What Is Condensed Chicken Soup? The Ultimate Guide to This Pantry Staple

Ever stared at a can of Campbell’s in the grocery store and wondered what exactly “condensed” chicken soup means? You’re not alone! This kitchen staple has been hiding in pantries for generations, but many home cooks aren’t quite sure what makes it different from regular soup Let’s dive into the soupy details and uncover everything you need to know about condensed chicken soup

What Is Condensed Soup, Anyway?

Condensed soup is basically regular soup that’s had most of its water removed, creating a thick, concentrated stock or cream Think of it as soup that’s been boiled down to its essence When you open a can of condensed chicken soup, you’ll notice it’s much thicker than regular soup – that’s because it’s waiting for you to add water to bring it back to life!

Campbell’s was the first company to make and sell condensed soups, and they proudly display this fact on their website. Their iconic cans (you know the ones Andy Warhol made famous in his artwork) clearly state “condensed” right on the label.

The History Behind Condensed Soup

The genius behind condensed soup was John T. Dorrance, a chemist working for the Joseph Campbell Preserve Company in the early 1900s. While studying in Europe, Dorrance noticed Americans didn’t eat nearly as much soup as Europeans, mainly because canned soups were:

• Bulky
• Expensive
• Didn’t last long on shelves

If Americans wanted quick soup, they’d use bouillon cubes, which honestly weren’t that tasty.

Dorrance spent about a year developing his “condensed” soups by boiling away roughly 60-70% of the water content. This brilliant innovation:

1. Made the cans lighter and easier to transport
2. Dramatically reduced production costs
3. Created a more concentrated, flavorful product
4. Took up less space on store shelves and in kitchen pantries

These lighter, cheaper, and tastier soup cans became an immediate hit, rescuing Campbell’s from financial trouble and forever changing American eating habits. Today, it’s hard to imagine a kitchen without at least one can of condensed soup tucked away somewhere!

How Is Condensed Chicken Soup Made?

The process is pretty straightforward but effective:

1. Chicken broth and cooked chicken pieces are combined in a large pot
2. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions are added for flavor
3. The mixture is simmered for a long time, allowing much of the water to evaporate
4. Additional water is added periodically to prevent burning
5. Once the desired thickness is reached, the soup is sealed into cans
6. The canning process further concentrates the flavors

At home, if you wanted to make your own condensed soup, you’d basically:

1. Cook flour and butter together to create a smooth roux (like when making béchamel sauce)
2. Gradually add broth and milk, stirring constantly
3. Let the mixture reduce and thicken
4. Season to taste

Voilà! You’ve got homemade condensed soup that can be used just like the canned stuff.

Condensed Chicken Soup vs. Regular Chicken Soup

The main differences between these two soup types are:

Condensed soup essentially packs the flavor equivalence of two cans of regular soup into one can. That’s why the instructions typically say to “add one can of water” – you’re reconstituting it back to regular soup consistency.

What’s In Condensed Chicken Soup?

A typical can of condensed chicken soup contains:

• Chicken broth (water, chicken stock)
• Modified corn starch (for thickening)
• Chicken fat
• Seasoned chicken pieces
• Vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or soybean)
• Wheat flour
• Salt
• Cream
• Yeast extract
• Modified milk ingredients
• Soy protein concentrate
• Onion powder
• Vinegar
• Beta carotene
• Flavoring (often containing celery)

Of course, ingredients may vary between brands and specialty varieties. For example, Campbell’s makes their famous condensed Cream of Chicken soup, which has additional cream for a smoother, more velvety texture.

Nutrition Facts: What You Should Know

A typical 1/2 cup serving of condensed chicken soup contains approximately:

• 120 calories
• 8g total fat
• 870mg sodium (this is quite high!)
• 9g carbohydrates
• 2g protein

One thing to note: condensed soups are notoriously high in sodium. If you’re watching your salt intake, look for low-sodium or organic varieties to reduce those levels.

Can You Eat Condensed Soup Without Adding Water?

Yes, you absolutely can eat condensed soup straight from the can without adding water! But should you? Well, it might not taste as good as you’d hope. The flavor will be much more intense and the consistency will be quite thick.

That said, there are plenty of recipes that call for using condensed soup directly without adding water. One of the most famous examples is green bean casserole, which typically uses condensed cream of mushroom soup right from the can.

As one soup enthusiast humorously put it: “I usually just take a shot of condensed soup then take a shot of hot water and mix them in my mouth.” We don’t necessarily recommend this approach, but hey, you do you!

Creative Ways to Use Condensed Chicken Soup

Condensed chicken soup is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are some popular ways to use it:

• Casseroles and bakes: Provides a creamy, binding base
• Quick gravy: For meats and potatoes
• Savory sauces: Enhances pasta dishes
• Pot pies: Creates rich filling
• Risotto and rice dishes: Adds creaminess and flavor
• Soup thickener: Gives body to other soups and stews
• Binding agent: Helps hold together chicken salad or wraps

Pro Tips for Cooking with Condensed Chicken Soup

Want to get the most out of your condensed chicken soup? Try these tips:

1. For serving as soup: 1 can condensed soup + 1 can liquid = regular soup texture
2. For richer flavor: Use broth instead of water when reconstituting
3. To reduce sodium: Rinse before use or choose low-sodium varieties
4. For depth of flavor: Sauté onions, garlic, etc. before adding condensed soup
5. For creamier results: Use milk instead of water when reconstituting
6. For extra flavor: Add fresh herbs or a splash of white wine

Condensed vs. Cream of Chicken Soup: What’s the Difference?

This gets a little confusing because “cream of chicken” is actually a type of condensed soup. Cream of chicken soup is a variant of classic condensed chicken soup that includes cream or milk, giving it a smoother, more velvety texture.

Both can generally be used interchangeably in recipes, but cream of chicken soup offers a richer mouthfeel and slightly different flavor profile. It excels as a base for casseroles and baked dishes where creaminess is desired.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re concerned about the sodium and preservatives in commercial condensed chicken soup, you have options:

1. Make your own: Simmer chicken broth until thickened, then store in airtight jars in the fridge for up to a week
2. Look for organic versions: These typically have fewer additives
3. Try low-sodium varieties: Most major brands offer these now
4. Check out gluten-free options: These use alternative thickeners like rice flour or tapioca
5. Consider vegan alternatives: These replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based creamers

Is Condensed Chicken Soup Healthy?

Let’s be real – while convenient, condensed chicken soup isn’t winning any nutrition awards. It’s high in sodium and often contains preservatives and additives. However, it can certainly be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

If health is your primary concern, making your own condensed soup at home allows you to control the ingredients and sodium levels. You can use fresh chicken, organic vegetables, and exactly the amount of salt you prefer.

The Bottom Line

Condensed chicken soup is a remarkable kitchen innovation that’s stood the test of time. From its humble beginnings in the Campbell’s test kitchen to becoming a staple in recipes across America, this concentrated soup has earned its place in culinary history.

Whether you’re using it to make a quick bowl of chicken noodle soup on a cold day or as the secret ingredient in your family’s favorite casserole, condensed chicken soup offers convenience and flavor in one little can. Now when someone asks you “what is condensed chicken soup?” you can wow them with your souper knowledge!

So next time you’re staring at that iconic red and white Campbell’s can, you’ll know exactly what makes it special. And hey, maybe you’ll even try making your own condensed soup at home!

What’s your favorite way to use condensed chicken soup? I’d love to hear about your creative recipes in the comments below!