Name: Million Dollar Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 cups diced Yukon Gold potatoes; 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 can Cheddar cheese soup; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 4 cups chopped rotisserie chicken; 5 strips bacon, cooked and chopped; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup shredded creamy mozzarella cheese; Garnish: Shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced scallions, crushed Ritz® crackers

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Table of Contents: Million Dollar Soup

Million Dollar Soup

Remember those chilly evenings when a warm, hearty soup just hit the spot? As we get a little more seasoned, those simple comforts become even more precious. This Million Dollar Soup recipe is exactly that – a hug in a bowl, brimming with flavor and surprisingly easy to make.

It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy nights in. Don’t let the name fool you; it’s the taste, not the price, that makes this soup truly special!

This isn’t just any vegetable soup; it’s a creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive concoction that’s been passed down through generations. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply a comforting healthy soup on a weeknight.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal or a way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, this recipe delivers. And while it feels indulgent, it can absolutely be part of a weight loss soup plan with mindful portioning (more on that later!).

The beauty of Million Dollar Soup lies in its simplicity. It utilizes readily available ingredients, and the process is straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Prepare to be amazed at how something so easy can taste so incredibly rich and flavorful.

It’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again, and one you’ll be proud to share with loved ones.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also hear this recipe called “Crack Soup,” a testament to its addictive nature! Other variations include adding different vegetables like broccoli or carrots, or swapping the chicken for turkey. Some people like to add a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.

A lighter version can be made using low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat sour cream, making it a more suitable healthy soup option without sacrificing too much flavor.

Ingredients: Million Dollar Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:

* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 medium onion, chopped
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 2 cups diced Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)

* 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1 can (10.75 ounces) Cheddar cheese soup
* 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
* 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 4 cups chopped rotisserie chicken, or more to taste (skin removed)
* 5 strips bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
* 1/2 cup sour cream (full fat or reduced fat)

* 1/2 cup shredded creamy mozzarella cheese
* Garnish: 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, sliced scallions, buttery round crackers (such as Ritz®), crushed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Chef’s Tip: Don’t rush this step! Softening the vegetables properly builds a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Add Potatoes & Broth: Add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

3. Incorporate the Soups & Seasonings: Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup, Cheddar cheese soup, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to combine. Shortcut: Use pre-chopped vegetables to save time!
4. Add the Chicken: Add the chopped rotisserie chicken to the soup and heat through, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Stir in Sour Cream & Mozzarella: Remove the pot from the heat. Gently stir in the sour cream and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Important: Removing from heat prevents the sour cream from curdling.

6. Serve & Garnish: Ladle the Million Dollar Soup into bowls and garnish with shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced scallions, and crushed buttery crackers. Enjoy immediately!

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, for a total time of 55 minutes. It yields approximately 4 generous servings. The approximate calorie count per serving is around 450-550, depending on the amount of bacon and cheese used.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Million Dollar Soup recipe works because of the layering of flavors. The sautéed vegetables create a savory base, the cream of chicken and cheddar soups provide richness and body, and the Cajun seasoning adds a delightful warmth and complexity. The rotisserie chicken offers convenience and a boost of protein, while the bacon and cheese deliver that irresistible, craveable element.

It’s truly easy comfort food for family dinners that comes together quickly. For a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the chicken and dairy. If you prefer a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water during the simmering stage.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses – Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack would also be delicious additions!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover Million Dollar Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When reheating, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the soup to separate. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to restore the desired consistency. This weight loss soup can be portioned out before freezing for easy meal prepping.

People Also Ask: Million Dollar Soup

What is “Million Dollar Soup”?

Million Dollar Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful soup that’s been a beloved recipe for generations. Despite the name, it doesn’t contain any expensive ingredients! The name comes from its rich, decadent taste that feels like a luxurious treat.

It’s a comforting and satisfying dish, often made with chicken, potatoes, and a blend of creamy soups and seasonings. Many consider it a classic vegetable soup elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Why is it called Million Dollar Soup?

The origin of the name Million Dollar Soup is a bit of a mystery, but the most common explanation is simply its incredible taste. It’s said that the soup tastes so good, it’s worth a million dollars! The creamy texture and savory flavors create a truly unforgettable experience.

It’s a dish that people rave about and often request the recipe for, further solidifying its “million dollar” reputation. It’s a surprisingly simple recipe that delivers a truly luxurious flavor, making it a popular healthy soup choice when made with mindful ingredients.

What are the main ingredients in Million Dollar Soup?

The core ingredients of Million Dollar Soup typically include chicken (often rotisserie for convenience), potatoes, onions, celery, and a combination of condensed cream of chicken soup and Cheddar cheese soup. Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth of flavor, while sour cream and mozzarella cheese contribute to the soup’s signature creaminess. Bacon and buttery crackers are commonly used as toppings for added texture and taste.

Is this a healthy weight loss soup?

While undeniably delicious, the traditional Million Dollar Soup recipe is quite rich. However, it can be adapted to be a more healthy soup and incorporated into a weight loss soup plan. Using low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-fat soups and sour cream, and limiting the amount of bacon and crackers can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content.

Focusing on the protein from the chicken and the fiber from the potatoes and vegetables will help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Conclusion: Million Dollar Soup

So there you have it – the recipe for Million Dollar Soup! I truly hope you give this comforting classic a try. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the garnishes and seasonings to make it your own.

I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any changes to the recipe? What did your family think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below.