How Many Calories Are in Chicken Soup? The Complete Guide You Need

Have you ever been sick and craved that warm bowl of chicken soup? Or maybe you’re just watching your calorie intake but still want something comforting on a cold day? I’ve been there too! Chicken soup is basically the universal comfort food, but understanding its calorie content can be confusing with so many varieties out there.

In this article, I’m gonna break down exactly how many calories are in chicken soup, looking at different types, serving sizes, and ingredients that affect the calorie count. Whether you’re making it at home or grabbing a can from the store, this guide will help you make informed choices about this classic dish.

The Short Answer: Chicken Soup Calorie Range

Before diving into all the details, here’s the quick answer:

Most chicken soup contains 75-400 calories per serving, depending on:

• The type of soup (broth-based vs. creamy)
• Serving size (cup vs. bowl)
• Ingredients (especially noodles, rice, and fat content)
• Homemade vs. store-bought

According to data from FatSecret a standard 1 cup serving of basic chicken soup contains approximately 75 calories.

Factors That Impact Chicken Soup Calories

The calorie content in chicken soup can vary widely based on several factors:

1. Ingredients

The ingredients in your chicken soup make a huge difference in calorie count:

• Chicken: Chicken breast (leaner) has fewer calories than thighs or skin-on pieces
• Vegetables: Basic veggies like carrots, celery, and onions add minimal calories
• Carbs: Adding noodles, rice, or potatoes significantly increases calorie count
• Fats: Oils, butter, or cream-based broths dramatically increase calories
• Seasonings: Most herbs and spices add flavor without adding calories

2. Serving Size

Portion size makes a big difference! According to the sources:

• 1 cup of standard chicken soup: approximately 75 calories
• 1 bowl (larger serving): typically 100-400 calories depending on ingredients
• 1 can (10.5 oz), prepared: around 182 calories

3. Preparation Method

How you make your soup matters:

• Broth-based soups tend to be lower in calories
• Cream-based soups are significantly higher in calories
• Homemade soups can be controlled for calories by adjusting ingredients
• Canned soups vary widely, but typically contain more sodium

Calorie Breakdown of Different Chicken Soup Types

Let’s look at the specifics for different types of chicken soup:

Basic Chicken Soup (Per 1 Cup)

According to FatSecret data:

• Total calories: 75
• Fat: 2.46g (29% of calories)
• Carbs: 9.35g (50% of calories)
• Protein: 4.05g (21% of calories)
• Sodium: 1106mg (48% DV)

Homemade Chicken Soup (Yale Medicine Recipe)

Yale Medicine provides a homemade chicken soup recipe with the following nutrition per serving:

• Total calories: 152
• Fat: 8g (with 2.4g saturated fat)
• Carbs: 4.2g
• Dietary fiber: 1.2g
• Protein: 13.1g
• Sodium: 68mg

Homemade Chicken Soup with Vegetables

For a homemade soup with added vegetables, according to Bradley’s Fine Diner:

• Total calories: 145.6 per cup
• Protein: 9.7g
• Fat: 4.9g

Other Chicken Soup Varieties (Per Cup)

• Chicken Noodle Soup: Usually higher in calories due to noodles (typically 150-300 calories)
• Chicken and Rice Soup: Similar to noodle soup (approximately 200-400 calories)
• Creamy Chicken Soup: Significantly higher due to cream/dairy (300-500 calories)
• Condensed Cream of Chicken: Higher calorie density (150-250 calories when prepared)

Nutritional Breakdown of Standard Chicken Soup

Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional content of a standard cup of chicken soup (from FatSecret data):

Macronutrients

• Calories: 75
• Fat: 2.46g (3% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 0.651g (3% DV)
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.554g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 1.109g
• Carbohydrates: 9.35g (3% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.7g (3% DV)
  • Sugars: 0.27g
• Protein: 4.05g

Micronutrients

• Cholesterol: 7mg (2% DV)
• Sodium: 1106mg (48% DV)
• Calcium: 17mg (1% DV)
• Iron: 0.77mg (4% DV)
• Potassium: 55mg (1% DV)
• Vitamin A: 36mcg (4% DV)
• Vitamin C: 0.2mg (0% DV)

