If you’ve ever been to Dolly Parton’s Stampede (formerly known as Dixie Stampede), you probably remember the incredible, down-home comfort food that’s served there. One dish that stands out to many guests is the famous Stampede Soup. It’s a deliciously creamy, hearty soup that perfectly complements the rustic, Southern-style meals served during the dinner show. You might have left the arena craving the recipe or wondering how to recreate this cozy soup at home.
Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m going to walk you through a Copycat Dixie Stampede Soup Recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the South. This soup is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor-perfect for any occasion when you’re craving comfort food. Grab your apron, because we’re diving into every step of this recipe so you can make it at home and enjoy it as much as you did at the show.
Copycat Dixie Stampede Soup Recipe
The recipe itself isn’t overly complicated, but the results are absolutely satisfying. The key to recreating the Dixie Stampede Soup lies in balancing the rich, creamy texture with layers of flavors. From the tenderness of the chicken to the sweetness of the corn and the savory broth, this soup brings the best of Southern comfort to your table. So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients Needed
For this dish, you’ll want to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients to recreate the flavor-packed experience of the Stampede Soup. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Chicken breast (boneless, skinless): The soup is chicken-based, so you’ll need tender, juicy chicken to create the right texture.
- Frozen corn (or fresh if you prefer): The corn adds sweetness and a bit of crunch, balancing the creamy base.
- Cream of chicken soup: This helps give the soup that rich, creamy consistency that’s characteristic of the original.
- Heavy cream: Adds an extra layer of richness and makes the soup more velvety and smooth.
- Chicken broth: Essential for the base of the soup. It should be high-quality to enhance the flavor.
- Butter: For sautéing the veggies and adding a rich taste.
- Onion (finely diced): The onion brings a savory, aromatic flavor that gives the soup depth.
- Celery (diced): Adds a crisp and fresh contrast to the other vegetables.
- Garlic (minced): For that savory, flavorful hit that makes everything taste better.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): These are essential to season the soup and elevate all the flavors.
- Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s break it down and go through the steps of making this delicious soup from scratch.
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Cook The Chicken
- Start by boiling the chicken breasts in a pot of salted water for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Set it aside.
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Prepare The Vegetables
- In a large soup pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and the veggies soften.
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Add The Liquids
- Pour in the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and heavy cream into the pot. Stir well to combine everything.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
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Add The Corn And Chicken
- Stir in the frozen corn and shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Season
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor if you prefer.
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Serve
- Once everything is well mixed and the soup has thickened to your desired consistency, ladle it into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
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Enjoy
- Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or crackers to dip into the creamy soup and enjoy the perfect comfort meal!
Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role of each ingredient can help you appreciate the delicate balance of flavors in the soup. Here’s a breakdown:
- Chicken breast: It’s lean, tender, and serves as the main protein in the soup. The chicken’s subtle flavor soaks up the soup’s base, which makes it a key player in the final result.
- Frozen corn: The corn adds a natural sweetness and texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy broth. If you’re using fresh corn, make sure it’s in season for the best flavor!
- Cream of chicken soup: This canned ingredient is a shortcut to achieving a creamy, rich base without needing to make a roux from scratch. It’s convenient, but it still contributes a depth of flavor that’s vital to the soup’s success.
- Heavy cream: The cream gives the soup a luxurious, velvety texture. Without it, the soup might feel a bit thin, so don’t skip this essential component!
- Onion and celery: These classic vegetables form the flavor foundation of many soups. Onions bring sweetness and depth, while celery offers a slightly earthy, crunchy texture.
Expert Tips
To really make your Dixie Stampede soup shine, here are a few expert tips:
- Use homemade broth: If you have time, consider using homemade chicken broth. It’ll add an even richer, more complex flavor to the soup.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooking can dry out the chicken. Be sure to check it at the 20-minute mark, then shred it gently so it stays juicy.
- Adjust thickness: If you find the soup too thick for your liking, add more chicken broth or a splash of milk to adjust the texture.
- Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to spice things up.
- Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, you can toss everything into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Just be sure to shred the chicken at the end.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is already perfect as is, you can easily adjust it to fit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add some extra vegetables like carrots or potatoes for added texture.
- Add potatoes: If you want a heartier version, add diced potatoes to the soup. They’ll soak up the flavors and make the soup even more filling.
- Different proteins: While chicken is traditional, you could try this recipe with turkey, or even shredded beef for a unique twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace the heavy cream and cream of chicken soup with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative and use a vegetable base instead of chicken broth.
Final Words
The Copycat Dixie Stampede Soup recipe is the perfect way to bring that Southern comfort into your home. It’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and delicious every time. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something hearty and flavorful, this soup checks all the boxes.
And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile. From adjusting the flavor with spices to adding different veggies or proteins, you can make it your own and experiment with what works best for your palate.