What Is Cream of Chicken Soup Made Of? A Detailed Look at This Pantry Staple

Cream of chicken soup is a pantry staple known for its rich comforting flavor and velvety texture. This versatile soup can be served on its own or used as an ingredient to add creaminess and savoriness to a variety of dishes. But have you ever wondered exactly what goes into making this popular canned soup? In this article, we’ll take a close look at the origins, ingredients and production process behind cream of chicken soup.

A Brief History of Cream of Chicken Soup

While many assume cream of chicken soup has been around for ages it’s actually a relatively recent invention. This creamy concoction was created in the 1930s by the Campbell Soup Company as a way to use up chicken scraps and excess chicken broth in their factories. After recognizing its potential, Campbell’s rolled out canned cream of chicken soup nationally in 1934.

The soup quickly became a hit among American home cooks as a handy pantry item that could be used to add flavor and creaminess to recipes. In the 1940s and 1950s, cream of chicken soup became a staple ingredient in casseroles, pot pies, and other comforting dishes that homemakers across the country relied on to feed their families affordably and easily. This hearty soup even gained more popularity after recipes using it were featured in Campbell’s cookbooks and cooking shows sponsored by the brand.

While the ingredients and production have evolved over the years, cream of chicken remains one of Campbell’s most popular and iconic products, firmly cemented as a staple in kitchens and recipes today.

Main Ingredients in Cream of Chicken Soup

So what exactly goes into making those signature cans of cream of chicken soup? Let’s break down the main ingredients that give this soup its characteristic flavor and texture:

• Chicken broth – Provides the rich, savory chicken flavor that serves as the base Campbell’s uses a broth made from real chicken stock

• Cooked ground chicken – Shredded bits of chicken are cooked and added to the soup for extra protein and flavor.

• Wheat flour – Wheat flour works as a thickener when blended with the broth, giving the soup its signature velvety texture.

• Cream or milk – The addition of cream or milk enhances the soup’s creaminess and adds a touch of richness and body.

• Butter or vegetable oil – Butter or oil helps carry the flavor and adds a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

• Onions, celery, and carrots – Aromatic vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots are cooked down and blended in for extra flavor.

• Seasonings – Ingredients like salt, pepper, parsley, and thyme add seasoning and depth of flavor.

By combining these simple but impactful ingredients, cream of chicken soup gets its distinctive creamy, comforting taste and texture that makes it so versatile and crave-worthy.

Step-by-Step Production Process

To get a better idea of how cream of chicken soup is made, let’s walk through the basic production process used by Campbell’s:

• First, fresh chicken broth is prepared by simmering chicken bones, meat, and vegetables to extract flavor. This provides the base for the soup.

• A roux is made by cooking flour and butter together. This roux will help thicken the broth.

• Onions, carrots, celery, and seasoning are sautéed in oil to add aromatic flavor.

• Cooked chicken meat is shredded and added to the pot along with the sautéed vegetables.

• The roux and cream or milk are whisked into the broth mixture to thicken it and add creaminess.

• The soup is simmered until heated through and the flavors blend.

• The soup is run through a blender or food processor to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

• Finally, the soup is packaged into cans, labeled, and pressure cooked to preserve freshness.

While the exact process may vary between brands, this gives a general overview of how cream of chicken soup transforms from raw ingredients into the final canned product. The careful cooking techniques and balance of ingredients come together to create its signature taste and velvety texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Cream of chicken soup is remarkably versatile precisely because of its simple yet flavorful base. There are many tasty variations that can be created by switching up ingredients:

• For a lower sodium option, use reduced sodium chicken broth.

• To make it vegetarian, use vegetable or mushroom broth and omit the chicken.

• For extra vegetable goodness, try adding diced carrots, broccoli, or other veggies.

• For more texture, add cooked rice, small pasta shells, or potato chunks.

• To add flavor, stir in garlic, herbs, lemon, or spices like paprika.

• For a dairy-free choice, use olive oil instead of butter and omit heavy cream.

You can also substitute cream of chicken soup in recipes with equal parts:

• Chicken or vegetable broth + milk + butter

• Puréed cooked chicken + chicken broth

• Greek yogurt or sour cream + chicken broth

With the right blend of ingredients, you can replicate that savory creaminess in a pinch!

Tips for Selecting and Storing Cream of Chicken Soup

When purchasing canned cream of chicken soup, be sure to check the ingredient list and nutritional information to find a brand that suits your taste and dietary needs. Look for options with no artificial additives or preservatives.

Once open, cream of chicken soup will last 4-5 days refrigerated. To freeze, transfer soup to an airtight container leaving headspace, seal, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Canned, unopened cream of chicken soup can be stored in a cool, dry pantry for up to a year. Always inspect cans for damage or swelling before opening.

Satisfying Recipes Using Cream of Chicken Soup

Now that you know what goes into making cream of chicken soup and how to select and store it, let’s look at some of the many ways you can use this pantry staple:

• Casseroles – Mix with cooked chicken, vegetables, and rice or pasta for a hearty casserole.

• Pot pies – Use it as the base for chicken pot pies topped with flaky pie crust.

• Soups – Thin it with broth for creamy chicken noodle soup or chicken and rice soup.

• Gravies – Whisk with pan drippings for easy pork or chicken gravy.

• Dips – Serve as a warm dip for bread, crackers, or veggies.

• Sauces – Enhance flavor in dishes like chicken enchiladas, shrimp scampi, or chicken parmesan.

With its creamy texture and savory chicken flavor, a can of this versatile staple can elevate everything from quick weeknight dinners to special occasion entrees.

So now that you know the story behind cream of chicken soup and what gives this humble pantry item its distinctive taste and texture, you can appreciate just how delicious something made from simple, real ingredients can be. Next time you reach for a can, remember the care that goes into crafting an iconic recipe loved for generations.