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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.
Ashley says
Easy, quick a d simple to make! Worked like a charm just like the can soup. Can you are this in large quantities and store it?
Karly Campbell says
I don’t have any experience with canning, so I’m not sure if this would be safe to can. Glad to hear it worked well for you though! 🙂
B.J. Cadger says
this is so easy and such a wonderful change from can soup in casseroles.
Thank You !!
Kimmi Goss says
Quick, easy, tasty, and most of all simple ingredients! I went to make soup in a crockpot, and needed toucans of cream of chicken soup, which I was out of. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Karly Campbell says
Glad you gave this a try! 🙂
Jane says
Great recipe and healthier too! If you want a thicker soup, you can incorporate mashed potatoes into it. It’s REALLY good!
Karly Campbell says
Ooh, I love that idea!
Laura says
Loved this!! I was out of Cream of Chicken soup for a recipe and made this in it’s place! So yummy! Thank you
Karly Campbell says
So glad it worked out for you!!
April says
This was a great recipe! I used it to make chicken and rice. It actually reminded me of the Creamy Chicken Campbell’s To-Go Soup with flavor and consistency! I would definitely use this recipe again!
Karly Campbell says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Beth Lambert says
Can this be frozen to use later?
Karly Campbell says
Hmm, I’ve never tried. I’m not sure how well it would thaw. It’s basically gravy so it may work fine.
Tanya says
I used this recipe for a chicken casserole dish and didn’t have any canned cream of chicken. This recipe was so good I could have eaten the pot all alone (and almost did!) love it!
Karly Campbell says
Haha, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, Tanya!
Lea says
I would like to make this gluten free. Should I use cornstarch or gf flour?
Karly Campbell says
I would try using gf flour, but I haven’t tested a gluten free version.
Suzanne Long says
I need. A sub for cream of chicken soup that is meatlss
Karly says
Hi Suzanne! You can use a vegetarian chicken broth in place of actual chicken broth.
Akeira Janee’ says
Prepared my food and realized I didn’t have any cream of chicken like my chicken was already seasoned in my pan?? found this recipe and it’s SAVED ME!!! Taste so good I used “ chicken better than bouillon” base in my water and it’s amazing! I love making things from scratch so I’ll be using this forever!!
Karly says
I’m so glad you found the recipe! <3
Elizabeth says
Perfect and easy! Thank you! Game changer!
Jasmine says
Oh my gosh, thank you for this! I was right in the middle of making something that was going to require a can of soup when I realized I didn’t have any. This was SO quick and easy, and it worked beautifully for my dish.
Karly says
I’m so glad this saved your dinner! 🙂
SuzAnne Maple says
I guess I’ve been making this for years, to use in my Chicken Enchilada casserole. TBH if I see a recipe that calls for “cream of anything soup” I move on.
Karly says
This is such a great way to make your casseroles a little healthier. 🙂 Thanks for the rating!
Lesley says
Cooked it on low boil for over 5 minutes – never thickened. I’ll try it with more flour next time. If it would work – I would love to use this instead of the canned soup.
Karly says
Hi Lesley! It won’t thicken up quite as thick as the canned stuff, but it does get to be the consistency of a gravy. You can try with more flour if you prefer it thicker.
Tahara says
Can this be made in advance and frozen?
Karly says
I’ve never tried, but it would probably work fine as long as you take the time to defrost it before using.