35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (2024)

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35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (1)

ByMolly Allen

<i>Taste of Home</i>'s Editorial Process

Updated: Apr. 13, 2023

    Warm up cold nights with these chicken soup recipes made from scratch. We've got classic chicken noodle soup, zesty chicken tortilla soup, creamy chicken chowders and more.

    1/52

    The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup

    My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this one is my favorite, and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado

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    2/52

    Chicken Veggie Soup

    This satisfying veggie soup hits the spot at lunch or dinner. Add a side salad and some whole grain bread for a delicious, nutritious meal. —Amy Cheatham, Sandusky, Ohio

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    Looking for more soup recipes? Find ’em here.

    3/52

    Taste of Home

    Grandma's Chicken 'n' Dumpling Soup

    I've enjoyed making this rich homemade chicken dumpling soup recipe for more than 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois

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    4/52

    Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

    I like to make this smooth, creamy soup when company comes to visit. Its zippy flavor is full of southwestern flair. My family enjoys dipping slices of homemade bread in this chowder to soak up every bite! —Susan Garoutte, Georgetown, Texas

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    5/52

    Taste of Home

    Vietnamese Chicken Meatball Soup with Bok Choy

    Throughout Vietnam there are many kinds of soups, “canh,” served all year long. I particularly love enjoying this warm, flavorful bowl of Vietnamese chicken soup on laid-back weekends, but it's also great packed in a Thermos for lunch. It's the perfect bok choy soup, too! —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina

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    6/52

    TMB studio

    Creamy Chicken Rice Soup

    I came up with this creamy chicken rice soup recipe while making some adjustments to a favorite stovetop chicken casserole. We like this soup for lunch with a crisp roll and fresh fruit. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado

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    Don’t make a dangerous mistake when prepping your chicken. Here’s why you need two cutting boards.

    7/52

    Asian Chicken Noodle Soup

    One night I didn’t have any noodles for my chicken soup, so I gave it a twist with wonton wrappers. It was great! Don’t skip the celery leaves; they bring great flavor to this Asian chicken soup. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

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    8/52

    Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here's the delicious result! It's wonderful on a chilly evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California

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    9/52

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    Spanish Chicken Soup

    A hearty soup that’s made from scratch is the perfect antidote for chilly weather. Save leftovers of this Spanish chicken soup for weekday lunches sent to work in a thermos or quickly reheated in the microwave. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    10/52

    Chicken Matzo Ball Soup

    The keys to this amazing chicken matzo ball soup are slow-cooking it and using boxed matzo ball mix. Some people swear by seltzer, but I find it’s not necessary—the mix makes perfect, fluffy matzo balls every time due to its baking powder. Add chicken fat (schmaltz) for extra-authentic flavor. The matzo balls will taste as if they came straight from Grandma's kitchen. —Shannon Sarna, South Orange, New Jersey

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    11/52

    Taste of Home

    Slow-Cooker Cordon Bleu Soup

    I've taken this creamy slow-cooker soup to potlucks and teacher luncheons, and I bring home an empty crock every time. When my son's school recently created a cookbook, this was the first recipe he asked me to submit, and his teachers were glad he did. —Erica Winkel, Ada, Michigan

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    Psst! These are the mistakes everyone makes when cooking chicken.

    12/52

    Taste of Home

    Ceylon Chicken Curry Noodle Soup

    This comforting chicken curry noodle soup is a take on a soup I ate during childhood. It is loaded with ingredients to boost your immune system and can easily be made vegan or vegetarian. —Sarita Gelner, Chesterfield, Missouri

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    13/52

    Taste of Home

    Spicy Chicken Tomato Soup

    Cumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper give my slow-cooked specialty its kick. I serve bowls of it with crunchy tortilla strips that bake in no time. Leftover soup freezes well for nights I don’t feel like cooking. —Margaret Bailey, Coffeeville, Mississippi

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    14/52

    White Bean Chicken Chili

    My sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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    15/52

    Taste of Home

    I love preparing dinner in a slow cooker because it's "carefree cooking." This chicken dish uses ingredients that I love, such as coconut milk, edamame and fresh ginger. The Asian-style entree is perfect for a potluck party. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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    Hungry for more chicken recipes? Find tasty ideas here.

