Cream of chicken soup is a pantry staple, a base for casseroles, and a comforting classic on its own. But store-bought versions often contain unwanted additives and lack the rich, homemade flavor. This guide will walk you through making your own condensed cream of chicken soup, offering a healthier, tastier alternative that you can customize to your liking. This recipe is perfect for those who love the convenience of canned soup but crave the superior quality of homemade food.
Why Make Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup?
Many people appreciate the convenience of canned condensed cream of chicken soup. However, homemade offers significant advantages:
- Control over ingredients: You choose the quality of ingredients, avoiding preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium often found in commercially produced soups.
- Superior taste: Homemade soup offers a depth of flavor unmatched by store-bought options. The creamy texture and savory chicken flavor are simply more pronounced.
- Customization: Adjust the thickness, spice level, and ingredients to perfectly suit your palate and dietary needs. Add more vegetables, herbs, or spices to create a unique soup every time.
- Healthier option: By controlling the ingredients, you can reduce the sodium content and increase the nutritional value.
Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of condensed soup, perfect for doubling or halving based on your needs.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Sauté aromatics: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create roux: Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken the soup.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer and blend: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir in cream: Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Blend (optional): For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Cool and store: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freezing for longer storage.
How Long Does Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup Last?
Refrigerated, this homemade soup will last for up to 5 days. Freezing extends its shelf life considerably; you can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I Use Different Types of Cream?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cream. Heavy cream will create the richest, thickest soup. Half-and-half will result in a slightly lighter texture. You could even use evaporated milk for a different flavor profile, though it might not be quite as creamy.
How Do I Thicken Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the simmering soup. Stir constantly until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add a bit more flour to the roux at the beginning.
What Can I Add to Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup?
The beauty of homemade soup is its versatility. Feel free to add:
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, peas, mushrooms, or spinach would be delicious additions.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like parsley, rosemary, or oregano.
- Spices: A pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or nutmeg can add interesting layers of flavor.
- Cheese: A dollop of cream cheese or shredded cheddar cheese stirred in at the end adds richness and creaminess.
By following this recipe, you can enjoy the convenience of condensed cream of chicken soup with the superior taste and quality of a homemade creation. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to develop your own perfect recipe.
