Introduction to Chicken Corn Soup

There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Chicken Corn Soup to warm your soul on a chilly evening. This beloved comfort food combines tender chicken pieces with sweet corn kernels in a rich, flavorful broth that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to share with family, this Chicken Corn Soup delivers restaurant-quality taste right from your kitchen. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Chicken Corn Soup Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious Chicken Corn Soup:

For the Soup Base:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

For Seasoning and Thickening:

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons cold water
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Substitutions:

• Replace chicken with turkey for a different flavor profile
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter version
• Substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour if needed
• Add mushrooms for extra umami flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Corn Soup

Follow these detailed steps to create your perfect Chicken Corn Soup:

1. Prepare your ingredients first. Cut your chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces, dice all vegetables, and measure out your seasonings. This Chicken Corn Soup comes together quickly, so having everything ready makes the process smooth.
2. Heat the oil in a large pot. Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Add aromatics to build flavor. Stir in the minced garlic, diced celery, and carrot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The vegetables should start to soften slightly.
4. Brown the chicken pieces. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until the pieces are lightly browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them completely through at this stage.
5. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add the corn kernels. Stir in the corn and continue simmering for another 5 minutes. The corn will add natural sweetness to your Chicken Corn Soup.
7. Create the cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth. This will thicken your soup beautifully.
8. Thicken the soup gradually. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering soup while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
9. Add the egg ribbons carefully. Remove the pot from heat. While stirring the soup in a circular motion, slowly drizzle in the beaten eggs. The residual heat will cook the eggs into delicate ribbons throughout the soup.
10. Finish with final touches. Stir in the sesame oil (if using) and chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Your Chicken Corn Soup is now ready to serve!

Pro Tips & Variations for Chicken Corn Soup

Make your Chicken Corn Soup even better with these expert tips and creative variations:

Cooking Tips:

• Use a combination of chicken breast and thighs for the best texture and flavor in your Chicken Corn Soup
• Don’t skip browning the chicken – it adds depth of flavor
• Stir the soup constantly when adding the cornstarch slurry to prevent lumps
• The egg should be added off the heat to create silky ribbons rather than scrambled chunks

Delicious Variations:

• Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes
• Creamy Style: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for richness
• Vegetable-Packed: Include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas
• Asian-Inspired: Add fresh ginger, bamboo shoots, and a splash of rice vinegar

Healthier Options:

• Use skinless chicken breast and reduce oil for a lighter Chicken Corn Soup
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or bok choy for more nutrients
• Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt
• Skip the cornstarch thickener for a brothier consistency

Storage & Reheating Tips for Chicken Corn Soup

Keep your Chicken Corn Soup fresh and delicious with these storage guidelines:

Refrigerator Storage:

• Store leftover Chicken Corn Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
• Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating to maintain food safety
• The soup may thicken when cold – this is completely normal

Freezing Instructions:

• Your Chicken Corn Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
• Leave some headspace in containers as the soup will expand when frozen
• Note that the egg ribbons may change texture slightly after freezing

Reheating Methods:

• Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding broth if needed
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval
• From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using stovetop method

Always reheat your Chicken Corn Soup to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

FAQs About Chicken Corn Soup

Can I freeze Chicken Corn Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Corn Soup for up to 3 months. Store it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. The texture may change slightly after thawing, but it will still taste delicious.

Can I prepare Chicken Corn Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Chicken Corn Soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving.

What’s the best way to thicken Chicken Corn Soup?

The cornstarch slurry method works best for this Chicken Corn Soup recipe. Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then gradually stir it into the simmering soup. This creates a glossy, restaurant-style thickness.

Can I make Chicken Corn Soup without eggs?

Yes, you can omit the eggs from your Chicken Corn Soup if you prefer or have allergies. The soup will still be delicious and satisfying, just without the characteristic egg ribbons.

How do I prevent lumps in my Chicken Corn Soup?

To avoid lumps, always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to your Chicken Corn Soup. Stir the soup constantly while adding the slurry, and make sure the soup is simmering (not boiling vigorously) when you add it.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Corn Soup

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (recipe serves 6):

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Sugar: 6g

This Chicken Corn Soup provides a good source of lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the corn, and essential vitamins from the vegetables. The soup is relatively low in calories while being filling and nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal.

Chicken Corn Soup Recipe Card

Classic Chicken Corn Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless chicken, cubed
• 2 cups corn kernels
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons cold water
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in large pot, sauté onion until translucent
2. Add garlic, celery, carrot; cook 2-3 minutes
3. Add chicken, brown lightly on all sides
4. Pour in broth, bring to boil, simmer 10 minutes
5. Add corn, simmer 5 more minutes
6. Mix cornstarch with cold water, stir into soup
7. Remove from heat, slowly add beaten eggs while stirring
8. Garnish with green onions and serve hot

Notes: For richer flavor, use a mix of chicken breast and thighs. Soup thickens when cooled and can be thinned with additional broth when reheating.

Final Thoughts on This Chicken Corn Soup

This homemade Chicken Corn Soup proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality soup that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. The combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and aromatic vegetables in a silky broth makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser that works for casual family dinners or special occasions alike.

I’d love to hear how your Chicken Corn Soup turns out! Did you try any of the variations or add your own creative twist? Share your cooking adventures in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who would appreciate a bowl of homemade comfort. Happy cooking!

Tags: Chicken Corn Soup