    16/52

    Chunky Creamy Chicken Soup

    I am a stay-at-home mom who relies on my slow cooker for fast, nutritious meals with minimal cleanup and prep time. I knew this recipe was a hit when I didn't have any leftovers and my husband asked me to make it again. —Nancy Clow, Mallorytown, Ontario

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    17/52

    Chicken Barley Soup

    No question—this is my favorite barley soup! It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It simply tastes too good to keep to yourself! —Diana Costello, Marion, Kansas

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    18/52

    Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

    This is a wonderful addition to potlucks, and it comes together so easily! Cauliflower makes a nice, extra creamy backdrop for the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu you can eat with a spoon. —Heidi Der, Stow, Ohio

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    19/52

    Mexican-Inspired Chicken Soup

    This zesty chicken taco soup is loaded with corn and black beans in a mildly spicy red broth. As a busy mom of three young children, I’m always looking for dinner recipes that can be prepared in the morning. The kids love the taste of this easy soup. —Marlene Kane, Lainesburg, Michigan

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    Cozy up with these winter soup recipes.

    20/52

    Anaheim Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Put a little spice in your menu with my favorite Anaheim pepper recipe. The peppers, jalapenos and cayenne heat up this full-flavored tortilla soup. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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    21/52

    Taste of Home

    Lunch-Box Chicken Soup

    A friend gave me this recipe, and I tweaked a few things to make it healthier. It’s so delicious and quite easy to make! I use it for family gatherings, church functions, care packages ... just about anything. For shortcuts, I sometimes replace the celery and carrots with 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. The prepackaged rice saves time, too, so you can have the soup ready and waiting even when the kids are busy with activities. —Jean Ann Fairchild, Shelby, Ohio

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    22/52

    Chicken and Kale Tortellini Soup

    With tender tortellini, artichokes, greens and lots of herbs, this soup is so flavorful. The fact that it's easy to make is just a chilly-night bonus. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri

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    23/52

    Buffalo Chicken Wing Soup

    My husband and I love buffalo chicken wings, so we created a soup with the same zippy flavor,. It's very popular with guests. Start with a small amount of hot sauce, then add more if needed to suit your family's tastes. —Pat Farmer, Falconer, New York

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    24/52

    Taste of Home

    Pressure Cooker Loaded Chicken Veggie Soup

    When someone at our house gets sick, I whip up this quick and easy chicken soup. It resembles chicken noodle, but uses a variety of veggies instead of noodles for even more nutrition. Plus, if you use a pressure cooker or slow cooker, it makes meal prep even simpler! — Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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    25/52

    Amish Chicken Corn Soup

    Creamed corn and butter make my chicken corn soup homey and rich. This recipe makes a big batch, but the soup freezes well for future meals—one reason why soups are my favorite thing to make. —Beverly Hoffman, Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania

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    26/52

    Chicken Vegetable Soup

    I love eating a big bowl of this colorful, fresh-tasting soup on a winter’s day. What a great way to warm up! —Ruth Wimmer, Bland, Virginia

    27/52

    Taste of Home

    Cheesy Chicken Chowder

    I like to serve this hearty chowder as a meal with garlic bread and a salad. It's a wonderful dish to prepare for any occasion. The rich, mild flavor and the tender chicken and vegetables appeal even to children and picky eaters. —Hazel Fritchie, Palestine, Illinois

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    28/52

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Cassoulet Soup

    After my sister spent a year in France as an au pair, I created this lighter, easier version of traditional French cassoulet for her. It uses chicken instead of the usual duck.—Bridget M. Klusman, Otsego, Michigan

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    29/52

    Curried Chicken Soup

    My German mother would occasionally cook dishes that were not traditional German recipes. One of my favorites was her Curry Chicken Soup. I've added my own touches to it, such as the chickpeas, coconut milk and fresh cilantro.—Deanna Hindenach, Paw Paw, Michigan

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    30/52

    Green Chile Chicken Chili

    The prep work for this chili is easy thanks to several pantry staples. It’s loaded with shredded chicken and beans. The spicy heat can be tamed a bit with cool sour cream. —Fred Lockwood, Plano, Texas

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    31/52

    Mediterranean Chicken Orzo Soup

    My husband is Greek, so I'm always trying new Mediterranean recipes. This lemon chicken orzo soup is his favorite dish that I make. Serve it with a little feta or Parmesan and a side of toast. —Kristine Kosturos, Olympia, Washington.

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    Like this recipe? Then you’ll also like this authentic Greek avgolemono soup.

