This homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute is creamy, flavorful, and SO much better than what you get from a can. Best part is, it only takes 10 minutes to make!

Looking for more from-scratch cooking staples? Try my homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix, Taco Seasoning, Ketchup, or BBQ Sauce!

A bowl of Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute on the counter, ready to be used in your favorite recipe.

Why I love this recipe:

  • Quick – This cream of chicken soup substitute only takes 10 minutes. That’s faster than a trip to the grocery store!
  • Healthy – You know exactly what ingredients are added, including fresh pantry ingredients, nothing artificial, and it’s definitely lower in sodium than the canned version.
  • Delicious – The taste of this homemade cream of chicken soup is outstanding! It’s creamy, full of flavor, and will make any meal that calls for canned cream of chicken soup, taste way better.

Ingredients Needed:

  • Milk
  • Cornstarch
  • Butter
  • Chicken Bouillon Paste or Cube
  • Seasonings
All of the ingredients needed for Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute on the counter in separate bowls.

How to make Cream of Chicken Soup:

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan whisk together milk and cornstarch. Add butter, bouillon, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley.

Two images, the first of milk and cornstarch in a saucepan, then butter and seasonings added to make Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute.

Boil: Bring to a gently boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, simmer for 30 more seconds to thicken.

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute in a stainless steel saucepan with a whisk.

Use this cream of chicken recipe in any recipe to replace one 10.75 oz can of cream of chicken soup. For other flavors, look at the recipe variations below.

A bowl of homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute ready to be used in your favorite recipe!

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions:

To Make Ahead: This is a great recipe to make ahead for quick dinner prep. Make the recipe as directed, and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

To Freeze: The texture may change a little bit through the freezing/thawing process. Store in a freezer safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw completely in the fridge before using in a recipe.

Recipe Variations:

  • Cream of Mushroom: Stir in one (4 oz) can of mushroom pieces to the finished recipe. Use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken, if desired.
  • Cream of Celery: Stir in ½ cup sautéed, chopped celery to the finished recipe. Use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken, if desired.
  • Cream of Broccoli: Stir in ½ cup of finely diced steamed broccoli. Use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken, if desired.
  • Add Chicken: Stir in chopped cooked chicken at the end, if desired.
  • Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter, and your favorite plant based milk. The flavor will be a little different depending on what milk you use.

Use Cream of Chicken Substitute In:

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Recipe

A bowl of Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute on the counter.
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 5 minutes
Total 10 minutes
Save Recipe

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan whisk together milk and cornstarch. Add butter, bouillon, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and parsley.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, simmer for 30 more seconds to thicken.
  • Use in recipes to replace one (10.75 oz) can of cream of (anything) soup.

Notes

*Makes the equivalent of one (10.75 oz) can.
Make Ahead Instructions: This recipe is so easy to make ahead for an even faster dinner. Make the recipe as directed, and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing Instructions: The texture may change a little bit through the freezing/thawing process. Store in a freezer safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw completely in the fridge before using in a recipe.
Variations:
  • Cream of Mushroom: Stir in one (4 oz) can of mushroom pieces to the finished recipe. Use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken, if desired.
  • Cream of Celery: Stir in ½ cup sautéed, chopped celery to the finished recipe. Use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken, if desired.
  • Cream of Broccoli: Stir in ½ cup of finely diced steamed broccoli. Use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken, if desired.
  • Add Chicken: Stir in chopped cooked chicken at the end, if desired.
  • Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter, and your favorite plant based milk. The flavor will be a little different depending on what milk you use.

Nutrition

Calories: 339kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 9gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 1889mgPotassium: 358mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 766IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 296mgIron: 0.2mg

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I originally shared this recipe March 2015. Updated September 2022.

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Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I needed only 2/3 of a can for my 2 chicken enchiladas, so I made 2/3 of this recipe. It was very easy and delicious, much tastier than the can!!! Great recipe, thank you!!

  2. 5 stars
    What are your thoughts on substituting butter powder? I’m hoping to make this in bulk with instructions to add milk when ready to prepare. I’d really love to hear your thoughts. Thank you in advance.

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