The Complete Guide to Cream of Chicken Soup Calories: What You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered exactly how many calories are hiding in that comforting bowl of cream of chicken soup? I’ve been there too! Whether you’re tracking your daily intake or just curious about what’s in your pantry staples, understanding the calorie content of cream of chicken soup can help you make better food choices.

As someone who uses this versatile ingredient in countless recipes, I wanted to dig deep into the nutritional facts. Let’s explore everything you need to know about cream of chicken soup calories, plus some yummy ways to use this kitchen essential!

The Calorie Breakdown of Cream of Chicken Soup

According to the nutritional information from Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, a standard serving (which is 1/2 cup or 120mL of condensed soup) contains 120 calories This is for the condensed form before adding water or milk

But here’s where it gets interesting – most people don’t realize that a single can of Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz) actually contains about 25 servings. So if you’re eating the entire can or using it in a recipe that serves fewer than 3 people, you’re looking at approximately 300 calories for the whole can

Let’s break down the complete nutritional profile per 1/2 cup serving:

As you can see, while the calorie count isn’t super high the sodium content is quite significant at 38% of your daily value in just half a cup!

Prepared vs. Condensed: The Calorie Difference

When you prepare cream of chicken soup according to the can directions (usually adding 1 can of water), the calories get diluted. A prepared serving (about 1 cup) would contain around 60-70 calories.

However, many recipes call for using the condensed soup without diluting it, or they might suggest adding milk instead of water, which would increase the calorie count. If you use whole milk instead of water to prepare your soup, you could be looking at closer to 90-100 calories per cup of prepared soup.

Cream of Chicken Soup Calories: Brand Comparisons

Not all cream of chicken soups are created equal! Here’s how different brands compare calorie-wise (per 1/2 cup of condensed soup):

• Campbell’s: 120 calories
• Great Value (Walmart): Approximately 110-130 calories
• Progresso (ready-to-eat): About 100 calories
• Organic/Health Food Brands: Typically 90-140 calories

What’s Actually In Cream of Chicken Soup?

Looking at Campbell’s ingredients list, we can see what contributes to those calories:

• Chicken Stock
• Modified Cornstarch
• Vegetable Oil (contributes significant calories)
• Wheat Flour
• Cream (adds both flavor and calories)
• Chicken Meat
• Chicken Fat
• Various seasonings and flavor enhancers

The calories mainly come from the vegetable oil, chicken fat, cream, and flour components.

Is Cream of Chicken Soup Healthy?

While convenient and versatile, cream of chicken soup isn’t exactly a health food. The pros and cons include:

Pros:

• Relatively low in calories per serving
• Contains some protein from chicken
• Versatile cooking ingredient
• Convenient pantry staple

Cons:

• High in sodium (870mg per 1/2 cup serving!)
• Contains modified cornstarch
• Has MSG (monosodium glutamate)
• Low in fiber
• Not particularly nutrient-dense

Ways to Reduce Calories When Using Cream of Chicken Soup

If you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy cream of chicken soup, try these tips:

1. Dilute more than recommended – Add extra water or low-sodium broth to stretch the soup
2. Choose low-fat or “Healthy Request” versions – These typically have 25-30% fewer calories
3. Use less in recipes – Many casseroles work fine with 3/4 of the called-for amount
4. Balance with vegetables – Add extra veggies to your recipes to increase volume without many calories
5. Make your own lower-calorie version – Use low-fat milk and less butter/oil

Popular Recipes Using Cream of Chicken Soup

We love cream of chicken soup because it’s so versatile! Here are some popular ways to use it:

One-Pot Smoky White Chicken Chili

This Campbell’s recipe creates a hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights. The cream of chicken soup adds richness without lots of prep work.

One-Pan Curry Chicken Pot Pie

Another Campbell’s favorite, this dish uses cream of chicken soup as a shortcut to create a creamy curry base for chicken pot pie.

Easy Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip

This appetizer uses cream of chicken soup to create a creamy base for a delicious corn dip – just remember that the calories add up in party foods!

Traditional Chicken and Rice Casserole

A classic comfort food that typically uses:

• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (300 calories total)
• 1 cup rice
• Vegetables and seasonings

When divided into 6 servings, the cream of chicken soup contributes about 50 calories per serving to this dish.

Making Your Own Lower-Calorie Cream of Chicken Soup

If you’re really concerned about calories, try making your own version! Here’s a simple recipe:

Homemade Lower-Calorie Cream of Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1/4 cup finely diced cooked chicken
• 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk flour and 1/4 cup broth in a saucepan until smooth
2. Add remaining broth and milk
3. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until thickened
4. Add chicken and seasonings
5. Use as substitute for 1 can condensed soup

This homemade version has approximately 50-60 calories per 1/2 cup, cutting the calories almost in half!

Calorie-Conscious Cream of Chicken Soup Tips

When using cream of chicken soup in your cooking, keep these tips in mind:

• Portion awareness – Remember that a can contains multiple servings
• Recipe yield – Consider how many servings your recipe makes to calculate per-serving calories
• Ingredient balance – Balance higher-calorie ingredients like cream of chicken soup with plenty of vegetables
• Alternative thickeners – Consider using pureed cauliflower or white beans as lower-calorie thickening alternatives in some recipes

Should You Worry About Cream of Chicken Soup Calories?

In the grand scheme of things, cream of chicken soup isn’t a major calorie bomb compared to many other foods. At 120 calories per condensed serving, it’s not going to ruin anyone’s diet when used occasionally and in reasonable amounts.

The bigger concerns are probably the sodium content and processed ingredients rather than the calories themselves. If you’re using it as an ingredient in family meals a few times a month, don’t stress too much about the calorie content.

Final Thoughts on Cream of Chicken Soup Calories

So there you have it – a comprehensive look at how many calories are in cream of chicken soup and what that means for your cooking and eating habits. The condensed soup contains about 120 calories per 1/2 cup serving, with a full can containing around 300 calories.

We all use this convenient ingredient from time to time, and understanding its nutritional impact helps us make informed choices. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight casserole or crafting a creamy dip for game day, now you know exactly what you’re working with calorie-wise!

What’s your favorite way to use cream of chicken soup? I’d love to hear your recipes and tips for making this versatile ingredient work in your kitchen!

Remember, food is meant to be enjoyed – and sometimes convenience ingredients like cream of chicken soup make our busy lives a little easier. Use it wisely, and don’t forget to balance it with lots of veggies and whole foods in your overall diet.

Cream of Chicken Soup

Nutritional information

Serving Ideas