    32/52

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    Chicken Potpie Soup

    My grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas

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    33/52

    Chicken Escarole Soup with Meatballs

    This is an old recipe from southern Italy. My mother gave it to me when I was first married. It started out as a holidays-only dish...but my children and grandchildren love it so much that we have it every chance we get!—Norma Manna, Hobe Sound, Florida

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    34/52

    Chicken Wild Rice Soup

    I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California

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    35/52

    Coconut Curry Chicken Soup

    Similar to a Vietnamese pho rice noodle soup, this red coconut curry chicken soup packs big flavor and a bit of heat. The crisp raw vegetables help cool things down. —Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, Texas

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    36/52

    Cheese Chicken Soup

    Kids won’t think twice about eating their vegetables after tasting this cheesy soup. —LaVonne Lundgren, Sioux City, Iowa

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    37/52

    Taste of Home

    Curly Noodle Chicken Soup

    I created this recipe to serve at a dinner I hosted for a group of friends. The main course was Italian, and I needed a good soup, so I converted a favorite tortilla soup recipe by substituting pasta and adding different seasonings. —Maxine Pierson, San Ramon, California

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    38/52

    Taste of Home

    Best Ever Chicken Fajita Chowder

    Warm up weeknights with bowls of this thick, cheesy soup that captures the zippy flavors of the Southwest. —Beverly Matthews, Pasco, Washington

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    39/52

    Taste of Home

    Rave Review Chicken Soup

    Nice and warm on a cold winter's day, this hearty chicken soup gets rave reviews from my family and friends. It goes nicely with fresh-baked biscuits. —Caroline Simpson, Fredericton, New Brunswick

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    40/52

    Mexican Chicken Chili

    Corn and black beans give this satisfying chili a Mexican flair the whole family will love. Adjust the cayenne if you have small children or are looking for a little less zip. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schappacher, West Chester, Ohio

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    41/52

    Lemony Chicken Soup

    While living in California, I enjoyed a delicious chicken-lemon soup at a local restaurant. When I returned to Texas, I experimented with many versions before landing on this one. —Brenda Tollett, San Antonio, Texas

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    42/52

    Chicken Corn Soup with Rivels

    Traditional chicken soup is rich with a dumplinglike soup stretcher called rivels. This healthy recipe is brimming with chicken, vegetables and herbs. You won't be able to resist it. —Elissa Armbruster, Medford, New Jersey

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    43/52

    Broccoli-Chicken Rice Soup

    I transformed leftover chicken and rice into this tasty soup. It even passed the company test. —Karen Reed, Middletown, Ohio

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    44/52

    Taste of Home

    Fiesta Chorizo-Chicken Soup

    Just place some crusty rolls on the table when you serve this soup and you'll have a hearty, comforting meal that will chase away winter's chill. The slightly spicy soup is chock-full of veggies.—Kathy Rodenbeck, Fort Wayne, Indiana

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    45/52

    Taste of Home

    Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

    A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah

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    46/52

    Taste of Home

    Spicy Peanut Chicken Chili

    While spending time in the Southwest, I discovered Mexican peanut chicken and thought it would be fun to make it into a chili. Chipotle peppers give it a nice spice that's extra warming on a cold day. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, CO

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    47/52

    Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup

    After tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. It’s rich and creamy, and couldn’t be easier to make! —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa

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    48/52

    Chicken Butternut Chili

    At our house, we just love a good comforting, hearty, tomato-based chili with bold flavors! This unique chili is loaded with veggies and flavor. You can also prepare the recipe in the slow cooker. Just add ingredients to the crock and cook over high heat for about 4 hours. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

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    49/52

    Taste of Home

    Italian Chicken Soup

    This satisfying soup gets its Italian flair from fennel, thyme, basil and orzo pasta. If you don't start with a low-sodium or sodium-free stock, you might want to decrease the amount of salt called for in the recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    50/52

    Taste of Home

    Chicken Chili with Black Beans

    Because it looks different than traditional chili, my family was a little hesitant to try this dish at first. Thanks to the full, hearty flavor, it's become a real favorite around our house. I like to serve it with warm cornbread. —Jeanette Urbom, Louisburg, Kansas

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    51/52

    Taste of Home

    Chicken and asparagus make a light, comforting soup that’s easy to do with common ingredients. If we have rotisserie chicken, it goes into this soup. —Jennifer Vo, Irvine, California

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    52/52

    Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup

    This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri

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    Originally Published: January 02, 2021

    Author

    Molly Allen

    Now a freelance writer and photographer specializing in stories about food and drink, Molly is a former bakery owner who brings her years of first-hand expertise to Taste of Home and other food-centric publications. When she isn’t baking, she enjoys testing new gadgets, exploring the latest food trends and cooking outdoors.

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    35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (53)

    35 Chicken Soup Recipes for a Hearty Meal (2024)

    FAQs

    How to make soup into a main meal? ›

    Whole grain products, or starchy ones, contain fibers and other nutrients that promote satiety. You could boost your soup with brown rice, pasta, potatoes, sweet potatoes or barley, for example. If you can't add these to your soup, you could supplement your meal with a slice of whole grain bread, or a few crackers.

    Can chicken soup be a meal? ›

    Sure! Many soups have all the ingredients for a whole meal. Meat, potatoes, vegetables…

    How to add extra flavor to chicken soup? ›

    Fresh Herbs:Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor. Citrus Zest:Grate the zest of a lemon or lime into the soup just before serving to add brightness. Ginger and Turmeric:Add grated ginger and a touch of ground turmeric for warmth and depth of flavor.

