Are you tired of relying on store-bought condensed cream of chicken soup, often laden with artificial ingredients, excessive sodium, and unhealthy fats? It’s time to revolutionize your kitchen! Our guide to making homemade cream of chicken soup from scratch is incredibly simple, requires just a handful of common pantry staples, and delivers a superior taste and texture that you’ll absolutely adore. Prepare to toss out those cans and embrace a healthier, fresher alternative for all your culinary needs.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Please read my full disclosure here.
Finding a truly wholesome and delicious substitute for canned cream of soups can be a challenge. Many recipes fall short, lacking either the convenience or the rich flavor profile we’ve come to expect. But your search ends here! Our recipe offers an exceptionally quick and easy method to prepare this versatile base right on your stovetop, transforming your cooking experience and elevating the taste of your favorite dishes. It’s not just a substitute; it’s an upgrade!
Is Canned Cream of Soup Harmful?
While convenient, canned cream of chicken soup often comes with a list of ingredients that are far from ideal for a healthy diet. A quick glance at the label reveals a common culprit: excessive sodium. Many brands contain alarmingly high levels of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health concerns, especially when consumed regularly. Beyond salt, these processed soups are typically loaded with unnecessary fats, often from less-than-desirable sources.
You’ll frequently encounter ingredients like modified food starch, which is a processed thickener designed to give the soup its signature consistency without requiring natural ingredients or proper cooking techniques. This can often be derived from corn, potato, or wheat, and while not inherently dangerous, it’s a filler that adds no nutritional value. Furthermore, ingredients such as vegetable oil, sugar, and artificial flavorings are common additions. “Flavoring” is a broad term that essentially means substances have been added to enhance or alter the natural taste, rather than relying on fresh ingredients to provide depth of flavor. By making your cream of chicken soup at home, you gain complete control over what goes into your food, ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and tastier product free from these questionable additives.
The Benefits of Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Opting for a homemade version of cream of chicken soup brings a multitude of advantages beyond just avoiding questionable ingredients. First and foremost, the flavor is incomparably superior. Fresh ingredients like real chicken broth, wholesome milk, and aromatic spices create a depth of flavor that canned versions simply cannot replicate. You can customize the seasoning to your exact preference, adding more garlic, herbs, or even a hint of spice.
Secondly, homemade soup offers significant health benefits. By controlling the salt content, you can drastically reduce your sodium intake. You can choose low-sodium broth, use skim or plant-based milk for a lighter option, and select healthy fats if desired. This makes it an excellent choice for those managing dietary restrictions or simply aiming for a cleaner diet. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in your food provides peace of mind.
Finally, the versatility and cost-effectiveness are unbeatable. You can make a large batch and portion it out for future meals, saving both time and money. It serves as an incredible base for countless recipes, from comforting casseroles to rich gravies, without imparting any unwanted metallic taste or artificial flavors that often come from cans. This homemade staple will become an indispensable part of your cooking repertoire.
How to Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step
Creating your own creamy, flavorful chicken soup base is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect consistency every time:
- Prepare the Broth: Begin by adding chicken broth to a medium saucepan. Place it on medium-high heat and bring it to a gentle boil. This ensures the broth is hot and ready to incorporate the thickening agents efficiently.
- Whisk the Creamy Base: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This crucial step prevents lumps from forming when added to the hot broth.
- Slowly Combine Mixtures: Gradually and slowly pour the milk and flour mixture into the boiling chicken broth in the saucepan. It’s important to do this gradually while continuously stirring to ensure even distribution and to prevent the flour from clumping.
- Thicken to Perfection: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook and stir the soup base gently. As it heats, the flour will activate and begin to thicken the mixture. Keep stirring until it reaches your desired creamy consistency, typically around 6-10 minutes. The soup should coat the back of a spoon.
- Cool for Storage: Once thickened, remove from heat and allow the soup to cool completely before storing. Cooling prevents condensation and maintains quality.
This method ensures a smooth, rich, and perfectly seasoned cream of chicken soup that’s ready to enhance any dish.
What to Use Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup For
The beauty of homemade cream of chicken soup lies in its incredible versatility. Far from just a soup, it serves as an indispensable base for a myriad of comforting and flavorful dishes. Once you’ve made a batch, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate it into your cooking:
- Casseroles: This is arguably its most famous application. Use it as the creamy binder in classic comfort food casseroles like Southern Cornbread Dressing, tuna noodle casserole, chicken and rice casserole, or our delicious Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole. Its rich flavor enhances every bite.
