup has stayed an essential part of Amish cooking for a long time.

It all began with Native Americans using corn and European settlers bringing French chowders. Later, local twists were added. This changed the dish into the one we know today.

Its main ingredients are chicken and corn. This made it an easy choice for many families. Every Amish cookbook features a traditional chicken corn soup recipe. It shows how important the soup is to their culture.

In Pennsylvania, where many Amish people live, this soup is a favorite. People love it, especially in the summertime for its use of fresh corn. Over time, many variants of the soup have appeared.

In Amish kitchens, you can find special types like creamy chicken corn soup and chicken corn chowder. In Asia, a variant known as Asian chicken corn soup is loved. This version highlights the sweetness and texture of waxy corn.

Amish families keep their recipe secrets for chicken corn soup. They often add potatoes, carrots, and herbs. The use of homemade ingredients like canned corn and rich chicken broth make these soups special.

Around the world, the soup changes to suit different tastes. It can be served with salads, bread, or but boiled eggs on top. Some people like to use chili-garlic paste for extra flavor. Even with so many kinds of chicken corn soup out there, its simple comfort remains its core.

The tradition of making chicken corn soup started due to its simplicity, while its variations showcase its adaptability and enduring popularity.

Health Benefits of Chicken Corn Soup

Chicken and corn soup isn’t just tasty; it’s full of nutrients and benefits. This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, perfect for a balanced diet. It’s a great choice for staying healthy.

Nutritious Ingredients

This soup has 514 calories and offers 42.5g of protein. This is great for growing and fixing muscles. It has 13.7g of fat, but just 3.4g is saturated, so it’s a healthy yet filling meal. You also get:

• 50.0g of carbohydrates
• 15.1g of sugar
• 10.2g of dietary fiber
• 998mg of sodium
• 66mg of calcium
• 4.3mg of iron

These nutrients help your body in many ways, keeping you well.

Immune-Boosting Properties

Chicken corn soup is known for boosting your immune system. The broth is hydrating and soothing, especially when you’re sick. With vitamins like C and B6 to strengthen your immune system, it’s perfect for fighting off illnesses like flu.

Hydration and Comfort

This soup helps keep you hydrated, making it an ideal choice. Its creamy texture, thanks to adding beaten eggs, is both comforting and good for keeping hydrated. It’s a warming, comforting meal ideal for cold days or when you’re getting over being sick. It provides the hydration you need, plus essential nutrients.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Corn Soup

To make a great chicken corn soup, start by picking top-notch ingredients. The perfect ingredients for chicken corn soup will make a tasty, healthy, and comforting meal.

Chicken Selection

Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a flavorful soup base. You’ll need about 1 pound of chicken for a thick and rich soup. If you’re cooking for a crowd, whole chickens work well for larger portions too.

Vegetable Choices

Fresh veggies are a must for flavor and variety. Use these key veggies in chicken corn soup:

• Yellow onions
• Carrots
• Celery
• Potatoes
• Whole kernel corn and creamed corn

For a healthier soup, mix in green onions and shredded cabbage as well.

Seasonings and Broth

Getting the broth and seasonings right makes the soup tasty. Here’s what you need:

• 7 cups of stock for the base, plus 1 extra for thickening
• Garlic powder
• Ginger
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• Toasted sesame oil for a final flavorful touch

For a personal twist, try spicing things up with sriracha or Thai bird chiles. This adds a unique kick to the classic chicken corn soup.

Step-by-Step Chicken Corn Soup Recipe

Dive into crafting this heartwarming meal with our step-by-step chicken corn soup recipe. This homemade soup is both a classic and easy on the wallet. It’s perfect for those hectic days.

The ingredients you’ll need are:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Canned cream-style corn
• Mirepoix (carrot, celery, onion)
• Bouillon cubes
• Egg noodles
• Butter
• Seasonings like salt and pepper

Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare this delightful soup:

1. Start by marinating the chicken with water, salt, cornstarch, and oil to add flavor and tenderness.
2. In a large pot, sauté the mirepoix with butter until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the bouillon cubes and water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Incorporate the chicken and poach for 10-12 minutes, ensuring it’s cooked without being dry.
5. Add the canned cream-style corn and egg noodles, cook until the noodles are tender.
6. To thicken the soup, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 5 tablespoons of water, then add to the soup.
7. Optional: Add a splash of Chinese shaoxing cooking wine for enhanced flavors and a touch of sesame oil for aroma.
8. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, making sure it suits your preference.
9. Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the hot soup to create wispy egg drops.

