This Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup is a perfect blend of tender chicken, sweetcorn, and rich egg swirls. With its light and savory broth, it’s a comforting yet nutritious meal that brings the essence of a Chinese takeaway soup straight to your kitchen.
Quick to prepare and full of protein, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and satisfying. Serve it with prawn crackers or crusty bread for an extra touch of texture and crunch.
Full Recipe:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 chicken stock cube
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 1 egg
- 3 1/2 mugs water
- 1 mug frozen sweetcorn
- (Optional) 1 spring onion, chopped
- (Optional) Prawn crackers for serving
Directions:
- Slice chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the chicken strips, garlic paste, and salt.
- Cook the chicken, turning frequently, until the pieces are white and lightly browned.
- Add water and bring to a low simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces.
- Add the frozen sweetcorn to the soup and continue cooking for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg until combined.
- In another bowl, mix the cornflour with 3 tbsp water to form a paste.
- Add the cornflour mixture to the soup and stir.
- Create a whirlpool in the soup by stirring quickly, then pour in the egg, stirring immediately to create egg strands.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes and serve with optional toppings such as spring onions and prawn crackers.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 177 per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Origin and Background:
Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup is a popular dish often associated with Chinese cuisine, although it doesn’t have strong traditional Chinese flavors like soy sauce or sesame oil. It’s frequently served as a starter in Chinese restaurants, particularly in Western countries. This soup became popular because of its mild flavors and comforting texture, making it a favorite among both adults and children.
Nutritional Benefits:
This soup is not only comforting but also nutritious. It’s low in fat and high in protein, thanks to the lean chicken breast and egg. The use of water-based stock keeps the calorie count low, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a light yet filling meal. Sweetcorn adds a touch of natural sweetness and provides fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
- Calories per Serving: 177 kcal
- Protein: 22g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fats: 6g, most of which come from the healthy unsaturated fats in chicken.
Customization and Variations:
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it can be. Here are some ways to customize the soup:
- Add Vegetables: You can add mushrooms, bok choy, or even spinach for more nutrition and color.
- Make It Creamy: For a richer version, add a splash of coconut milk or a little bit of cream to give the soup a thicker consistency.
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of white pepper or a dash of chili oil for those who enjoy a little heat in their soup.
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make a vegetarian version.
Cooking Tips:
- Egg Drop Technique: The key to perfect egg strands is to stir the soup in a circular motion before slowly pouring the whisked egg. This ensures the egg cooks into delicate ribbons instead of clumping together.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add an additional tablespoon of cornflour mixed with water. Stir it into the soup during the final few minutes of cooking.
- Stock: Using homemade chicken stock can add extra depth to the soup, but a good quality store-bought stock works just as well for busy days.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with prawn crackers for an authentic Chinese takeaway feel, or pair the soup with a crusty bread roll for a more Western twist.
- Top with chopped spring onions to add a fresh, crunchy bite that complements the rich, savory broth.
- For a complete meal, consider serving this soup alongside fried rice or noodles.
Fun Fact:
This soup is a favorite comfort food for many and is often recommended as a soothing meal when you’re feeling under the weather. The combination of chicken, sweetcorn, and egg creates a balance of flavors and textures that can lift your spirits on any day!
Historical Context:
Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup, while often associated with Chinese cuisine, is actually more of a fusion dish that reflects the blending of Eastern and Western culinary traditions. Sweetcorn, originally a staple crop from the Americas, was introduced to China in the 16th century through trade routes. Over time, it found its way into Chinese cooking, especially in soups. The chicken and sweetcorn combination has become a global favorite, recognized in many countries for its gentle flavors and nourishing qualities.
This soup became especially popular in the West during the 20th century, as Chinese restaurants began offering it as a starter. The addition of the “egg drop” method, which involves pouring a whisked egg into the soup to create silky strands, further elevated the texture and visual appeal of the dish.
