




Looked for a chicken soup that's comforting and full of flavor? Chicken soup is a great pantry staple to have on hand when the weather gets chilly or you catch a cold. However, choosing a soup that can satisfy your cravings can be challenging since soups vary widely in flavor profile and nutritional value. Plus, you have to decide if you want pre-made soup or a mix.
To help you find a chicken soup that meets your needs, we carefully researched all of the options available online. One of our favorites is Campbell's Chunky Classic Chicken Noodle. It has plenty of large pieces of chicken and vegetables, making it a filling meal. Check out our best 10 list for all of our favorites, and be sure to read our buying guide to get all the information you need to make the best choice!

Rachel Binkley is a registered dietitian who helps individuals develop healthy habits that fit into their lifestyle. She recommends adequate intakes of all micronutrients to help prevent deficiency as well as chronic conditions that may arise. You can keep up with her recipes, lifestyle, and more on Instagram or her blog, S'more Satisfaction.

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When choosing a chicken soup, you should consider the flavor, the packaging style, and your diet. Keep these points in mind to help you select a chicken soup that you'll love!
There are plenty of ingredients that can add to a soup's flavor and texture. Check out this section to see the benefits of ingredients besides chicken!
If you want strong-flavored herbs, look for thyme, a popular addition to chicken soup. It has a distinct lemon-mint flavor, but it can overwhelm the taste of the soup. Another option for strong flavors is rosemary. Its woodsy taste complements chicken and vegetable flavors in the soup.
For a more subtle flavor, parsley adds a slightly earthy and bitter taste. Another kind of herb with a gentle flavor is bay leaf. It adds a mild mint and pine taste, and although its flavor will not stand out, it blends well with chicken soup and enhances its flavors.
For a hearty chicken soup, oregano is a top choice. Its grassy flavor with a hint of mint gives your chicken soup an herbal taste. Marjoram can be a substitute for oregano and tastes similar to a cross between oregano and thyme but sweeter than either.
You can enjoy an even more filling, stick-to-your-ribs meal if your chicken soup has starchy additions like noodles, dumplings, or rice. These not only make your chicken soup more filling, but add texture.
Common noodles used are egg noodles. You can find them in all kinds of shapes, from spirals to shells to, of course, the alphabet! Enjoying different shapes, each with its own mouthfeel, is fun if you're getting tired of the same thing all the time, but want to stick with the brand you like.
Dumplings are a good addition if you like chewy, hearty textures. They can be a bit sticky on your teeth. Finally, rice or potatoes are perfect if you're gluten-free. Just make sure the rest of the soup is, too!

