Chicken and sweetcorn soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this soup combines tender chicken, sweetcorn, and a silky broth that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make chicken and sweetcorn soup from scratch, with tips to get it just right every time.
Why Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup?
This soup is a classic in many households because it’s:
– Quick to make (ready in about 20 minutes)
– Light yet satisfying
– Full of gentle, comforting flavors
– Easy to customize to your taste
It’s a great way to use simple ingredients and turn them into something special. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free, making it suitable for many diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a straightforward list of what you’ll need to make this soup:
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for that lovely nutty aroma)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 liter (about 4 cups) good quality chicken stock
– 1 small chicken breast (about 150g), diced into small cubes
– 200g (7 oz) tin sweetcorn, drained
– ⅛ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper if unavailable)
– 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch in the US) mixed with 6 tablespoons water
– 2 medium eggs, whisked
– ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– 2 spring onions (scallions), chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large saucepan over low to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This releases the garlic’s flavor and forms the soup’s fragrant base.
2. Add Stock and Chicken
Pour in the chicken stock and add the diced chicken breast. Turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This cooks the chicken through and infuses the broth with its flavor.
3. Prepare the Sweetcorn
While the chicken simmers, lightly mash half of the sweetcorn with the back of a spoon or rolling pin. This helps to thicken the soup naturally while keeping some kernels whole for texture.
4. Add Sweetcorn and Seasonings
Add the mashed and whole sweetcorn to the pot along with the white pepper. Stir well, bring the soup back to a boil, then simmer for another 5 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld beautifully.
5. Thicken the Soup
Slowly stir in the cornflour slurry (cornflour mixed with water) to thicken the soup slightly. Keep stirring gently until the soup reaches a lovely, silky consistency.
6. Add the Egg Ribbons
With the soup simmering, slowly pour the whisked eggs in a thin stream while stirring gently. The eggs will cook immediately, creating delicate ribbons or “feathers” in the broth that add a wonderful texture.
7. Final Seasoning and Garnish
Taste the soup and add salt if needed. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with chopped spring onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup
– Use good quality chicken stock: This is the backbone of the soup’s flavor, so homemade or a high-quality store-bought stock works best.
– Don’t overcook the chicken: Dice it small so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
– Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, reduce the cornflour slurry; for thicker, add a bit more.
– Add a dash of sesame oil at the end: It enhances the aroma and gives the soup an authentic touch.
– Customize with veggies: Add finely chopped carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Variations to Try
– Vegetarian version: Use vegetable stock and add mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken.
– Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a few drops of chili oil.
– Herbal touch: Garnish with fresh parsley or coriander for a fresh finish.
Why This Recipe Works
This chicken and sweetcorn soup recipe balances simplicity with flavor. The garlic and sesame oil create a fragrant base, while the sweetcorn adds natural sweetness and texture. The egg ribbons give a silky, luxurious mouthfeel, making it feel like a special treat even on a busy day.
Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect meal for when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Enjoy your warm bowl of chicken and sweetcorn soup — a simple, delicious way to comfort yourself and your loved ones.
Chicken and sweetcorn soup is a timeless classic that’s easy to make and delightful to eat. Give this recipe a try and savor the cozy flavors!