Cultural Significance:
In Chinese cuisine, soups hold an important place, often serving as both appetizers and nourishing, standalone meals. Chicken-based soups, in particular, are considered healing, especially for colds and flu due to their high protein content and easy digestibility. The egg added to the soup symbolizes prosperity and new beginnings in Chinese culture, making this soup a great dish for celebrations or as a symbol of comfort and well-being.
Why This Soup Stands Out:
- Speed and Convenience: This Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup recipe stands out for its speed. Unlike many soups that require long hours of simmering, this one can be made in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You get the comfort of a homemade meal with minimal time and effort.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses common pantry ingredients like chicken, sweetcorn, and eggs. These are all accessible, inexpensive, and versatile, making the dish approachable for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.
- Takeaway-Style at Home: Many people crave takeaway-style comfort food but prefer homemade meals for health reasons. This recipe captures the essence of a Chinese takeaway soup but with healthier, leaner ingredients like skinless chicken breasts and water-based stock. It’s an excellent option for those who want to recreate their favorite Chinese restaurant dishes in a healthier way.
Health Benefits:
Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup isn’t just a delicious comfort food, but it’s also packed with health benefits:
- High in Protein: Chicken is a lean source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, immune health, and overall body function.
- Low in Calories: With just 177 calories per serving, this soup is ideal for those watching their calorie intake while still wanting a filling and nutritious meal.
- Egg for Extra Nutrition: The egg stirred into the soup adds essential nutrients like Vitamin D, B vitamins, and selenium, along with additional protein.
- Sweetcorn’s Nutritional Value: Sweetcorn is a great source of dietary fiber, helping with digestion, and contains antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health.
Serving Suggestions for Special Occasions:
This Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup can be a versatile dish for various occasions. Here’s how you can elevate it for different settings:
- For Family Dinners: Serve it as a starter before a larger Chinese-themed dinner, paired with stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, or dumplings.
- As a Light Lunch: You can serve the soup with a salad and some breadsticks for a light but satisfying lunch.
- Party Starter: If you’re hosting a party or gathering, serve this soup in small cups or bowls as an appetizer. Garnish with chopped cilantro and spring onions to make it look more vibrant and fresh.
Dietary Adaptations:
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this soup gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free chicken stock cube and ensure the cornflour is labeled as gluten-free.
- Low Carb Version: Reduce the amount of sweetcorn or substitute it with zucchini or cauliflower rice to lower the carb content while still maintaining the texture.
- Keto-Friendly: For a keto adaptation, you can omit the sweetcorn entirely and add more high-fat ingredients like cream or butter to enrich the soup while keeping it within keto guidelines.
Storage Tips:
- In the Fridge: This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It’s a great meal to prep in advance and reheat for lunch or dinner.
- In the Freezer: You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up on the stove over medium heat. However, note that the texture of the egg may change slightly after freezing.
Fun Facts:
- Did you know that chicken soup is known as “Jewish Penicillin” due to its reputation as a remedy for the common cold? In many cultures, including Chinese, chicken-based broths are believed to have healing properties.
- Cornflour (cornstarch) is a common thickening agent in Chinese cooking. It gives the soup its signature texture without adding extra calories or flavor, keeping the soup light yet hearty.
10 Alternative Names for This Dish:
- Chinese-Style Chicken & Corn Soup
- Egg Drop Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup
- Creamy Chicken & Sweetcorn Broth
- Homemade Chicken & Corn Soup
- Chicken Sweetcorn Soup with Egg Swirls
- Savory Chicken Corn Chowder
- Quick Chicken & Corn Soup
- Protein-Packed Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup
- Hearty Chicken and Corn Soup
- Ginger-Infused Chicken & Corn Soup
Conclusion:
With its light, savory broth, tender chicken, and silky egg strands, Chicken & Sweetcorn Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a family meal, preparing it as a cozy dish for yourself, or serving it at a dinner party, it’s sure to be a hit. Its balance of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor makes it a versatile addition to any kitchen repertoire.