Noodles, dumplings, potatoes, and rice are also great sources of carbohydrates. These are necessary to give our bodies the energy to heal or go about your normal day.
When you're sick, you might not be moving around as much, but your body is working even harder than usual. Incorporating carbohydrates into your soup can help you create a more balanced meal that isn't too large to tolerate.
Chicken soups can come in different textures. There are some thicker, creamy soups with added ingredients like cream and milk. This type of thicker chicken soup often contains higher sodium and calories but is great for people who are looking for a flavorful and filling soup.
On the other hand, there are chicken soups that are thinner and more broth-based. They have the advantage of having their chicken stock or broth stand out as the main flavor. They make for a lighter meal than their creamy chicken soup counterparts.
Depending on the herbs or ingredients added, chicken soups can contain vitamins A and C, protein, fiber, and calcium. The calorie count of some chicken soups can go as low as 50, which is a bonus for people who want to lose weight and watch their calorie intake.
It is best to check the label, ingredients, and reviews to know if the soup you are interested in buying contains chicken bits or just the chicken flavor itself. Some chicken soup lovers might be after a strong chicken flavor or big chicken chunks in their soup.
Some soups will use chicken that's been processed into little cubes, which have a very different texture than shredded, whole-meat chicken. If you're looking for a quick broth you can almost drink to warm you up, the former might suit you. If you're super hungry and want something you can chew a lot to fill you up, look for the latter.
An instant chicken soup might contain ingredients that are not suitable for your diet. If you have diet preferences, like high-protein or low-sodium, make sure to check the nutrition labels. Even if it says "low sodium" on the label, it is still advisable to check the actual number of milligrams to make sure the soup fits your needs!
On the nutrition label, you can check if the chicken soup of your choice contains high sodium (we consider this more than 400 milligrams per serving), moderate sodium (less than 400), or low sodium (less than 140 milligrams per serving).
Canned or packaged chicken soups tend to have high sodium content, however. Try going for chicken soup that contains herbs in place of more salt. Herbs can add flavor while not adding any sodium, so you don't feel like your meal is too bland.
Usually, premade chicken soup comes in a can or a carton. Since these soups contain liquid, they typically require only a microwave or stovetop to heat up.
However, a can or carton may contain more than one serving size. So if you're extra hungry or making soup for more than one person, a larger size may be perfect! But if you're not as hungry, you may end up with leftovers.
Some instant chicken soup comes in a box of powdered mix. This may be helpful if you want to choose exactly how much to make. Powdered mixes in single-serving sizes are perfect for a quick side dish or light lunch.
If you want something more convenient, try a microwavable bowl or sipping cup. You just pop them in the microwave and enjoy the soup anywhere you want! They might be small and more expensive than traditional packaged soup, but they don't require a bowl or spoon.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Campbell's | ![]() | Best Classic and Filling Chicken Noodle Soup | |
2 | Campbell's | ![]() | Best Veggie-Rich Soup With a Hint of Spice | |
3 | Progresso | ![]() | Best Low-Sodium Chicken Soup | |
4 | Campbell's | ![]() | Best Flavorful Chicken Soup in a Microwavable Cup | |
5 | Campbell's | ![]() | Best Cream of Chicken Soup for Cooking | |
6 | Annie's Homegrown Organic | ![]() | Best Organic Choice for Kids or Kids at Heart | |
7 | Swanson | ![]() | Best for a Chicken Soup With Dumplings | |
8 | Rao | ![]() | Currently unavailable | Best Homemade-Style Italian Chicken Soup |
9 | Lipton | ![]() | Best Chicken Soup for a Quick Snack | |
10 | Kettle & Fire | ![]() | Best Bone Broth Low in Fat |
Pros:
Cons:
If you're looking for a classic, filling chicken noodle soup, this is an excellent choice! It's brimming with big pieces of chicken, carrots, and celery. Each can is over 18 ounces and has 18 grams of protein, making it satisfying enough for a meal. Plus, the chicken is raised without the use of antibiotics.
A few reviewers suggest adding herbs or spices for a bit more flavor. However, the vast majority say it's a comforting meal, especially when you're feeling under the weather. Reviewers love that it's got plenty of meat, veggies, and thick noodles. Many confirm that this chicken soup is perfect for a quick, filling lunch!
Pros:
Cons:
This flavorful soup contains a variety of tastes and textures for a nuanced flavor profile. It has a base of chicken bone broth and tomato purée, and it contains plenty of Southwestern ingredients like rice, beans, corn, and tortilla strips. Plus, it has jalapeño peppers for a hint of spice.
While this soup is a littler higher in sodium, reviewers appreciate that it's made of wholesome, flavorful ingredients that they feel good about eating. Many note that it's a family favorite due to its complex flavor profile. They also like that it's high in protein, making it a filling meal.
Pros:
Cons:
If you're watching your sodium intake, this soup from Progresso is a healthier option. It has a classic chicken noodle soup flavor with only 470 milligrams of sodium per can. Plus, it's made with antibiotic-free white meat chicken.
There are a few reports that this soup lacks flavor, and some users recommend adding herbs and spices. Overall, however, many reviewers say that it's still delicious, especially for a low-sodium soup. They say it's a comforting yet light meal, especially when you have a cold.
Pros:
Cons:
This chicken noodle soup just needs to be microwaved, and it's ready to eat! The convenient packaging makes it a perfect choice for lunch at work or when you're short on time. It's made with roasted chicken for a deeper chicken flavor, too.
A few reviewers say it could use more flavor, but the vast majority love that's is very easy and quick to prepare. Many confirm that it's a perfect on-the-go lunch! They also like that it has big pieces of chicken and vegetables.
Pros:
Whether cooked as a soup or used in a recipe, this option is great if you are looking for pure, creamy chicken flavor. However, since it's higher in sodium, we especially recommend it for cooking or using as a soup base.
Overall, reviewers agree that this soup is tasty and comforting. Many think that it has a savory flavor that complements many recipes. They especially love using it for chicken and rice, casseroles, and Crockpot meals.
Pros:
Cons:
This fun chicken soup has star-shaped pasta, making it an excellent choice for kids. It's in a 14-ounce can that's ideal for a small lunch or a snack. Adults may also love that it's organic and made without GMOs.
This might not be the most flavorful soup, but reviewers confirm that kids enjoy it! There are also bits of chicken and carrots, and each can has eight grams of protein. Plus, the chicken is raised without the use of antibiotics.
Pros:
Cons:
This chicken soup has a creamy base with spaetzle dumplings for a filling, comforting meal. The cans are slightly smaller than others, but each serving contains 13 grams of protein to keep you full. Plus, the white and dark chicken meat doesn't contain antibiotics.
A few reviewers are disappointed by the amount of chicken in each can. However, many enjoy the rich, savory flavor of the base and chewy dumplings. They appreciate that it tastes close to homemade and is filling enough to have as a meal.
Pros:
Cons:
This chicken soup is simmered slowly for a homemade, hearty taste. It has all of the classic chicken noodle soup ingredients with a few Italian additions, including semolina egg noodles and extra virgin olive oil.
A few reviewers note that it's on the salty side. On the other hand, most reviewers love the rich flavor of the soup and the texture of the ingredients. Many say it tastes like homemade chicken noodle soup! They add that it's a hit with kids and adults.
Pros:
Cons:
If you want a quick cup of chicken soup, Cup-a-Soup is a classic choice! It has only 50 calories and one gram of fat per serving, making it perfect for a snack. However, it only has two grams of protein, so it's not very filling.
There are some complaints that it's lacking in flavor, with reviewers wishing it had more chicken and noodles. However, many find that it's a great nostalgic snack, especially when you're under the weather! They also appreciate that it's low in calories and easy to make.
Pros:
Cons:
Bones from organic, pasture-raised chicken are the main ingredient in this soup. It's a natural source of collagen and protein. In addition to the rich taste of the chicken broth, there are hints of spices and herbs like tamarind and fennel, as well as tomato, shiitake and other vegetables.
Some reviewers suggest adding spices, herbs, or other ingredients to make it more flavorful. However, it's widely praised for being a healthy bone broth! Many love drinking it as-is or using it as a base for recipes.

