Campbell’s Chicken Gumbo Soup Recipe

Chicken gumbo is a beloved Southern comfort dish, rich in history and flavor, and it has a way of bringing a sense of warmth and togetherness to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned gumbo enthusiast or a first-time cook looking to dive into the world of hearty stews, Campbell’s Chicken Gumbo Soup is a simple, tasty gateway into this iconic dish. This recipe is a great starting point for anyone interested in creating a satisfying, flavorful meal with minimal effort but all the rich, complex tastes that make gumbo so special.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a detailed recipe for Campbell’s Chicken Gumbo Soup, offering helpful insights on ingredients, cooking tips, and variations to customize the dish to your liking. From pantry staples to expert tips, this guide has everything you need to create the perfect chicken gumbo in no time!

Campbell’s Chicken Gumbo Soup Recipe

Chicken gumbo typically consists of tender pieces of chicken, flavorful vegetables, rich stock, and a unique blend of spices. It’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet. While traditional gumbo can be quite elaborate, Campbell’s Chicken Gumbo Soup simplifies the process, bringing all the flavors of a homemade dish with the convenience of a quick recipe.

Ingredients Needed

• Campbell’s Condensed Chicken Gumbo Soup (1 can)
• Chicken breast or thighs (2 medium-sized, cooked and shredded or cubed)

• Vegetables

  • Celery (1 stalk, finely chopped)
  • Bell peppers (1/2 green, finely chopped)
  • Onion (1/2 small, finely chopped)
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Chicken broth (1 cup, to thin out the soup and add depth of flavor)
• Olive oil (2 tbsp, for sautéing)

• Spices

  • Paprika (1 tsp)
  • Cajun seasoning (1 tsp, or to taste)
  • Dried thyme (1 tsp)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Rice (optional, but highly recommended – about 1 cup of cooked white or brown rice)
• Green onions (1-2 stalks, chopped, for garnish)
• Hot sauce (optional, for an extra kick)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

   • If you haven’t done so already, cook your chicken. You can either boil or pan-fry your chicken breasts or thighs until fully cooked, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
   • Chop your vegetables (celery, bell pepper, onion, garlic) and have them ready for sautéing.
   • Cook your rice if you’re using it. Keep it aside while you work on the soup base.

2. Sauté The Veggies

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped celery, bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and start to release their fragrance.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

3. Add The Soup Base

   • Open your can of Campbell’s Condensed Chicken Gumbo Soup and pour it into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine.
   • Add 1 cup of chicken broth to thin out the soup a bit. You can add more or less depending on how thick or thin you like your gumbo.

4. Season The Soup

   • Stir in the paprika, Cajun seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning to your preference. If you like a bit more spice, add some hot sauce or extra Cajun seasoning.

5. Simmer

   • Let the soup simmer on low for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to fully absorb the gumbo base.

6. Add Chicken & Rice

   • Add the shredded chicken to the soup and mix well.
   • If you’re using rice, stir it in now to let it soak up the flavorful broth.

7. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the gumbo into bowls and top with freshly chopped green onions.
   • Add a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat if you like.

8. Enjoy

   • Serve hot, preferably with a side of crusty bread or cornbread to complete the Southern experience!

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the ingredients in your Chicken Gumbo Soup not only makes the cooking process easier but also elevates your appreciation for the dish. Let’s dive into why each component plays a crucial role in the overall flavor profile.

• Campbell’s Condensed Chicken Gumbo Soup: This is the foundation of the dish. The soup contains a blend of rich spices, chicken stock, and a hint of tomato, mimicking the classic gumbo base without all the fuss of making it from scratch. It’s a quick and easy shortcut for busy weeknights.
• Chicken: Whether you use breast or thighs, chicken is the heart of this dish. The meat adds protein and a savory depth to the soup. For a more authentic touch, opt for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful when shredded.
• Veggies (Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery): These are the “holy trinity” of many Cajun and Creole dishes, including gumbo. The combination of onion, bell pepper, and celery provides a rich, aromatic foundation for the gumbo, giving it that signature flavor.
• Cajun Seasoning & Paprika: These spices are what really give gumbo its kick. Cajun seasoning usually includes a mix of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices, while paprika gives a deep, smoky note to the dish. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you like things spicier.
• Rice: Rice is not just a side but an integral part of gumbo. It helps absorb the flavorful broth and gives the soup its signature texture.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: When sautéing the vegetables, don’t overcrowd the pot. This can make the veggies steam instead of sautéing, and you won’t get the same depth of flavor. Give them room to breathe!
• Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken is a quick option, using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts adds a richer flavor to the broth. After cooking, you can easily remove the bones and shred the meat.
• Customize Your Heat: Adjust the heat level by playing with the amount of Cajun seasoning, paprika, and hot sauce. For a milder version, cut back on these, and for an extra kick, add more.
• Let It Simmer: The longer you let the soup simmer, the more the flavors will develop. Don’t rush the simmering step-it’s crucial for a flavorful dish.

Recipe Variations

• Seafood Gumbo: For a twist on the traditional chicken gumbo, swap out the chicken for shrimp, crab, or a mix of both. You can even make a combo of chicken and seafood for a “surf and turf” gumbo.
• Vegan Gumbo: If you’re looking for a plant-based version, replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken soup, adding more seasonings to build flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Gumbo: If you like your gumbo extra spicy, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning, add a diced jalapeño to the sautéed vegetables, and throw in a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Gumbo with Sausage: Another variation is adding sausage to your chicken gumbo for a smoky, hearty flavor. Andouille sausage is a classic choice for gumbo, bringing a bit of spice and smoke to the dish.

Final Words

Campbell’s Chicken Gumbo Soup makes it so easy to enjoy a dish that feels homemade, even when you’re short on time. The soup brings together a deep, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and a combination of spices that give you that satisfying gumbo experience with minimal work. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, this dish is guaranteed to please.