The preparation time for this chicken corn soup recipe is around 10 minutes, with a cooking time of about 5 minutes. This efficient process means you can enjoy a savory meal in under 25 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Customize the soup by adding in your favorite vegetables like sliced mushrooms, tofu, peas, diced carrots, or minced ginger. These additions will require slight adjustments in the proportions of corn and chicken to maintain the desired thickness.

The ideal thickness of the soup is achieved by cooking the cornstarch slurry in the soup for just 15 to 30 seconds. Remember to stir the slurry into room temperature water before adding it to avoid clumping.

When storing, this step-by-step chicken corn soup stays fresh for up to five days in the fridge and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave. To maintain the desired consistency, you might need to re-thicken it by adding more slurry.

Top your soup with herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill, and enjoy a comforting bowl with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.

Common Variations and Twists

Chicken corn soup is flexible, allowing for many flavor changes. You can make it creamy, spicy, or even vegetarian. These twists make the dish interesting and tasty.

Adding Creaminess

A creamy chicken corn soup is a great twist. Use heavy cream, cheddar cheese, or cream cheese. This makes the soup rich and filling, perfect for cold days.

Spicing It Up

Want more spice? Try a spicy chicken corn soup. Use jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin. This makes the soup zesty. Adding fire-roasted corn and chiles makes it smoky.

Vegetarian Versions

For a meat-free option, go for vegetarian chicken corn soup. Use tofu, chickpeas, and vegetable broth instead of chicken. Veggies like carrots and bell peppers add flavor and nutrition. This way, everyone can enjoy it, including vegetarians.

These variations offer new, tasty ways to have chicken corn soup. Whether you like it creamy, spicy, or vegetarian, there’s something for everyone.

Tips for Making Classic Chicken Corn Soup

To make the best chicken corn soup, it’s important to focus on the details. Here are some key tips to help your soup taste great and be well-balanced.

Avoiding Over-Salting

One big mistake in classic chicken corn soup is using too much salt. Items like soy sauce and chicken broth are already salty. Always taste your soup first without adding more salt.

Using low-sodium broth and salt-free soy sauce lets you control the salt better. This ensures your soup has a great flavor.

Perfecting the Broth

The broth is the heart of your soup and needs special attention. Start by simmering quality chicken stock with flavorful ingredients like garlic and spring onions.

Add a blend of soy sauce, vinegar, and a little sesame oil to enrich the broth. You should also mix cornstarch with water as a slurry to thicken it smoothly without lumps. This step creates a creamy texture.

Choosing the Right Pasta

Pasta isn’t always used, but it makes the soup heartier. Choose small pasta types like farfalle, rotini, or small shells. These go well with chicken and corn.

Cook the pasta separately to keep it firm. Then, add it to the soup right before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft and makes eating the soup enjoyable.

Follow these tips to take your chicken corn soup to the next level. You’ll make a classic dish that delights your taste buds with every spoonful.

Best Practices for Storing and Reheating

Storing chicken corn soup right keeps its taste fresh and avoids any risks. Use a sealed container for it, with some room at the top. This is in case you want to freeze it, there needs to be space for the soup to expand.

Chicken soup stays good for three to five days in the fridge. Cooler temperatures can stretch this to a week. Creamy soups last about three days, and seafood soups are best within two to three days.

Freezing is a great way to keep chicken corn soup longer. It can last up to three months in the freezer at 0 degrees. Cool it fast to keep it fresh. Defrost it in the fridge or microwave, and never reheat it more than once for safety.

When you reheat clear soups or broths, boil them for three minutes. This step kills off bad bacteria. Be careful when reheating creamy soups, as they might change texture if too thick. Remember, soups with seafood must be eaten after a day in the fridge.

Many soup lovers advise making extra to freeze for later. This saves time and keeps your meals tasty. Remember these tips when storing or reheating chicken corn soup for the best results.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Corn Soup

Need ideas to make chicken corn soup even better? Try these tasty garnishes. Each one adds something special. Whether it’s the star of dinner or just a warm-up, these tips will wow your guests.

Here are some popular garnishes and accompaniments:

• Fresh Minced Parsley: This garnish adds a burst of color and freshness to the soup.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice can provide a bright, zesty contrast to the creamy soup.

