Chicken Corn Soup is a savory soup made with chicken, sweet corn, broth, and various seasonings. It is often served as a starter in many meals. The soup features tender chicken, juicy corn kernels, and a flavorful base that’s seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. Its texture is smooth and rich, offering a warm, comforting taste with each spoonful.
Preparing Chicken Corn Soup typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the ingredients used. However, the process remains quick and efficient, making it a great choice for a fast, delicious meal.
Chicken Corn Soup is a go-to dish when looking for a simple yet filling meal. The way the flavors meld together creates a satisfying experience, especially when the soup is served hot. It’s a dish that can easily be tailored to personal preferences by adjusting seasoning or adding extra vegetables. Each spoonful brings a comforting warmth, making it a favorite during chilly days.
Why You’ll Love It Chicken Corn Soup
- Comforting and Hearty: Chicken corn soup is the ultimate comfort food. Its warm, rich flavor and tender chicken make it perfect for chilly days. This soup is satisfying, filling, and easy to enjoy with every spoonful.
- Quick and Easy: You can make chicken corn soup in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s ideal for busy days when you need a tasty meal in a hurry. You’ll love how fast and easy it is!
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup supports your health. Chicken, corn, and vegetables combine to create a nutrient-rich, low-fat option that is both delicious and good for you.
Ingredient Notes for Chicken Corn Soup
- Shredded Chicken: The shredded chicken is the heart of this soup, adding a rich, protein-packed base that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. It’s best to use cooked, boneless chicken for easy shredding and a smoother texture.
- Sweet Corn: Sweet corn gives the soup a subtle sweetness and crunchy texture. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn, but make sure it’s well-drained if using canned.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds depth and savory flavor to the soup. It’s the perfect liquid base, enhancing the overall taste. You can use homemade or store-bought broth, but aim for low-sodium options for a healthier choice.
- Water: Water is used to dilute the chicken broth to achieve a balanced consistency. The combination of broth and water makes the soup flavorful but not too rich.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce brings a savory umami flavor and depth. Use it to season the soup and bring all the flavors together. For a lighter option, use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Sesame Oil: Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty aroma and richness, giving the soup a more complex flavor profile. A small amount goes a long way in enhancing the dish.
- White Pepper: White pepper provides a mild heat without the strong flavor of black pepper. It’s often used in soups to add a gentle kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Salt: Salt enhances all the flavors in the soup. Be sure to adjust the amount based on the saltiness of your chicken broth and soy sauce to avoid making the soup too salty.
- Egg: Beaten eggs are added to the soup towards the end of cooking to create silky, soft egg ribbons throughout the broth. This adds richness and texture to the dish.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent to give the soup a smooth, velvety texture. It’s mixed with cold water to form a slurry, then added to the soup to thicken the broth.
- Cold Water: Cold water is used to create the cornstarch slurry. Mixing cornstarch with cold water prevents lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth texture when added to the soup.
- Fresh Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is used as a garnish to add a burst of freshness and a slight citrusy flavor. It brightens up the soup and makes it visually appealing.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
When making Chicken Corn Soup, use fresh chicken and sweet corn for the best flavor. Choose tender cuts of chicken to ensure your soup is hearty and flavorful. Fresh ingredients will bring out the natural taste and make your soup extra special.
Adding seasonings like garlic, onion, and a pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. You can also include herbs like thyme or cilantro for a unique twist, making the soup your own with these additions.
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or coconut milk. This makes the soup richer and more satisfying, especially on colder days. If you prefer a lighter option, skip the cream and use broth for a healthier alternative.
Chicken Corn Soup Variation
There are several ways to make Chicken Corn Soup your own. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Spicy Chicken Corn Soup: For a bit of heat, add chopped green chilies, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce. This variation adds a nice spicy kick to the comforting soup.
- Creamy Chicken Corn Soup: Add a cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to make the soup extra creamy. This variation gives the soup a rich and indulgent taste.
- Vegetable Chicken Corn Soup: You can make this soup even more nutritious by adding additional vegetables such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers. This will enhance the flavor and texture while boosting the nutritional value.
How to Serve Chicken Corn Soup
Chicken Corn Soup is perfect for any occasion. Here’s how you can serve it:
- As a Starter: Serve it in small bowls as a warm and inviting appetizer before a larger meal. It pairs well with bread or crackers for added crunch.
- As a Main Dish: For a heartier meal, serve Chicken Corn Soup as the main course. Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Toppings and Garnishes: Top your soup with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even a few crispy fried onions for added flavor and texture.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, here’s how you can store Chicken Corn Soup:
- Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
- Freezing: To freeze Chicken Corn Soup, let it cool down and place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
- Note on Creamy Soup Variations: If you’ve made a creamy version, it’s best to avoid freezing it, as dairy can separate when thawed. Instead, store the base soup without cream, then add cream when reheating.
FAQs About Chicken Corn Soup
How do you make Chicken Corn Soup?
To make chicken corn soup, cook chicken, then add corn and broth. Let it simmer until the flavors blend, and season to taste.
Can Chicken Corn Soup be made in advance?
Yes, chicken corn soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. Simply reheat it before serving.
Is Chicken Corn Soup healthy?
Chicken corn soup is nutritious as it includes lean chicken, fiber from corn, and essential vitamins. It’s a low-calorie option packed with protein.
Can I add other vegetables to Chicken Corn Soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Just chop them small for even cooking.
Chinese Chicken Corn Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Spoon or Ladle
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably chicken breast)
- 1 can 15 oz of sweet corn (or 2 cups fresh corn kernels)
- 4 cups chicken broth preferably low-sodium
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt optional, depending on your broth's salt content
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening
- 1/4 cup cold water for cornstarch slurry
- Fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Broth: In a large soup pot, add the chicken broth and water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the Corn: Once the broth is boiling, add the sweet corn (canned or fresh) and the shredded chicken. Stir to combine.
- Season the Soup: Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and salt (if using). Stir and let the soup simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Stir well to make a smooth slurry.
- Thicken the Soup: Slowly add the cornstarch slurry into the soup while stirring continuously. This will thicken the broth and give it that signature velvety texture.
- Add the Egg: Lower the heat and slowly pour the beaten egg into the soup while stirring gently in a circular motion. This will create beautiful egg ribbons throughout the soup.
- Final Simmer: Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow all the flavors to blend together.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
