Quick Answer
Yes, there are several substitutes for cream of chicken soup. Some common options are:
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Homemade cream soup made with chicken broth, milk or cream, and spices
- Condensed milk mixed with chicken broth
- White sauce made with butter, flour, and chicken broth
The best substitute will depend on the recipe and your personal preferences. Cream of mushroom soup is the most direct replacement in terms of flavor. Homemade cream soups allow you to control the ingredients. Condensed milk and white sauce work well for cooking.
What is Cream of Chicken Soup?
Cream of chicken soup is a thick, creamy soup made with chicken stock and milk or cream. It has a velvety texture and rich chicken flavor.
Cream of chicken soup is often used as a base or sauce for casseroles, pasta bakes, and other dishes. It adds moisture, flavor, and creaminess. The soup helps bind ingredients together.
Some of the most common uses for cream of chicken soup include:
- Chicken pot pie
- Green bean casserole
- Chicken enchiladas
- Chicken and rice casserole
- Chicken tetrazzini
The canned version is made by companies like Campbell’s and is widely available at most grocery stores. It offers convenience, but you can also make homemade cream of chicken soup.
Why Find a Substitute?
There are a few reasons you may need or want to use a cream of chicken soup substitute:
- Dietary restrictions or preferences – Cream soup contains dairy. You may need a dairy-free or vegan option.
- Avoiding processed foods – The canned soup contains preservatives and additives.
- Don’t have it on hand – Forgot to stock up at the store.
- Change up flavors – Want to use mushroom or another soup taste.
Luckily, there are many ways to recreate the texture and flavor of cream of chicken soup for your recipes. With a bit of creativity, you can find or make a substitute that fits your needs.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cream of mushroom soup is the most direct substitute for cream of chicken soup. The creamy texture and rich flavor is quite similar.
You can use Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup or another brand. Make sure to get the condensed cream soup, not just regular mushroom soup.
Cream of mushroom soup has an earthier, more umami taste compared to the chicken soup. But it works well in most recipes.
If you need to avoid dairy, use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup. Some plant-based brands make vegan condensed cream soups.
How to Substitute
Cream of mushroom soup can be swapped in 1:1 for cream of chicken soup. Use the same amount called for in the recipe.
For example, if a casserole calls for:
– 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
You would use:
– 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
The rest of the ingredients and directions remain the same.
Recipes to Try It In
Cream of mushroom soup works well in any recipe that calls for cream of chicken soup, such as:
- Chicken and wild rice casserole
- Chicken pot pie with biscuit topping
- Slow cooker shredded chicken
- Chicken enchilada casserole
- Green bean casserole
You may find you like the extra richness and savoriness of the mushrooms. Feel free to experiment with cream of mushroom soup in any cream-based chicken dish.
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
For complete control over the ingredients, make your own homemade cream of chicken soup:
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the milk or cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked chicken and continue simmering until heated through.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
This makes the equivalent of 2 cans of cream soup. Use it the same way you would use store-bought.
Add mushrooms along with the chicken for a cream of chicken and mushroom soup. Use vegetable or mushroom broth to make it vegetarian.
Storage
Homemade cream soup will keep for 4-5 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen.
Condensed Milk and Broth
An easy shortcut is mixing condensed milk with chicken broth:
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
Simply combine the two ingredients in a bowl or measuring cup. Use in any recipe that calls for cream soup.
The creamy evaporated milk and rich chicken broth mimic the classic flavor combination. Make sure to use evaporated milk, not sweetened condensed milk.
For a healthier option, use reduced-fat evaporated milk and low-sodium chicken broth.
Ratio:
The standard ratio is 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk to 1 cup broth. But you can adjust to your taste preferences:
- Thicker: Use less broth
- Thinner: Use more broth
- More creamy: Add extra milk
- More chicken flavor: Use chicken stock instead of broth
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other spices as desired.
Storage
Leftovers will last 3-4 days refrigerated. The milk may separate, so stir or whisk before use.
White Sauce or Béchamel Sauce
A white sauce or béchamel sauce made with butter, flour, and chicken broth also mimics the velvety texture of cream soup.
Here is a simple cream sauce recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Whisk in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, until thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper.
For a richer sauce, use half broth and half milk or cream. Add shredded chicken, mushrooms, garlic, herbs, or cheese to mimic cream of chicken soup.
Substitution Amount:
Use the same amount of white sauce as the recipe calls for in cream soup. You may need to adjust consistency with extra broth or milk as needed.
Conclusion
With a little creativity, it’s easy to find or make a substitute for canned cream soups. Options like mushroom soup, homemade cream soups, condensed milk mixtures, and white sauces recreate the flavor and texture.
Choose a substitute based on your specific recipe, dietary needs, and ingredients on hand. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The possibilities are endless for recreating delicious creamy soups and sauces without the processed canned version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of cream of chicken soup?
Plain milk is not a good direct substitute for cream soup. Milk alone lacks the flavor, richness, and thick texture. For best results, combine milk with chicken broth and seasonings or make a white sauce with butter, flour, and milk.
Is cream of celery soup a good substitute?
Cream of celery soup can work in some recipes, but it has a distinctly different flavor from cream of chicken soup. It’s best for dishes where you want a celery taste. For a neutral chicken flavor, cream of mushroom or homemade cream of chicken is better.
Can I use yogurt instead of cream soup?
Plain Greek yogurt can work as a substitute in some cases. For savory dishes, mix yogurt with chicken broth to thin it out and achieve a creamy soup-like texture. The tanginess of yogurt may come through, so adjust seasonings accordingly.
What can I use if I don’t have canned soup or milk/cream?
In a pinch, you can puree soft bread and chicken broth into a thick paste. Butter and flour mixed into broth also works. Silken tofu pureed with broth makes a vegan cream soup base. Add seasonings to boost flavor.
Is there a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute?
Yes, for dairy-free recipes try:
- Canned coconut milk mixed with chicken broth
- Cashew cream made by blending cashews and water
- Vegan cream soup or sauce made with vegetable broth and thickened with cornstarch or potato starch
Boost flavor with garlic, onion, spices, lime juice, or nutritional yeast.
Summary Table of Cream of Chicken Soup Substitutes
| Substitute | How to Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream of Mushroom Soup | Replace 1:1 for cream of chicken soup | Most similar in texture and creaminess |
| Homemade Cream Soup | Use same amount as canned cream soup | Make it dairy-free or customize flavors |
| Condensed Milk and Broth | 1 can milk + 1 cup broth | Easy shortcut with pantry items |
| White Sauce/Béchamel | Substitute 1:1 for cream soup | Classic cream sauce base |
The Bottom Line
Finding or making substitutions for canned cream soups opens up many possibilities. With options like vegetable-based cream soups, white sauces, and DIY combinations, you can recreate the creamy essence of classic comfort foods without being limited to just one packaged product.
Get creative and discover new flavors for your favorite chicken dishes that suit your dietary needs. Making homemade cream soups and sauces allows you to control the quality of ingredients. With a few simple tricks, it’s easy to dupe the canned stuff!