Whether you are searching for a substitute for cream of chicken soup because you think the cans are kind of gross, or you want a cream of chicken substitute because you forgot to snag a can at the store, this recipe is exactly what you need! It’s easy and nearly as fast as cracking open a can of glop.
Alright, I admit it. I sometimes make casseroles or other dishes using that weird, gloppy cream of whatever soup from a can. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s cheap.
For the most part, though, I try to make my own cream soups for use in those recipes. Not only is this healthier than the salty canned goo, it’s also super (souper!) simple.
If you’re trying to make your dinner healthier, you’ll love this cream of chicken soup substitute!
Not to mention, sometimes I just don’t have cream of anything in my pantry and I’m too lazy to get to the store. I pretty much always have the ingredients to make this on hand. Although, I will admit, there have been times when I didn’t have chicken stock and (I can’t believe I’m admitting this) I just used salty water. It’s true. I substituted salty water for chicken broth. Don’t kick me out of the food bloggers’ club, okay?
Check out this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole using this cream of chicken soup substitute and you can put it to the test yourself.
This substitute for cream of chicken soup recipe is equal to one can of soup.
Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat. When melted, whisk in the flour and continue whisking until smooth and bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly, until the soup thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Chris Campbell says
Being gluten-free I can use gluten free flour instead of can soup which all has wheat in them.
Christina says
How long does it take to thicken?
Karly says
Depends on how high the heat is, but about usually about 5 minutes.
Jan Howell says
Can this be canned in jars?
Karly says
We don’t have any experience with canning, so I’m not sure if this would be safe to can or not.
Jackie says
I only had one can of cream of chicken soup and didn’t want to replace it with cream of mushroom. This recipe was delicious and so easy!
Karly says
So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Paul says
Thank you for this recipe. I just canned 16 quarts of homemade chicken broth and I just know this is going to be great.
Karly says
Awesome! Hope you love it!
Judy Golden says
Love this recipe, never knew it could be home made…
Karly says
So easy, right? 🙂
Brandy Wright says
This was so helpful, even made my potato soup taste better than the original recipe!
Karly says
Love to hear that! Thanks, Brandy!
April says
Yum, yum yum! I dislike canned, processed soup! I did grow up eating it but…nope, no more. Lol..this recipe is fantastic. I added onion too, as someone suggested. Thanks so much!
Karly says
So glad you gave it a try and it passed the test! 🙂
Julie says
I grew up on casseroles made with gloppy cans of creamed soup and refuse to use them. I have found ways to make substitutions, but none are this delicious. I threw some chopped onions in the butter and used beef broth (I was making a beef casserole). I could have eaten the whole thing on a spoon it was sooo good! Thank you
Karly says
So happy to hear this worked for you! I’m sure it was tasty with onions and beef broth!
Sylvia connell says
Can I use dairy free milk?
Karly says
Probably, but I haven’t tried it myself.
Ainsley Moore says
Thanks so much for this recipe! I was ready to put everything in my crockpot and realized I was out of cream of chicken. I found your recipe, and it worked perfectly. Also, I think I could have just eaten it out of the pot by itself, LoL! After seeing how easy making my own was, and delicious, I may not go back to store bought. Thanks again!
Karly says
Yay! So glad you gave it a try! 🙂
Barbara says
I was looking to see if it would work in the crockpot. Thank you! 🙂
Pamela says
Have you tried this in a slow cooker?
Karly says
Yes, this recipe works in a crockpot.
Pamela says
I have so much to learn….In using this cream of chicken substitute in a slow cooker, would you put the soup in at the beginning of a 6-hour cook time? or at some other point? If I used cornstarch to make a gluten-free soup, would that make a difference as to when I put it in the slow cooker recipe? Thank you!
Karly says
Hi Pamela! We use this soup just like we would a can of soup. So, if your recipe calls for it to be added at the beginning, that’s when I would add it. I haven’t tried this one with cornstarch, but I think it’d still work just the same.
Alysia says
Can you make this ahead of time? If so, how long will it stay fresh in the fridge?
Karly says
I think it would stay fresh for 4-5 days, but I haven’t tested it after being refrigerated.
Michelle C. says
This SAVED ME!!!! Thank you!
Karly says
Yay! Love to hear that!
julia says
can i use beef broth?
Karly says
Yes, but it will be cream of beef soup at that point.