I like the Healthy Choice Chicken Noodle Soup. It has all three components that I like to include in a meal: protein, carbohydrates, and non-starchy vegetables.
This soup stands out to me because it has less sodium than other popular brands, but still has a good amount of flavor.
Registered dietitian Rachel Binkley helped us not just by fact-checking our article, but she offered to answer some common questions about chicken soups, too.
Rachel says, "Chicken soup can be beneficial when you have a cold, but it is not a cure. Chicken noodle soup and chicken and rice soup are balanced meals that don't have overwhelmingly strong flavors.
Carbohydrates, protein, and fats are needed for recovery. Electrolytes are necessary for proper hydration. A couple of the greatest benefits of chicken soup are its soothing feeling on your throat and the steam that can help relieve congestion."
According to Rachel, "Chicken soup can work with weight loss goals. However, it is not a cause-and-effect relationship. You won't lose weight just because you're eating it, and it isn't something that would stand in the way of your weight loss goals.
The only way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you're consuming. The ingredients will make a big difference. For example, if the soup is more cream-based, it would most likely have more calories than one that is broth-based."
Rachel says, "Adequate hydration is important for both diarrhea and constipation. Electrolytes and fluid from the soup can absolutely be beneficial.
If your constipation or diarrhea has to do with a lack of fiber, this may not make as big of a difference. Chicken soup is not always a great source of fiber. However, these soups tend to be fairly gentle on the stomach."
If you're looking for soup to warm you up on a cold winter day (or anytime, really!) check out these other delicious options.
No. 1: Campbell's|
No. 2: Campbell's|
No. 3: Progresso|
No. 4: Campbell's |
No. 5: Campbell's|
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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