Chicken And Condensed Soup Recipe

There’s something about comfort food that just hits the spot, especially when it’s a dish that brings together the simplicity of familiar ingredients with the rich flavors that only time-tested recipes can offer. Chicken and Condensed Soup is a classic favorite that has stood the test of time in kitchens everywhere. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep for the week, or make a dish that everyone in the family will devour, this recipe is the one you can rely on. It’s creamy, comforting, and, best of all, incredibly easy to prepare.

This recipe blends tender chicken, the velvety texture of condensed soup, and a few pantry staples to create a hearty, soul-satisfying dish. What makes it even better is that you can easily tailor it to suit your taste or dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Chicken And Condensed Soup Recipe

This dish is a quintessential go-to comfort meal, made with minimal ingredients but packed with layers of flavor. Whether you’re making it on a busy weeknight or want to prep ahead for a busy day, this recipe comes through every time. The secret to its simplicity lies in using condensed soup as a base, which adds a rich, creamy texture without much effort.

Ingredients Needed

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this dish come together effortlessly. The best part? You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.

Main Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Chicken forms the heart of the recipe. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for easy preparation. Thighs bring extra flavor and moisture, but breasts are leaner.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This canned soup is the magical ingredient that creates the rich, creamy base. It adds flavor, moisture, and texture all in one go.
• Broth (Chicken or Vegetable): This helps loosen up the soup and creates a more spreadable consistency for the sauce. If you want a thicker dish, you can cut back on the broth.
• Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder): The key to making sure the dish is flavorful without overpowering the simplicity of the ingredients.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Used to sauté the chicken and start building those savory flavors right from the beginning.
• Optional Vegetables (Carrots, Celery, Onion): Add these in for a more rounded, hearty dish. You can chop them finely so they blend seamlessly into the sauce.

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or thyme for a bit of color and freshness.
• Crumbled crackers or breadcrumbs if you like a crispy topping.
• Cooked rice or mashed potatoes to serve as a base.

Cooking Instructions

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can have it ready in no time, and you don’t need to be a professional chef to make it taste amazing.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. If you’re using vegetables, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Sear on both sides for about 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through at this point – it will finish cooking in the sauce.
3. Create the Soup Base: Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add your optional veggies (onion, carrots, celery) and sauté them for 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Combine the Soup and Broth: Add your can of condensed cream of chicken soup to the pan, followed by about 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir the mixture well to combine and create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with additional garlic powder, salt, and pepper as needed.
5. Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the pan, nestling it into the soup mixture. Lower the heat to simmer and cover the pan. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, serve the dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Ingredient Insights

• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: While it’s a pantry staple, it’s also a shortcut to rich, creamy sauces. It’s designed to create depth and smoothness without much work. It’s ideal when you’re in a rush but still want something homemade-tasting.
• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: Thighs tend to have more fat and connective tissue, making them juicy and flavorful, while breasts are leaner and cook faster. Thighs are perfect for slow simmering in a sauce like this, but breasts can be a better option for those looking for a lighter dish.
• Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water makes a huge difference in flavor. It infuses the dish with a savory richness that water simply can’t replicate.
• Vegetables: While optional, carrots, celery, and onions contribute to the overall flavor of the dish. They help create a more balanced, rounded flavor profile, and they add some texture to the creamy sauce.

Expert Tips

• Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, you can skip the searing step and simply shred the chicken and add it to the creamy soup base. This saves time and still yields a delicious result.
• Make It Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. A sprinkle of paprika can also lend a subtle smoky flavor.
• Adjust Thickness: If the sauce gets too thick while simmering, simply add more chicken broth or a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Slow Cooker Version: If you’re not in a hurry, you can slow cook this dish! Just add all the ingredients into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken and Mushroom: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, savory twist on the dish. You can use cremini or button mushrooms, which pair wonderfully with the creamy base.
• Cheesy Chicken Soup: For a cheesy version, add a handful of shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the soup base. It’ll melt into the sauce and make it even richer.
• Dairy-Free Version: If you’re lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free cream of mushroom or chicken soup alternative. Use a dairy-free broth and butter substitute as well.
• Chicken Alfredo: For an Italian-inspired twist, use a jar of alfredo sauce instead of the cream of chicken soup. Add some garlic and Parmesan to create a rich, pasta-like sauce. Serve with pasta or over a bed of sautéed spinach.

Final Words

This Chicken and Condensed Soup recipe is a perfect blend of practicality and comfort. It’s not only easy to make, but it also gives you the chance to add your personal touches to make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re keeping it simple or experimenting with fun variations, this dish is a reliable favorite that never disappoints.