Best Replacements for Cream of Chicken Soup

When you need a replacement for cream of chicken soup, the best immediate solutions are: 1) A homemade version made with chicken broth, flour, butter, and cream (or dairy-free alternatives), 2) A combination of chicken broth thickened with a roux and cream or milk, or 3) Other condensed soups like cream of mushroom or celery with added chicken seasoning. The ideal substitute depends on your dietary needs, recipe requirements, and what ingredients you have available in your pantry right now.

If you're standing in your kitchen mid-recipe, realizing you're out of that iconic canned cream of chicken soup, you're not alone. This common pantry staple appears in countless casseroles, sauces, and comfort food recipes, but sometimes you need a suitable replacement—whether due to dietary restrictions, pantry shortages, or a desire for fresher ingredients. Understanding your best alternatives can save your recipe without compromising flavor or texture.

Why You Might Need a Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute

Cream of chicken soup serves as both a flavor enhancer and thickening agent in many recipes. People seek replacements for several valid reasons:

• Dietary restrictions - Looking for low-sodium, gluten-free, or dairy-free options
• Pantry limitations - Running out of the canned version mid-recipe
• Health considerations - Preferring homemade versions without preservatives
• Allergies - Needing alternatives for egg, dairy, or wheat allergies
• Flavor customization - Wanting to adjust the taste profile for a specific dish

Top Replacement Options for Cream of Chicken Soup

Not all substitutes work equally well in every application. The right choice depends on your specific recipe and dietary needs. Here's a comprehensive comparison of the most effective alternatives:

Replacement Option	Ratio to Replace 1 Can (10.5 oz)	Best For	Limitations
Homemade version	1 cup chicken broth + 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp flour + 1/2 cup cream/milk	Casseroles, sauces, gravies	Requires cooking time
Cream of mushroom soup	1:1 replacement	Casseroles, pot pies	Different flavor profile
Chicken broth + roux	3/4 cup broth + 3 tbsp roux	Soups, stews, creamy sauces	Less creamy texture
Coconut milk + broth	1/2 cup coconut milk + 1/2 cup broth	Dairy-free recipes, curries	Subtle coconut flavor
Plain yogurt + broth	1/2 cup yogurt + 1/2 cup broth	Cold dishes, dips, some sauces	Can curdle when heated

Creating the Perfect Homemade Substitute

When you need a reliable homemade cream of chicken soup replacement, this simple recipe delivers consistent results:

Basic Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute

Makes approximately 10.5 ounces (equivalent to one can)

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, whole milk, or dairy-free alternative
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until thickened (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in cream, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Cool slightly before using in your recipe.

Specialty Substitutes for Dietary Needs

For those with specific dietary requirements, these targeted alternatives work well as a healthy alternative to cream of chicken soup:

Gluten-Free Cream of Chicken Soup Replacement

Replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or a gluten-free flour blend. Whisk the cornstarch with cold broth before adding to hot liquid to prevent clumping. This gluten-free cream of chicken soup replacement works perfectly in most recipes without altering the flavor profile significantly.

Dairy-Free Substitute Options

For a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute, try these combinations:

• Full-fat coconut milk mixed with chicken broth (3:1 ratio)
• Unsweetened cashew cream blended with broth
• Commercial dairy-free cream soups
• Cooked and pureed cauliflower with broth and seasonings

When using coconut milk, be aware that it may impart a subtle coconut flavor that works well in some dishes but not others. For savory recipes where coconut flavor would be undesirable, the cauliflower option provides a neutral base.

How to Adjust Recipes When Substituting

Understanding how to replace cream of chicken soup in recipes properly ensures your dish turns out as expected. Consider these adjustments:

• For casseroles: If using a thinner substitute, reduce other liquids in the recipe by 1-2 tablespoons
• For baking dishes: Thicker substitutes may require adding 1-2 tablespoons of additional liquid
• For stovetop sauces: Simmer substitutes for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors before adding to your recipe
• For slow cooker recipes: Add homemade substitutes during the last hour to prevent curdling or separation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When searching for the best substitute for cream of chicken soup, watch out for these pitfalls:

• Using plain broth without thickening - This creates a watery texture that won't bind ingredients properly
• Over-seasoning - Canned soups are already highly seasoned; adjust salt carefully with homemade versions
• Adding dairy substitutes at the wrong temperature - Dairy alternatives can curdle if added to very hot liquids
• Ignoring recipe timing - Some substitutes need time to thicken or flavors to meld before using

When to Choose Which Substitute

The perfect cream of chicken soup alternative depends on your specific application:

• Casseroles and baked dishes: Homemade version or cream of mushroom soup (for similar texture)
• Gravies and sauces: Roux-based substitute with additional chicken seasoning
• Slow cooker recipes: Thicker homemade version added later in cooking
• Quick weeknight meals: Other condensed soups with added chicken seasoning
• Health-conscious cooking: Broth thickened with pureed vegetables like cauliflower

Remember that the sodium content varies significantly between canned soups and homemade versions. If you're using a homemade cream of chicken soup substitute in a recipe that originally called for canned, you'll likely need to adjust your seasoning accordingly.

Can I use milk instead of cream of chicken soup?

Milk alone won't work as a direct substitute because it lacks the thickness and chicken flavor. For a better solution, combine 3/4 cup milk with 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1 tablespoon flour to create a suitable replacement that mimics the texture and flavor profile of cream of chicken soup.

What's the best low-sodium replacement for cream of chicken soup?

The best low-sodium option is a homemade version using low-sodium chicken broth, a roux made with butter and flour, and milk or cream. This gives you complete control over the salt content. You can enhance the flavor with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a small amount of nutritional yeast for umami without adding sodium.

How do I make a gluten-free cream of chicken soup substitute?

For a gluten-free cream of chicken soup replacement, make a roux using 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder). Whisk in 1 cup chicken broth until smooth, then add 1/2 cup cream or milk. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. This creates a perfect gluten-free alternative that works well in most recipes calling for canned soup.

Can Greek yogurt replace cream of chicken soup?

Greek yogurt can work as part of a cream of chicken soup substitute but shouldn't be used alone. Mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup chicken broth and seasonings. However, never add it directly to hot liquids as it will curdle. Instead, temper it by gradually adding small amounts of warm broth to the yogurt before incorporating it into your recipe, and add it at the very end of cooking.

How much homemade substitute equals one can of cream of chicken soup?

One can of cream of chicken soup (typically 10.5 ounces) equals approximately 1 1/4 cups of homemade substitute. When making your own replacement for cream of chicken soup, aim for this volume to maintain the proper liquid-to-solid ratio in your recipes.