Campbell’s Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Campbell’s Chicken Vegetable Soup is one of those comforting dishes that has stood the test of time. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather, craving something warm, or just need a quick and satisfying meal that brings back nostalgic memories. The great thing about this soup is that it’s not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrition, flavor, and warmth, making it a family favorite for many households.

In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the recipe for Campbell’s Chicken Vegetable Soup. I’ll walk you through every step, from the ingredients needed to tips for perfecting the recipe, along with ideas for creative variations. Whether you’re making it for the first time or you’re a seasoned cook, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master and customize.

Campbell’s Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe

Before we start gathering ingredients or cooking, let’s lay the foundation with the classic recipe. This version uses fresh ingredients and some pantry staples to create that familiar, hearty soup taste. It’s easy to whip up and doesn’t require hours of cooking. Ready to make some delicious soup? Here’s the recipe breakdown:

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: 2 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness). Chicken thighs have a higher fat content, which adds flavor.
• Vegetables: Carrots (2-3 medium), celery (2 stalks), and frozen peas (1 cup). You can also add corn or green beans if preferred.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or homemade, if you have it!). It serves as the base for the soup, providing depth of flavor.
• Noodles or Rice: 1 cup of egg noodles or ½ cup of long-grain rice. This gives the soup some body and texture.
• Herbs and Seasoning: 1 bay leaf, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. These seasonings help elevate the flavor of the soup.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing the vegetables.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds that aromatic depth and earthy flavor that enhances the soup’s richness.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Start by cooking the chicken. You can either poach or pan-cook it. If poaching, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the chicken breasts, and cook for about 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through. For pan-cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook The Vegetables

   • While the chicken is cooking, chop the carrots and celery into small, bite-sized pieces. In a large soup pot, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots and celery, sautéing for about 5-6 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.

3. Simmer The Soup

   • Once the vegetables are softened, pour in the chicken broth, and bring it to a simmer. Add in the shredded chicken, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together. At this point, you can also add any other herbs or spices you prefer, like parsley or oregano. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Add The Noodles Or Rice

   • If you’re using egg noodles, stir them into the soup and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until tender. For rice, let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.

5. Finish The Soup

   • Add the frozen peas in the last few minutes of cooking. Stir to combine. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

6. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy the comforting, wholesome flavors of your homemade Chicken Vegetable Soup.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the role of each ingredient can really elevate your soup-making game. Here’s a quick breakdown of why each ingredient matters:

• Chicken: The chicken provides the protein base and flavor. Using chicken breast is a leaner option, while thighs offer more moisture and depth in flavor.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and peas are the backbone of this soup, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also add texture and sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
• Chicken Broth: The broth is crucial as it creates the liquid base and infuses all the flavors. Opt for a low-sodium variety to control the salt content, and make sure to simmer it long enough to extract all the flavor from the chicken and vegetables.
• Noodles or Rice: Both rice and noodles make the soup more filling. Rice provides a smooth, comforting texture, while noodles add a slight chewiness and absorb the broth’s flavor.
• Herbs and Spices: Simple ingredients like thyme, garlic, and bay leaves work wonders in adding depth to the broth without overpowering the dish. It’s the delicate balance of herbs that truly elevate the soup from basic to comforting.

Expert Tips

• Shred the Chicken: Instead of chopping the chicken, try shredding it for a more rustic feel. It also makes the soup easier to eat, as the chicken soaks up the flavors better.
• Add Greens: Throw in some spinach or kale for added nutrients. These leafy greens are a great way to make the soup even more hearty and packed with health benefits.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a couple of dashes of hot sauce. This gives the soup a little kick without overpowering the flavors.
• Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, making your own chicken broth can bring an unmatched depth of flavor to the soup. Homemade stock tends to be richer and more flavorful than store-bought options.
• Leftovers: This soup keeps well for a few days, and it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Recipe Variations

While the traditional recipe is always a hit, there are many ways to customize it based on your preferences:

• Vegan/Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Chicken Soup: Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy version that’ll heat things up.
• Creamy Chicken Vegetable Soup: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking for a creamy, richer texture.
• Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate olives, feta cheese, and lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired version of this soup.
• Slow Cooker Version: To make things even easier, dump all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The slow simmer will bring out even more flavor.

Final Words

Making Campbell’s Chicken Vegetable Soup from scratch is like giving yourself a warm hug on a cold day. It’s simple, nourishing, and easily customizable. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or as a meal to share with loved ones, this recipe can be adapted to suit any occasion or taste preference.