How Many Calories Are in Cream of Chicken Soup? A Closer Look at This Comfort Food Staple

Cream of chicken soup is something that many home cooks always have on hand. You can use this smooth, creamy soup as a base for casseroles or as a sauce for vegetables. You can also eat it by itself with bread or crackers. But how many calories does this well-known canned soup really have? Let’s find out.

What Is Cream of Chicken Soup?

Cream of chicken soup is a thick, smooth soup made with milk or cream and chicken stock. It feels like velvet and is known for having a comforting taste.

The first mass-produced cream of chicken soup was introduced by Campbell’s in 1934. Their condensed soup revolutionized home cooking, as the canned soup could be easily stored in the pantry until needed. Cream of chicken remains one of Campbell’s most popular soup varieties to this day.

In its traditional canned form cream of chicken soup contains chicken stock, vegetables like carrots and celery wheat flour, milk or cream, and seasonings. It provides the rich flavor of chicken in a luxuriously smooth soup.

Calorie Count in Cream of Chicken Soup

There are a few things to think about when figuring out how many calories are in cream of chicken soup.

• Serving size: Calories can vary depending on the serving size. The standard serving size for canned condensed soup is generally around 1/2 cup.

• Condensed vs. ready-to-serve: Condensed cream of chicken soup contains less water content, so it will be higher in calories per serving compared to ready-to-serve soup.

• Variations: Ingredients may vary slightly between brands, which affects the calorie count. Added vegetables, use of milk vs. cream, etc. can raise or lower calories.

To give you a better idea of how healthy cream of chicken soup is, here are some general facts:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) condensed cream of chicken soup:

  • Calories: 120
  • Total fat: 8g
  • Carbs: 9g
  • Protein: 2g

• 1 cup (245g) ready-to-serve cream of chicken soup:

  • Calories: 100
  • Total fat: 4g
  • Carbs: 11g
  • Protein: 3g

So in condensed form, a typical half cup serving of cream of chicken soup contains about 120 calories. Ready-to-serve soup diluted with water will have closer to 100 calories per one cup serving.

This compares to around 60-80 calories in a serving of clear chicken broth or stock. The higher calorie count in the creamy version comes from added milk or cream.

Low Calorie Options

For those looking to lower the calorie count of their cream of chicken soup, there are a few options:

• Use low-fat milk or fat-free half-and-half instead of heavy cream or whole milk. This cuts down on saturated fat and calories.

• Opt for ready-to-serve soup and dilute condensed soup with water or low-sodium chicken broth.

• Make your own lightened up cream of chicken soup at home. Substitute skim milk for cream and use chicken broth as the base. Thicken it up with a roux instead of flour or starch.

• Look for lower-calorie brands that use low-fat ingredients or vegetables to bulk up the soup while cutting calories.

• Use less. When making casseroles or mixing into recipes, use a smaller amount of cream soup than specified. Cut it with broth or milk to thin it out.

Nutritional Benefits

While cream of chicken soup is high in calories, fat, and sodium compared to clear broth, it does provide some nutritional value:

• Protein: 2-3 grams per serving from chicken broth. Helpful for staying full.

• Vitamins and minerals: Some brands contain carrots, celery, onions and potatoes, providing vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and other nutrients. Look for low-sodium options.

• Calcium: The added dairy provides a calcium boost. About 10% DV per serving.

When enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, cream of chicken soup can be an occasional comforting treat. Just be mindful of portion sizes.

Uses for Cream of Chicken Soup

Cream of chicken soup is valued for its rich flavor and creamy texture. It can be used in a variety of comforting recipes:

• Casseroles like chicken pot pie, king ranch chicken, or chicken spaghetti

• Sauces for vegetables, rice, pasta, chicken

• As the base for chicken chili or stew

• Mix with shredded chicken for quick chicken salad or sandwiches

• Substitute for milk or water in recipes like mashed potatoes or stuffing

• Thicken and add flavor to risottos or chowders

• Create quick noodle dishes by simmering egg noodles in doctored up condensed soup

So while it’s higher in calories, cream of chicken soup can be worth it when used judiciously to create flavorful, comforting dishes.

The Bottom Line

When consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, cream of chicken soup can be a great addition to your recipes. Just be mindful of portion sizes, and consider lighter ingredient swaps or diluting condensed soup to cut calories without sacrificing that signature creamy flavor.

On average, a 1/2 cup serving of condensed cream of chicken soup contains around 120 calories, while ready-to-serve soup has about 100 calories per 1 cup serving. Compare brands and nutrition labels, and adjust ingredients as needed to create lighter versions.

By tracking calories and controlling portions, you can still enjoy the velvety richness and versatility of cream of chicken soup while meeting your nutritional needs. It provides a savory flavor boost to all kinds of comforting casseroles and sauces.

So don’t be afraid to keep a few cans on hand in your pantry. Just be diligent about how much you use each time you open one up!

Serving Ideas