Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup: Uses, Facts & Recipes

Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup is a condensed canned soup product introduced in 1934, containing chicken stock, chicken meat, wheat flour, and seasonings. It serves as a versatile cooking base for casseroles, sauces, and soups, requiring dilution with liquid before consumption.

Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup remains one of America's most recognizable pantry staples, with a history spanning nearly 90 years. This condensed soup product functions primarily as a cooking ingredient rather than a standalone meal, providing home cooks with a convenient flavor base that enhances numerous recipes. Understanding its composition, proper usage, and creative applications helps maximize its culinary potential while addressing common questions about this kitchen essential.

Understanding Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup Composition

The standard condensed version contains chicken stock, chicken meat, modified food starch, wheat flour, chicken fat, salt, and various seasonings including onion, celery, and spices. Campbell's offers several variations including 98% fat-free, low-sodium, and organic options to accommodate different dietary preferences. The condensed format requires adding liquid (typically one can of soup to one can of water or milk) to achieve proper consistency for recipes.

Nutrient	Per 1/2 Can (54g)	% Daily Value
Calories	60	3%
Total Fat	2.5g	3%
Sodium	870mg	38%
Total Carbohydrate	8g	3%
Protein	2g	4%

Practical Applications in Home Cooking

Cooking with Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup extends far beyond simple soup preparation. Professional chefs and home cooks alike utilize this product as a flavor enhancer and thickening agent. The most common application appears in casserole recipes, where the soup combines with other ingredients to create a creamy binding sauce. When exploring campbell's cream of chicken soup recipes, consider these foundational techniques:

• Casseroles: Mix with cooked pasta, vegetables, and protein for baked dishes
• Sauces: Thin with milk for instant creamy sauces for chicken or vegetables
• Gravies: Use as base for quick pan gravies by adding broth and seasonings
• Marinades: Combine with herbs and acids for tenderizing meats

Enhancing Store-Bought Soup

While convenient, many home cooks seek ways to elevate campbell's cream of chicken soup from basic to exceptional. Simple additions transform the standard product into something more complex and restaurant-quality. For those exploring how to use campbell's cream of chicken soup creatively, try these enhancements:

Add freshly minced garlic and sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth. Stir in a splash of white wine during cooking to brighten flavors. Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon just before serving. For richer texture, blend in a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream. These modifications address common criticisms about the soup's processed flavor while maintaining its convenience factor.

Recipe Ideas Using Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup

Consider these three approachable recipes that demonstrate campbell's cream of chicken soup versatility:

Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole

Combine one can soup with one can water, 2 cups cooked egg noodles, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup frozen peas, and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. This campbell's cream of chicken soup recipe serves four and requires minimal preparation time.

Creamy Herb Chicken Sauce

Mix one can soup with 1/2 cup milk, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Heat gently and serve over roasted chicken breasts. This simple sauce demonstrates how to use campbell's cream of chicken soup as a quick finishing sauce.

Comforting Chicken Pot Pie Filling

Combine one can soup with 1 cup chicken broth, 2 cups diced cooked chicken, 1 cup mixed vegetables, 1/4 cup butter, and pie crust. Bake until golden. This adaptation shows the soup's effectiveness as a thickener in more complex dishes.

Substitution Options and Storage Information

When considering campbell's cream of chicken soup substitutes, several alternatives exist depending on dietary needs and availability. For gluten-free requirements, consider homemade versions using cornstarch instead of wheat flour. Those seeking campbell's cream of chicken soup nutrition facts with lower sodium can create their own version with low-sodium broth and minimal salt.

Proper storage extends the product's usability. Unopened cans maintain quality for 18-24 months when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, transfer remaining soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Never store opened soup in the can, as metal can affect flavor. Freezing diluted soup in ice cube trays creates convenient portions for future recipes.

Addressing Common Questions

Many home cooks wonder about campbell's cream of chicken soup ingredients and whether they can create a homemade version. While replicating the exact commercial product proves challenging due to industrial processing techniques, a close approximation combines chicken stock, sautéed onions, flour, butter, and shredded chicken simmered until thickened. Understanding these fundamentals helps cooks make informed decisions about when to use the canned product versus preparing from scratch.

Can I use Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup as a base for homemade soup?

Yes, Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup serves as an excellent base for homemade soups. Dilute one can with one can of water or broth, then add fresh vegetables, additional chicken, and herbs to create a more complex flavor profile than the standard product offers.

What are the primary ingredients in Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup?

The main ingredients include chicken stock, chicken meat, modified food starch, wheat flour, chicken fat, salt, and seasonings such as onion, celery, and spices. The condensed format requires adding liquid before use in recipes.

How can I reduce the sodium content when using this soup?

To reduce sodium, use the low-sodium version of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup, or dilute the regular version with additional water or unsalted broth. Adding fresh herbs, lemon juice, or vinegar can help compensate for reduced salt while maintaining flavor complexity.

What's the difference between condensed and ready-to-eat versions?

Condensed soup requires dilution with liquid (typically one can soup to one can liquid) and functions primarily as an ingredient. Ready-to-eat versions are pre-diluted and designed to be consumed as a complete soup, though they can also be used in recipes requiring less thickening power.

How long does opened Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup last?

Transferred to an airtight container, opened Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup remains safe to use for 4-5 days when refrigerated. Never store opened soup in the original can, as metal can affect flavor and potentially leach into the product.