Down Home Chicken Soup
A hearty, comforting chicken soup with smoky bacon, vegetables, and savory flavors, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces.
- In the bacon grease, brown the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the bacon crumbs, cream of celery soup, chicken vegetable soup, water, drained sliced mushrooms, cooked chicken, drained corn, and small tomatoes to the pot.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Slowly cook the mixture for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and soup is heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water. If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or make a quick roux with butter, flour, and chicken broth. Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition. This recipe is versatile like many American recipes, so adjust the ingredients based on what you have.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting Down Home Chicken Soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, pair it with Almost Chicken And Dumplings to soak up those delicious flavors. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top adds a nice touch just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot. If the soup thickens, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Down Home Chicken Soup contains roughly 655 calories, with 23g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (278% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (160% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (131% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1172mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken in this recipe. Simply add diced raw chicken along with the other ingredients and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free versions of the cream of celery soup and chicken vegetable soup. You can also create a homemade cream soup using gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickening agent. Always check the labels of canned ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
What can I add to make this soup spicier?
If you prefer a spicier soup, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pot along with the other ingredients. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of chipotle in adobo for a smoky kick. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).