Let’s check out how this soup scores for health and how long it takes to make. You’ll see why it’s such a big hit:

You can pick your own perfect pasta for this soup, like elbows or orzo. Use it for a party or a quiet night in, and it’ll fit right in. This recipe is all about making it work for your friends and family. That’s why it’s a go-to dish for so many.

Perfect pairings for Chicken Corn Soup

Choosing the right pairings can really lift the experience of eating chicken corn soup. Good sides and drinks can add new dimensions to this classic comfort food.

Side Dishes

Side dishes are key to a great meal with chicken corn soup. Here are some tasty options:

• Garlic Breadsticks: They’re great for dunking and their hint of garlic goes well with the soup’s flavor.
• Fresh Garden Salad: This salad is crisp and light, providing a nice counterpoint to the soup’s creaminess.
• Roasted Vegetables: Adding roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini can boost your meal’s health and taste.
• Cheese Biscuits: They’re fluffy and cheesy, perfect for mopping up the broth.

Beverages

The right drink can really uplift the soup. Check out these ideas:

• Crisp White Wine: With its acidity, a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay can balance the soup’s richness.
• Herbal Tea: Chamomile or mint tea is a cozy option that pairs well with the soup’s hearty flavors.
• Sparkling Water: If you’re not drinking alcohol, sparkling water with lemon or lime can cleanse your palate.

By picking the right pairings for your chicken corn soup, you set the stage for a memorable meal. Whether you go for satisfying sides or quenching drinks, the right mix can turn your lunch or dinner into something special.

How to Make Chicken Corn Soup in an Instant Pot

If you like quick meals that taste great, making chicken corn soup in an Instant Pot is a smart move. It lets you cook a tasty soup fast.

First, get everything you need. You’ll want 1 cup of diced onion, 2 celery ribs, and 2 carrots chopped up. You also need 8 cups of chicken broth, about 1 3/4 pounds of chicken breasts, and some seasonings. You’ll need stuff like poultry seasoning, black pepper, a bay leaf, egg noodles, and cream style corn.

Remember, the best ratio for making creamed corn is 4 parts chicken stock to 1 part yellow corn.

1. Sauté the veggies in the Instant Pot with butter for a rich taste. Do this for 4-5 minutes on the Sauté function.
2. Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Keep sautéing until they get soft.
3. Now, pour in the chicken broth and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix everything well.
4. Time to pressure cook. Chicken cooks in 8 minutes on high. For veggies, 2 minutes is enough.
5. If you want the soup thicker, add a cornstarch slurry after pressure cooking.
6. Release the steam once cooking is done. Take out the chicken to shred, then put it back in.
7. Last, cook the egg noodles for 0 minutes with the manual/pressure cook button. This makes them just right, not mushy.

This recipe suits different diets. Skip the egg for vegans and use veggie stock instead of chicken for vegetarians.

Each serving is about 307 calories. It makes a filling meal. You can enjoy the soup with bread, chicken, or other sides.

Cook this soup in an Instant Pot for a fast, yummy meal. It can last in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Perfect for busy times.

Adjusting Chicken Corn Soup Recipe for Special Diets

Making chicken corn soup for special diets doesn’t have to be hard. You can make simple swaps to keep it tasty and inclusive. For example, if someone needs less salt or eats gluten-free, it’s easy to adjust. These changes make sure everyone can dig into this heartwarming dish.

Lower Sodium Options

Need to cut back on salt? No problem. Start by using low-sodium chicken stock. Choose fresh or frozen veggies over canned for less salt. Add herbs like thyme and rosemary to boost flavor without extra salt. Skip the soy sauce or pick a low-sodium version. More garlic powder and a splash of lemon make it taste great without too much salt.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

Striving for gluten-free chicken corn soup? It’s doable without losing the soul of the soup. Try thickening with cornflour or rice flour instead of wheat. Make sure your chicken stock is gluten-free. Look out for hidden gluten in some stocks. For seasoning, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Replace noodles with gluten-free pasta or zoodles for a healthier twist. These tweaks ensure everyone can savor this cozy classic.

Adjusting chicken corn soup for various diets is easy. By making these changes, you can enjoy a soup that fits your health targets. With the right adjustments, this favorite dish provides the same heartiness and joy.