Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe (2024)

by Stephanie on July 20, 2020 (Updated April 26, 2023)567*This post may contain affiliate links. Read more »

This homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe is an easy substitute for condensed soup and adds comforting home cooked flavor to your favorite casseroles and soups. It’s also freezer-friendly and easy to make!

Be sure to try my homemade condensed cream of mushroom soup next!

Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe (1)

Cream of Chicken Soup

I literally stood in my kitchen with an open can of condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, and a pot of this homemade version, and took a spoon to each one to perform a very serious taste-test to compare the two.

All of a sudden, I was hyper-aware as to how processed it tasted from a can compared to the soothing and comforting homemade version.

Since this recipe is freezer-friendly and can be easily stored in can-sized portions, I think we should all try to take our cooking to the next level by making our favorite casseroles and soups with thisCream of Chicken Soup recipe whenever we “can”. 😂

(That was terrible, and I’m sorry.)

How to Make it

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it fully melt and begin to foam. This allows the water in the butter to cook off which will create a smoother consistency.

Gradually sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 3-5 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. It will become the consistency of wet sand.

Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe (2)

Remove from heat. Add 1/3 of the chicken broth, whisk well. Whisk in 1/3 more, until combined. Finally, whisk in the rest. Temper the milk by microwaving it for 45 seconds, slowly add it to the saucepan and whisk to combine.

Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe (3)

Add the seasonings. Add to medium-high heat to thicken it back up.

Whisk continuously as it increases in temperature and reaches near-boiling point. It will become very thick. Remove from heat immediately once it’s thickened. It will thicken even more as it sits.

Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe (4)

PRO TIP: Run the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to make it super smooth, just like a can of condensed soup.

This strainer is also a perfect tool for making homemade chicken stock, or to run oil through if you want to reuse it after making a batch of fried chicken or french fries. It’s a great investment in the kitchen.

Using as a Substitute for Condensed Soup

  • This recipe serves as a direct substitute for canned Cream of Chicken soup.
  • 1 batch= two (10.5 oz.) cans of soup, each can is about 1 + 1/4 cups.
  • I recommend storing these in freezable soup containers.

Using as a Base for Homemade Soup

My Homemade Chicken Stew recipe is a perfect way to put this recipe to use, as it uses a can of Cream of Chicken Soup as a base. It’s also Stove Top, Crock Pot, and Instant Pot friendly.(Check out the reviews, it’s one of the most popular recipes on the blog!)

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 4 months.

Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe (5)

Recipes That Use Cream of Chicken Soup

See my complete collection here.

Chicken Divan
Chicken Tetrazzini
Creamy Chicken Stew

Crock Pot Chicken and Stuffing
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Chicken Noodle Casserole

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Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 cans

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This homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe is a direct substitute for condensed soup and adds comforting home cooked flavor to your favorite casseroles and soups. It's also freezer-friendly and easy to make!

Ingredients

  • 4 Tablespoons Butter
  • ½ cup + 2 Tablespoons Flour
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube, or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon. (Optional- see notes.)
  • 1 cup milk, preferably whole but any kind works
  • 1/3 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1/3 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/3 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Note: It’s important to whisk continuously throughout this process to ensure the smoothest possible consistency.

  • Temper the milk by microwaving it for 45 seconds. This prevents curdling but also prevents lumps from forming when it’s added. Set aside.

  • Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it fully melt and wait until it starts to foam, about 3 minutes.

  • Gradually add the flour, whisk continuously for 3-5 minutes, until it’s the consistency of wet sand. Remove from heat.

  • Add 1/3 of the chicken broth and whisk well. Add 1/3 more, whisk well.

  • Add the remaining chicken broth, chicken bouillon, warm milk, and seasonings, whisk continuously.

  • Return to heat and bring to a near boil. Continue to whisk until it begins to get very thick. Immediately remove from heat.

  • Soup will continue to thicken upon standing.

  • If possible, run the mixture through a fine mesh strainer for a super-smooth consistency.

  • Use as a direct substitute for condensed cream of chicken soup, this recipe makes enough for two (10.5 oz.) cans.

Notes

Adding chicken bouillon to the mix help match the concentrated chicken flavor found in condensed soups. This is especially helpful if store-bought chicken broth (such as Swanson), is used instead of homemade chicken stock.

Reducing Sodium: You can use unsalted butter and reduced sodium chicken broth and bouillon to lower the salt content. You can also refrain from adding salt as a seasoning.

Storage:

  • Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 4 months. Mixture may separate slightly once reheated but whisking will correct that.
  • I recommend storing these in freezable soup containers.
  • This soup cannot be canned as it contains dairy.

Be sure to try my homemade condensed cream of mushroom soup next!

