For The Best Canned Soup You've Tasted, Stir In A Dash Of This Pantry Staple

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

On busy weeknights — especially when the weather turns cold — nothing gets the dinnertime job done like a can of soup. However, what this tried-and-true pantry staple delivers in the convenience department, it often infamously lacks when it comes to depth of flavor. Luckily, there's a quick way to elevate one-note canned soups without any extra prep. All it takes is the help of another pantry staple: a little bit of chicken bouillon.

Unlike chicken powder, bouillon is dehydrated, seasoned stock, available in the form of scoopable dry mixtures, compressed cubes, and concentrated pastes. This versatile ingredient boasts myriad uses in the kitchen, enhancing the flavor profile of soups, broths, stocks, and sauces with a strong foundation. It's a time-saving alternative to crafting a low-and-slow homemade stock, which can take hours on the stovetop to develop into the aromatic bouquet that your soup is missing. Plus, thanks to its long shelf life, chicken bouillon can be waiting on hand in your pantry for whenever the moment strikes. To make it work for your canned soup, simply heat the soup in a saucepan on the stove, then stir in the bouillon once the soup is bubbling; ever-convenient bouillon dissolves quickly in hot liquid.

When it comes to making broth, a general guideline is 1 teaspoon of bouillon for every 1½ cups of hot water, but bouillon concentrations often vary by brand and type. Plus, since canned soup is already packed full of flavor — and likely a sizeable amount of sodium — the best way to incorporate this rich powerhouse ingredient is to tread lightly. Be aware that, along with a deep savory flavor, chicken bouillon is also going to add more salt to your soup. Start by stirring in ¼ to ½ teaspoon of bouillon at a time, taste-testing after each addition and adjusting as desired. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for reduced sodium canned soup.

The versatile flavor of chicken bouillon makes it ideal for improving store-bought canned soups, but there are plenty of other ways to give your bowl a boost. For an easy upgrade, consider adding some shredded chicken into the soup, instantly giving it more substance and protein. We ranked store-bought rotisserie chicken brands from best to worst, so you know exactly what to look for. Stir in some fresh mirepoix elements like diced carrots, celery, and onion, or dried herbs like tarragon and thyme, to enhance the taste and nutritional value. As for which bouillon to choose for your canned soup, a Tasting Table ranking of Better Than Bouillon products crowned the Organic Roasted Chicken Base the winner for its rich depth of flavor.