What Herbs are in Cream of Chicken Soup with Herbs?

Cream of chicken soup is a pantry staple for many home cooks. It can be used as the base for casseroles, a creamy addition to chowders and pot pies, or enjoyed on its own as a comforting soup. While plain cream of chicken is delicious, many brands also offer flavors like cream of chicken with herbs. The herbs add an extra layer of aroma and flavor to the creamy soup. But what exactly are those herbs that give cream of chicken soup an herbal boost?

Common Herbs Used in Cream Soups

Cream of chicken soup with a blend of herbs is more likely to be found in the soup aisle than soup with just one type of herb. Soup makers use a mix of herbs to make a flavor profile that is both balanced and savory. Some of the most common herbs used in cream of chicken soup are listed on the labels of well-known brands like Campbell’s and Progresso.

Parsley – Parsley is one of the most widely used fresh herbs. The curly leaf variety is popular as a garnish, while Italian flat leaf parsley is preferred for cooking. It has a fresh, grassy flavor.

Thyme – Thyme is a mint family herb. The smell and taste of both the leaves and stems are woodsy and minty. Lemon thyme has a slight citrus kick.

Rosemary – Rosemary is another woodsy herb. It tastes like pepper and pine. The needle-like leaves are good for cooking.

Marjoram – Marjoram has a subtle, sweet flavor similar to oregano. It pairs nicely with poultry like chicken.

Basil – Basil brings a minty, peppery taste and aroma. The most common variety is sweet basil.

Oregano – Oregano has an earthy, aromatic, and slightly bitter taste. Greek and Italian oregano varieties are favored in cooking.

Sage – Sage is beloved for its bold, woodsy flavor. It’s good in soups because it can stand up to long cooking times.

Tarragon – Tarragon has anise or licorice notes. It is a key ingredient in classic French cuisine.

Chives – Chives offer mild onion flavor. They are a popular fresh herb garnish.

Chervil – Chervil has a delicate anise flavor similar to tarragon. It is used in French cuisine.

Dill – Dill has a distinctive tangy, grassy flavor profile. Both the feathery leaves and dried seeds impart taste.

So those are some of the most popular herbs that give cream of chicken soup an extra flavor boost! Different brands may use slightly different herb combinations and amounts, but parsley, thyme, rosemary, and basil are commonly found in cream soup recipes.

Why Add Herbs to Cream Soups?

Herbs offer multiple benefits when added to creamy chicken soups:

• Flavor – Herbs infuse soup with aromatic flavors, adding layers of taste. Combining herbs creates more complex flavor compared to a single herb alone.

• Fragrance – Herbs release tantalizing aromas as they simmer in hot soup, making the food even more enticing.

• Appearance – Herbs provide specks of green, increasing the visual appeal of an otherwise beige soup.

• Preservation – Certain herbs have natural antimicrobial properties that help preserve canned and packaged soups.

• Nutrition – Herbs offer an easy way to add nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to soups.

So herbs aren’t just added for taste – they also enhance the enjoyment of cream soups through smell, sight, and nutrition.

Tips for Cooking with Cream Soup and Herbs

When using cream of chicken soup with herbs in your own recipes, keep these tips in mind:

• If the recipe calls for fresh herbs, add them toward the end of cooking so they retain their color and flavor. Dry herbs can go in at the beginning.

• For the freshest flavor, use dried herbs within 1 year and ground herbs within 6 months. Write the date you purchased them.

• Start with less herbs and adjust amounts to taste. You can always add more herbs, but you can’t take them out once added.

• Heat and age diminishes herbs’ flavor. Use 1.5 times more dried herbs than fresh.

• Store dried herbs in airtight containers away from light and moisture. Refrigerate fresh herb stems in water.

• When using herb blends like Herbes de Provence, use per recipe instructions to keep flavor balanced.

Creamy chicken soups flavored with herbs are a tasty pantry staple. By understanding what herbs are commonly used and how to cook with them, you can pick the perfect soup for your recipe needs.