Nutrition

Calories: 434kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 17g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 2008mg, Potassium: 391mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 897IU, Vitamin C: 16mg, Calcium: 165mg, Iron: 2mg

Did you try this recipe?Mention @TheCozyCook on Instagram or tag #thecozycook!

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Author: Stephanie

Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make canned cream of chicken soup taste better? ›

Herbs: Fresh chives, thyme, or cilantro stirred in just before serving. Spices: Your soup is probably salty enough, but what about simmering a bay leaf in there for a while (don't forget to remove it before serving)? Depending on the soup's flavor profile, you could shake in some cumin or red pepper flakes.

What is cream of chicken soup made of? ›

Our classic Cream of Chicken soup is a smooth, rich combination of high-quality chicken stock, cream, and tender chicken meat with no antibiotics. Find comfort in it as an easily customizable soup, or use it as an extremely versatile ingredient for delicious weeknight dinners.

How do you thicken cream of chicken soup? ›

The most classic and surefire way to thicken a broth-based soup is with a cornstarch slurry. Whisk together equal parts cornstarch (or arrowroot) and water or broth, then whisk it into the pot of soup. A good ratio to get to a pleasant thickness without your soup tasting goopy or heavy is one tablespoon.

Can you just eat cream of chicken soup by itself? ›

A bowl of our Cream of Chicken Soup served with fresh baked bread is hearty enough to serve on its own, or you can beef it up with whatever's fresh in your kitchen. Condensed soups are also the perfect base for casseroles and starters for sauces, so your imagination is the limit.

What can I add to canned soup to make it taste better? ›

Add fresh or dried spices. Like aromatics, these items add an extra layer of flavor to the soup. Fresh herbs give the impression that the soup is fresh, and any herb can change the flavor profile of the dish.

What is the white stuff in cream of Chicken Soup? ›

A: The white specks are chicken fat. While we try to skim off all of the fat, it's difficult and we don't always get it all., but don't worry! The chicken fat will melt when heated and is safe to consume.

Why does my cream Chicken Soup get watery? ›

The solution to this problem is to either utilize more of the roux or slurry, or to utilize a roux or slurry that contains more starch. Another reason that cream soups can become watery is that the vegetables or other ingredients in the soup continue to emit moisture through the cooking process.

Is cream of chicken condensed soup the same as cream of Chicken Soup? ›

Variety aside, a condensed soup requires a liquid — water, broth, milk — to reconstitute, that is, thin out. Any soup sold as “cream of” is ready, out of the container, to eat (heated, if you like) or use in a recipe.

What is the best thickener for cream soup? ›

Cornstarch is a great option as it is a natural thickening agent, but you'll want to be careful about how much you use. Start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch whisked together with cold water to create a slurry. Then, gradually add the slurry to the soup, letting it boil for one to two minutes before adding more.

What does cornstarch do to soup? ›

Cornstarch, or corn flour, can be used to thicken soup through its high starch content. Cornstarch is a great thickener for soup because only a little bit is needed to significantly thicken a soup, and it will not affect the flavor profile of the soup.

Can I add milk to soup to make it creamy? ›

Milk or Half-and-Half: This is the other magical ingredient that turns your homemade chicken noodle soup into the creamiest soup ever. Use 1 cup of whole milk or 1 cup of half-and-half.

Can I freeze homemade cream of chicken soup? ›

This homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe is an easy substitute for condensed soup and adds comforting home cooked flavor to your favorite casseroles and soups. It's also freezer-friendly and easy to make!

How long is cream of chicken soup good for? ›

Creamy soups like Campbell's Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup will generally last three to four days in the fridge. Similarly, soups with meat content such as Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup will also last in the fridge for up to four days.

Is cream of chicken soup good for illness? ›

A Nebraska Medical Center study found that by inhibiting white blood cell activity its ingredients can help meter an inflammatory response that causes a number of cold symptoms. “Chicken soup won't cure your cold, but it may relieve your symptoms.”

How do you doctor up canned chicken soup? ›

How do I make canned chicken noodle soup better? Just before eating, add a pat of butter. You can also add chives, croutons, chopped green onions, parsley, a bit of garlic powder, chopped fresh herbs, etc., but the butter always works for a quick and easy soup upgrade.

How do you upgrade canned chicken soup? ›

The simple addition of one or two whisked eggs — stirred one way into a simmering pot of chicken noodle soup — helps bring out more of that natural chicken flavor and volatile flavor compounds that may have been lost in the process of canning.

What can I add to Campbell's soup to make it taste better? ›

ADD ACID

Fresh lemon juice: this is best to add at the end of cooking, otherwise the lemon flavor can become bitter. Cooking Vinegars: such as balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar. Hot sauce: helps to add both acid and heat, so you're getting even more bang for your buck.

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