    Is chicken soup good for elderly? ›

    A lifesaver during cold and flu season, chicken soup is valuable in a senior's diet due to the broth. Made from bones, the broth is high in minerals such as phosphorous, magnesium and calcium.

    Can soup be a full meal? ›

    Hearty soups like Russian Borsch, Vietnamese pho, and Italian Minestrone are considered as main courses. They have an apt mix of vegetables, protein and carbohydrates in a single bowl. Thick soups that carry not only the broth, but also toppings that make them sumptuous, can be had as your dinner.

    Is just soup enough for dinner? ›

    If soup is the only thing you are eating, it may not provide you with enough nutrients. It is best to eat soup as part of a balanced meal that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

    Is it OK to eat chicken soup everyday? ›

    Hence, a bowl of chicken soup can be a great addition in your daily diet. Other key ingredients in a chicken soup include onions, garlic and additional vegetables that add flavour and a healthy dose of important nutrients that is needed for a well-functioning immune system.

    Is chicken soup a healthy meal? ›

    Chicken soup can be a healthy addition to your diet, depending on how it's prepared. Here are some factors to consider: Nutrient Content: Chicken soup can be a good source of protein, vitamins (such as B vitamins), and minerals (like iron and zinc).

    What soup eats like a meal? ›

    Campbell's® Chunky® Steak & Potato Soup—Soup That Eats Like a Meal®. When you need food that works as hard as you do, grab Campbell's® Chunky® soups. Our big flavor, big pieces and bold ingredients will help you fight back when NFL-sized hunger hits.

    Why do you put lemon juice in chicken soup? ›

    The juice is what brings the tartness and acidic properties to balance flavors, while the zest (or skin of the lemon) contains the essential oils which is where you get all the beautiful aromatics.

    What spice adds flavor to soup? ›

    "Use fresh or dried basil in tomato-based recipes or fresh parsley to add freshness to clear broth soups," says Sofia Norton, RD. You can also go with more heat and spices. "Ground paprika, turmeric, nutmeg, ground ginger, and other powdered spices add a touch of color and spiciness to broths," she says.

    What vegetables to put in soup? ›

    Veggies That Make Healthy, Tasty Soups
    • Cucumber. 1/14. This nutritious veggie is one of the ingredients in the cold soup called gazpacho. ...
    • Butternut Squash. 2/14. ...
    • Lentils. 3/14. ...
    • Broccoli. 4/14. ...
    • Potatoes. 5/14. ...
    • Mushrooms. 6/14. ...
    • Fresh Spring Peas. 7/14. ...
    • Dried Split Peas. 8/14.

    Why does Grandma's chicken soup work when you are sick? ›

    Drinking the liquid and inhaling the vapors increase the temperature of nasal and respiratory passages, which loosens the thick mucus that often accompanies respiratory illnesses. Compared with hot water alone, studies show chicken soup is more effective at loosening mucus.

    Does chicken soup lower blood pressure? ›

    Japanese researchers have found that collagen proteins found in chicken may actually lower blood pressure. These collagens appear to act like the blood pressure medications called ACE inhibitors. One caveat, though: it's the chicken, not the rest of the stuff in the soup, that may be medicinal.

    Can you eat too much chicken soup? ›

    Along with a high saturated fat content, soup can come with an overload of sodium, as well. The American Heart Association recommends the average person consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, but an ordinary can of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup already has 890 milligrams of sodium per serving.

    What is appropriate for a main course portion of soup? ›

    Bottom line is… the average soup serving as a side dish is between 3/4 and 1 cup. (8 oz) When the soup is served as the main course, plan on a bowl being about 1 1/2 cups. (12–14 oz) I hope that this answers your question. Originally Answered: How much is a serving of soup?

    How do you set dinner with soup? ›

    If soup is being served, place soup bowl on top of salad plate (or charger plate). Place the bread plate to the top left of the charger (between 10 and 11 o'clock). Lay a napkin to the left of the charger. On the left of the charger, place the salad fork on the outside, and the dinner fork on the inside.

    What is the correct way to eat soup when dining? ›

    Instead of slurping, the correct way to eat soup is to sip it from the side of your spoon like a drink. If you're worried it's too hot, a small sip should let you know if you need to wait for it to cool down before enjoying your dish.

    Is just soup enough for lunch? ›

    The Benefits of Having Soup for Lunch

    A brilliant option for a healthy lunch is to eat a well-balanced, nutritional soup. This is because they're a very creative, convenient and nutritious type of meal compared to fast food, unhealthy snacks and carbohydrate-dense lunches.

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