Amish Chicken Corn Soup is a heartwarming dish that has been passed down through generations of Amish families. Known for its simplicity and rich flavors, this soup is the epitome of comfort food. When you think of an Amish kitchen, you likely picture a wood-burning stove with pots of soup simmering on the stove, filling the air with the most enticing scents. This recipe is a wonderful blend of tender chicken, sweet corn, and a creamy broth-ingredients that you might have on hand at any time, which makes it a go-to for quick and satisfying meals.
What makes Amish Chicken Corn Soup stand out is its balance between hearty and light. The natural sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the savory depth of the chicken, and the creamy base adds a smooth texture that makes each spoonful feel luxurious. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner with family or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Let’s dive into how you can recreate this Amish staple in your own kitchen, so you can experience a taste of tradition and comfort with every bite!
Amish Chicken Corn Soup Recipe
Here’s the Amish Chicken Corn Soup recipe, laid out step-by-step. You’ll find that it’s simple to prepare, and the result is a bowl of flavor-packed comfort that’ll warm your soul.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Breasts (2-3 boneless, skinless) – The key protein in the soup. Using chicken breasts gives a lean, tender base.
- Frozen Corn (2 cups) – While fresh corn is ideal in summer, frozen corn works perfectly year-round and maintains that sweet flavor.
- Chicken Broth (6 cups) – Homemade chicken broth is great, but store-bought works just as well.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – This is what creates the creamy, rich texture that makes this soup so indulgent.
- Carrots (2 medium, diced) – Adds a bit of sweetness and texture, balancing the savory elements of the soup.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced) – For a subtle crunch and aromatic flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped) – A base flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – For depth of flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons) – For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the base.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried or fresh) – A fragrant herb that infuses the soup with warmth.
- Parsley (for garnish, optional) – Adds a touch of freshness and color to the finished dish.
Cooking Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken breasts. You can either poach them in some water or chicken broth (about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked) or pan-sear them in a little olive oil. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Build the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, add the shredded chicken and frozen corn. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Add the Cream: Once the soup has simmered, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Season and Serve: Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. If you want more depth, feel free to adjust the seasoning or even add a splash of lemon juice to brighten things up. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in Amish Chicken Corn Soup plays a vital role, not just in flavor, but in texture and overall balance. Let’s break down why each ingredient matters:
- Chicken: Whether you’re using breasts or thighs, chicken serves as the protein backbone of the soup. It provides that satisfying, tender bite while absorbing the flavors of the broth.
- Corn: The sweet burst of corn offers a natural contrast to the savory elements in the soup. Frozen corn is sweet and convenient, making it a perfect choice for this dish any time of year.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to the soup’s creamy texture. It’s rich, smooth, and luxurious without being too overwhelming, giving the broth the perfect amount of body.
- Carrots and Celery: These vegetables add more than just flavor. They bring texture, color, and a bit of natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken and broth.
- Herbs: Thyme, in particular, offers a gentle warmth that complements the creamy broth. Fresh parsley as a garnish brings freshness, making the soup feel lighter and more vibrant.
Expert Tips
To make your Amish Chicken Corn Soup as perfect as possible, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Chicken Shredding Tip: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the chicken in the soup rather than shredding it manually. You can use an immersion blender, but be careful not to blend too much-you still want some chunks of chicken for texture.
- Broth Flavoring: If you’re using store-bought chicken broth, consider adding a tablespoon of chicken bouillon or a couple of bay leaves during the simmering process. This will deepen the flavor and mimic the richness of homemade stock.
- Corn Freshness: If you use fresh corn in the summer, make sure to remove the kernels from the cob and briefly sauté them with a little butter before adding them to the soup. It enhances the flavor and adds a nice roasted taste.
- Make It Ahead: This soup actually gets better after sitting for a day or two. The flavors meld together beautifully, and it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeks.
- For a Thicker Soup: If you like a thicker consistency, use less broth or let the soup simmer uncovered for a little longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water) and stir it into the simmering soup.
Recipe Variations
Amish Chicken Corn Soup is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to play around with the recipe! Here are some variations you can try:
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, throw in a minced jalapeño or sprinkle red pepper flakes in the soup. You could also add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with more vegetables (e.g., diced potatoes, zucchini, or sweet potatoes) and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add Potatoes: For an even heartier soup, dice some potatoes and add them in with the carrots and celery. The potatoes will help thicken the soup and make it even more filling.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free option, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor profile.
- Add Bacon: For a smoky twist, you could fry up some bacon and crumble it on top of the soup as a garnish. The smoky bacon flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the corn.
Final Words
Amish Chicken Corn Soup is a dish that brings people together-whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or a potluck with friends. It’s simple yet full of flavor, wholesome yet indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser. The best part is that it can easily be customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs. And since it stores well, you can make a big batch and enjoy it for days!