Homemade vs. Canned Chicken Soup

There’s a big difference between homemade and store-bought soup options:

Homemade Chicken Soup

• Pros: Control over ingredients, portion sizes, sodium levels, and overall nutrition
• Calories: Typically 145-155 calories per cup (based on Yale Medicine recipe)
• Sodium: Can be much lower (Yale recipe shows only 68mg per serving)
• Protein: Often higher (13.1g in Yale recipe)

Canned/Prepared Chicken Soup

• Pros: Convenience and consistent nutritional content
• Calories: Usually 75-182 calories per cup (depending on variety)
• Sodium: Significantly higher (1106mg in the FatSecret data)
• Protein: Often lower (4.05g in standard canned version)

Is Chicken Soup Good for Weight Loss?

Many people wonder if chicken soup is a good option for weight loss. The answer is YES – it can be an excellent choice when you’re trying to lose weight, particularly if you:

1. Choose broth-based rather than cream-based soups
2. Load up on vegetables for volume without many calories
3. Control portions and serving sizes
4. Make it at home to manage ingredients

Chicken soup provides several benefits that support weight loss:

• It’s filling and satisfying despite being relatively low in calories
• The protein from chicken helps maintain muscle mass during weight loss
• The warm liquid can help you feel full longer
• It provides nutrients and hydration

Health Benefits of Chicken Soup

Chicken soup isn’t just comfort food – it has actual health benefits:

• Immune support: May help reduce inflammation and fight colds
• Hydration: High water content helps maintain hydration, especially when sick
• Nutrition: Provides protein, vitamins, and minerals from chicken and vegetables
• Digestion: The broth contains gelatin that may benefit gut health
• Congestion relief: Steam may help loosen congestion when you have a cold

Tips for Reducing Calories in Chicken Soup

If you’re watching your calorie intake, try these tips:

1. Use chicken breast instead of fattier cuts
2. Load up on non-starchy vegetables like celery, carrots, and mushrooms
3. Limit or omit noodles, rice, and potatoes
4. Skip added oils or use minimal amounts
5. Use herbs and spices instead of salt-heavy seasonings
6. Control portion sizes
7. Skim fat off the broth after cooking

Common Questions About Chicken Soup Calories

Does chicken soup have a lot of calories?

Not typically. Most broth-based chicken soups contain 75-150 calories per cup, making them a relatively low-calorie food option.

Which is healthier: chicken or vegetable soup?

Both are healthy options. Chicken soup provides more protein, while vegetable soup may be lower in calories. Both can be nutritious choices.

Is canned chicken soup healthy?

Canned soup can be convenient but often contains high sodium. Look for low-sodium options or make your own for better nutritional control.

How many calories are in a whole can of chicken soup?

A typical can of chicken noodle soup (10.5 oz), prepared according to directions, contains approximately 182 calories.

Is chicken broth the same as chicken soup?

No. Chicken broth is just the liquid base, while chicken soup includes chicken pieces and vegetables. Broth alone has fewer calories (about 38 calories per cup for homemade).

My Favorite Easy Low-Calorie Chicken Soup Recipe

Here’s a simple chicken soup recipe I love that’s both delicious and low in calories:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds)
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, etc.)
• Water to cover

Directions:

1. Place chicken, vegetables, and herbs in a large pot and cover with cold water
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until chicken is cooked (about 1 hour)
3. Remove chicken, let cool, then shred meat (discard skin and bones)
4. Strain broth and skim off fat
5. Return vegetables and shredded chicken to broth
6. Season to taste and serve

This recipe yields about 10 servings at approximately 150 calories per cup.

The Bottom Line

Chicken soup is generally a nutritious, low-calorie food option with 75-400 calories per serving depending on ingredients and preparation. The basic version contains about 75 calories per cup, while homemade recipes with more ingredients typically have 145-155 calories per serving.

If you’re monitoring your calorie intake, focus on broth-based soups, load up on vegetables, and be mindful of added carbs like noodles or rice. Homemade versions give you more control over ingredients and nutrition.

Whether you’re enjoying chicken soup for its comfort, health benefits, or as part of a weight management plan, understanding its calorie content helps you make informed choices that align with your dietary goals.

What’s your favorite type of chicken soup? Do you prefer homemade or are you a fan of certain brands? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!