I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup. It was a rainy evening, and I was scrolling through his cookbook, looking for something hearty and comforting to make. I stumbled upon this recipe, and the simplicity of it grabbed my attention. Chicken, sweetcorn, and a handful of other ingredients. What intrigued me was how these basic, everyday items could come together to create something so delicious and filling. When I tasted the soup, it felt like a warm hug in a bowl, the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly cozy.
Jamie’s approach to cooking is all about making delicious meals that everyone can enjoy without complicated steps or obscure ingredients. This soup is the perfect example. It’s easy, flavorful, and can be made quickly, even after a long day.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Sweetcorn Soup Recipe
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require fancy techniques or a long list of rare ingredients. All it needs is a bit of love and attention, which Jamie’s cooking always seems to encourage. The soup has a creamy texture with chunks of tender chicken and the subtle sweetness of corn.
When you first read the ingredients list, you might think it’s a bit basic, but trust me, there’s something magical about how the flavors meld together. The soup isn’t overly rich or heavy. It’s light, but still satisfying.
Ingredients Needed
You won’t need to make a special trip to the store for this one. These are the key ingredients that come together for this simple soup:
- Chicken breast or thighs – You can use either, but I prefer thighs for a richer flavor.
- Sweetcorn – Canned or frozen works just fine. The corn adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Chicken stock – A good quality stock really enhances the depth of flavor.
- Onions – Adds sweetness and an aromatic base to the soup.
- Garlic – It’s garlic, so of course it adds a deliciously pungent kick.
- Ginger – A touch of fresh ginger adds warmth and depth.
- Spring onions – For a fresh, bright contrast at the end.
- Soy sauce – Just a splash adds a savory umami hit.
- Cornflour (cornstarch) – To thicken the soup slightly and give it a smooth, velvety texture.
- Sesame oil – Optional, but it brings a nutty fragrance that elevates the soup.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Sweetcorn Soup
Making this soup is a straightforward process, but I love how each step builds on the flavors. Here’s how you do it:
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Prepare The Chicken
- You can either poach the chicken in the broth or sauté it first. If you poach, it stays tender and moist. If you sauté, you get that lovely caramelization that adds richness.
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Cook The Aromatics
- In a large pot, heat a bit of oil and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. The smell of these ingredients cooking together is one of my favorite parts of making the soup.
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Add The Stock
- Pour in the chicken stock, then let it come to a simmer. This is when the soup starts to come to life. Add the sweetcorn, and let it cook for a few minutes. If you’re using canned corn, I’d recommend draining and rinsing it to get rid of any excess salt.
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Shred The Chicken
- Once your chicken is cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces. This is an important step, as the shredded chicken makes the soup feel hearty without being too heavy.
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Thicken The Soup
- Mix the cornflour with a bit of water to make a slurry, then stir it into the soup. This will give the soup a silky texture without making it too thick or gloopy.
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Season
- Add a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil for umami. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a little salt or pepper depending on your taste.
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Finish With Spring Onions
- Top the soup with sliced spring onions for a burst of freshness and color.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy with a crusty piece of bread or a simple side salad.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
The ingredients in Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup aren’t just chosen for their taste – they each play an important role in the final dish. Here’s a deeper look at why they work so well together:
- Chicken: It’s a great source of lean protein and, when poached in the broth, it releases flavorful juices that enrich the entire soup. Chicken is also mild enough to allow the sweetcorn and ginger to shine without overpowering them.
- Sweetcorn: Beyond its natural sweetness, corn contains fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The sweetness balances the savory elements of the soup, while the texture adds a pleasant contrast to the soft chicken.
- Soy Sauce: It adds depth and umami. It’s a secret weapon in many recipes for rounding out flavors, and it works perfectly in this soup.
- Cornflour: When mixed with water and added to the soup, it acts as a thickening agent. This is essential for creating the creamy texture without adding heavy cream.
- Sesame Oil: Though a small amount, sesame oil has a potent flavor that ties the entire dish together. It’s the kind of ingredient that takes a simple soup and makes it taste restaurant-quality.
Expert Tips
- Use homemade stock: If you have the time, make your own chicken stock. It’s far richer and more flavorful than store-bought, and it gives the soup an extra layer of depth.
- Add extra veggies: Try throwing in some chopped carrots, peas, or even mushrooms. They’ll add color, texture, and even more flavor.
- Make it spicy: If you love a little heat, add some chili flakes or a sliced fresh chili when you cook the garlic and ginger.
- For a thicker soup: If you want a more velvety texture, you can blend part of the soup and then stir it back in.
Recipe Variations
Jamie Oliver’s recipe is great as is, but there are plenty of ways to make it your own:
- Coconut Milk Version: For a creamy, tropical twist, add a can of coconut milk to the soup. It adds richness and an unexpected layer of flavor.
- Vegetarian Twist: Skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, cauliflower, or tofu for a satisfying vegetarian version.
- Spicy Chicken Soup: If you’re into spice, add some fresh chili or chili paste to heat things up. This would work beautifully with the ginger and soy sauce.
- Noodles: For a heartier meal, add some noodles to the soup. They’ll absorb the broth and make it feel even more filling.
Final Words
This soup has a way of bringing everything together – comfort, flavor, and simplicity. It’s a reminder that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. I love how it can be made on a whim with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and it’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner on a quiet night, Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup always delivers.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Sweetcorn Soup?
The main ingredients are chicken breasts, sweetcorn, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chicken stock.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Sweetcorn Soup?
It takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Sweetcorn Soup In Advance?
Yes, the soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a couple of days or frozen for later.