Chicken soup has long been a comfort food staple, revered for its warming qualities, delicious flavor, and nourishing ingredients. There’s something about the aroma of chicken simmering in a pot that fills the house with a sense of peace, soothing both the body and soul. But, while classic chicken soup is fantastic, there’s a twist you can add to elevate it further: the "7 Can Soup Chicken Recipe."
This unique take on chicken soup is all about simplicity and speed without compromising on flavor. As the name suggests, you’ll be using seven canned ingredients to create a hearty, savory dish that can be prepared in a fraction of the time it would take to make a traditional homemade chicken soup. Whether you’re short on time or looking for an easy way to create a flavorful meal, this recipe will become your go-to.
Let’s take a deep dive into the recipe, explore the ingredients, and uncover a few expert tips to make sure your dish turns out just right. And of course, we’ll finish with some variations so you can make this recipe your own.
7 Can Soup Chicken Recipe
This recipe is simple, fast, and easy to whip up. It’s designed to use a handful of pantry staples, transforming them into a rich, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The best part? It takes under 30 minutes to prepare, so you’ll spend more time enjoying the meal than you will cooking it.
Ingredients Needed
To make the 7 Can Soup Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Canned Chicken (12.5 oz) – This is the base of your soup and adds protein. Using canned chicken makes the recipe incredibly quick and easy, eliminating the need to cook raw chicken.
- Canned Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz) – This serves as the creamy base and brings richness and depth to the flavor.
- Canned Corn (15 oz) – Adds sweetness and texture, balancing the savory components of the soup.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz) – These give the soup a slightly acidic, tangy flavor and bring color to the dish.
- Canned Green Beans (14.5 oz) – Adds another layer of vegetable flavor and a pleasant crunch.
- Canned Mushrooms (7 oz) – Mushrooms add an earthy flavor that complements the chicken and broth, enhancing the depth of the soup.
- Canned Broth (14.5 oz) – The broth serves as the liquid base, helping to combine all the flavors and create the perfect consistency for the soup.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare Your Ingredients
- Open all the cans and drain the liquids from the corn, green beans, mushrooms, and diced tomatoes. Be sure to reserve the liquid from the broth and cream of chicken soup.
- Shred or break up the canned chicken to your desired texture (you can even leave it in chunks if you prefer).
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Combine Ingredients
- In a large soup pot, add the canned chicken, drained vegetables (corn, green beans, mushrooms), and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together.
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Add The Broth And Soup Base
- Pour in the canned broth and the cream of chicken soup. Stir until everything is well mixed and the soup is creamy.
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Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
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Taste And Adjust
- Once it’s heated through and the flavors have melded, taste the soup. You can add salt, pepper, or even a dash of garlic powder or onion powder if you want to kick up the flavor a little bit.
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Serve
- Once everything is heated through and delicious, ladle the soup into bowls. You can garnish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of sour cream if you like!
Ingredient Insights
Let’s break down the ingredients and why each one is chosen for this particular recipe:
- Canned Chicken: Using canned chicken is one of the main time-saving elements of this recipe. It offers the same flavor and protein as freshly cooked chicken, but without the extra work of browning or shredding meat. Plus, it’s already seasoned, making it perfect for a quick dish.
- Canned Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the rich, creamy backbone of the soup. It’s what transforms the soup from a light, brothy dish to a comforting, hearty bowl of goodness. It also helps thicken the soup and brings a creamy texture that coats the ingredients beautifully.
- Canned Corn: The sweetness of corn balances the savory flavors of the chicken and broth. It’s a great way to add some texture and natural sweetness to the soup, which contrasts nicely with the saltiness and creaminess.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Tomatoes offer a bit of acidity and brightness, cutting through the richness of the other ingredients. Their tanginess is a perfect counterpoint to the creaminess of the soup.
- Canned Green Beans: These are included for texture and to add more vegetable goodness to the soup. The green beans also help add some earthy flavor that complements the mushrooms and chicken.
- Canned Mushrooms: Mushrooms contribute a savory umami flavor that enhances the overall depth of the soup. Their natural earthiness blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, making the soup taste like it’s been simmering all day.
- Canned Broth: The broth is the liquid base that unifies all the ingredients. It helps thin out the cream of chicken soup, making it easier to stir and creating the right consistency for a soup. You can choose chicken broth for a more intense flavor or vegetable broth for a lighter touch.
Expert Tips
If you want to take your 7 Can Soup Chicken recipe to the next level, here are a few expert tips to consider:
- Season generously: Even though the canned ingredients already come with some seasoning, don’t forget to taste and adjust. A pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and perhaps a sprinkle of garlic powder or dried herbs can bring everything together.
- Add a starch: For a heartier soup, you can add some quick-cooking pasta or even a handful of rice. Just make sure to cook it separately and add it at the end, so it doesn’t become too mushy.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, try adding a small can of diced green chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will add a nice kick to the soup without overpowering the flavors.
- Top with cheese: A little shredded cheddar cheese on top of the hot soup makes it even more indulgent. As the cheese melts into the broth, it creates an extra layer of creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh herbs for garnish: While fresh herbs might not be part of the “7 can” equation, sprinkling some fresh parsley, cilantro, or thyme on top of your soup right before serving adds a burst of freshness and visual appeal.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are a few ways you can tweak it to suit your preferences:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the canned chicken and use plant-based protein, such as tofu or chickpeas, for a vegetarian twist.
- Mexican Flair: Add a can of diced green chilies, a sprinkle of cumin, and some crushed tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex version.
- Spicy Chicken Soup: Incorporate some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to bring a spicy zing to your soup.
- Herbed Chicken Soup: Stir in a blend of Italian seasoning or fresh basil and oregano to give the soup an herbal, Mediterranean feel.
Final Words
This 7 Can Soup Chicken recipe is the definition of convenience without sacrificing flavor. It’s a quick, easy way to prepare a delicious meal that satisfies hunger and tastes like it took hours to prepare, all with minimal effort. By combining pantry staples with a few fresh touches, you’ve got a dish that’s both comforting and versatile, perfect for any day of the week.