- Pot Pies: Create luscious fillings for chicken pot pies or turkey pot pies. The soup provides the perfect creamy texture and savory depth.
- Sauces and Gravies: Thicken gravies for poultry or beef, or use it as a base for creamy sauces to serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. A dollop can turn simple pan drippings into an exquisite sauce.
- Hotdishes & Bakes: Many classic “hotdish” recipes (a staple in Midwestern cuisine) rely on condensed soup. Your homemade version will elevate these dishes, providing a cleaner flavor profile. Think creamy chicken and vegetable bakes.
- Stroganoffs: For a quick and easy beef or mushroom stroganoff, a creamy chicken soup base can provide a shortcut to a rich and savory sauce.
- Creamy Pasta Dishes: Stir it into cooked pasta with some shredded chicken or vegetables for a simple, satisfying meal.
- Soups and Stews: While it’s a “cream of chicken” soup itself, it can also be used to add creaminess and body to other vegetable or chicken-based soups and stews.
With this homemade staple on hand, you’re always just a few steps away from a delicious and comforting meal.
Storage and Shelf Life for Your Homemade Soup
Proper storage is key to enjoying your homemade cream of chicken soup for as long as possible. Once prepared, allow the soup to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated in a tightly sealed container, your homemade cream of chicken soup will last for up to one week. Make sure to label the container with the date of preparation so you can easily keep track of its freshness. For best results, stir well before using, as some separation may occur upon standing, which is completely normal for homemade mixtures.
Freezing Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup for Later
One of the greatest advantages of making your own cream of chicken soup is the ability to freeze it for future use, making meal prep a breeze. To freeze, ensure the soup is completely cooled. I highly recommend using sturdy, freezer-safe containers or even specific soup molds from Amazon to portion out individual servings. This allows for convenient thawing of just the amount you need. It will freeze exceptionally well for up to 4 months, maintaining its quality and flavor.
When you’re ready to use your frozen soup, simply transfer it from the freezer to the fridge and allow it to defrost overnight. For quicker thawing, you can also place the sealed container in a bowl of cold water. Once thawed, give it a good whisk or stir to restore its smooth consistency before adding it to your favorite recipes. Freezing is a fantastic way to always have a healthy, homemade alternative on hand.
Discover More Delicious Soup Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with making soup from scratch, explore these other fantastic recipes that promise comfort and flavor:
- Chicken Lasagna Soup
- Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
- Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Buffalo Chicken Soup
- Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
- Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chicken Orzo Soup
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
- Beer Cheese Soup with Bacon
- Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Brandi Crawford
Pin Recipe
Rate this recipe
Leave a review!
🕓
5 mins
15 mins
20 mins
🍴
Side Dish
American
🥥
3 cups
31 kcal
Want to save this recipe for later?
Enter your email below, and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox! You’ll also receive our free digital cookbook featuring 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes, plus weekly recipes and cooking tips to inspire your culinary journey.
Ingredients
Servings:
-
2 cups chicken broth
(Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option.)
-
1 ½ cups milk
(Whole milk provides the richest flavor, but 2% or even non-dairy milk can be used for a lighter version.)
-
½ cup all-purpose flour
(This acts as our natural thickener. Ensure it’s well-whisked to prevent lumps.)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
(A blend of herbs that enhances chicken flavor; adjust to your liking.)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
salt and pepper to taste
(Start with a small amount and adjust after thickening. Remember, broth often contains salt.)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add the 2 cups chicken broth. Place the saucepan on medium-high heat and bring the broth to a gentle boil. This ensures it’s warm enough to properly incorporate the flour mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups milk, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until a smooth, lump-free mixture is formed. This is your thickening agent.
- Once the broth is boiling, slowly pour the milk and flour mixture into the pot, continuously stirring with a whisk. This gradual addition and constant whisking are crucial to prevent any lumps from forming and to ensure a silky-smooth consistency.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken to your desired consistency. This process usually takes about 6-10 minutes. The soup should become rich and creamy, coating the back of a spoon. Be patient and don’t rush the thickening process.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the homemade cream of chicken soup to cool fully before storing or using in other recipes. Cooling helps prevent separation and maintains the soup’s quality.
Chef’s Notes
Nutrition
Serving: 0.25cup
Calories: 31kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 1g
Tried this recipe?
Mention @Stay_Snatched or tag #StaySnatched!
Subscribe to our Youtube Channel
Check out our videos!
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!