Dairy-Free Cream of Chicken Soup Substitutes: Complete Guide
Find the best dairy-free substitutes for cream of chicken soup including plant-based, lactose-free, and vegan options. Perfect for dairy allergies and plant-based diets.
Quick Answer
The best dairy-free substitutes for cream of chicken soup are Coconut Cream + Chicken Broth, Almond Milk + Chicken Broth + Cornstarch, and Cashew Cream + Chicken Broth. These provide creamy texture without any dairy products.
Best Substitutes
Coconut Cream + Chicken Broth
1 cup coconut cream + 1/2 cup brothRich, dairy-free substitute with natural sweetness. Provides excellent creaminess and binding properties.
Best for:
Use full-fat coconut cream, not coconut milk. Mix well and season to taste. Adds slight coconut flavor.
Almond Milk + Chicken Broth + Cornstarch
1 cup almond milk + 1/2 cup broth + 2 tbsp cornstarchLight, dairy-free substitute thickened with cornstarch. Works well for lighter preparations.
Best for:
Use unsweetened almond milk. Mix cornstarch with cold liquid first to avoid lumps.
Cashew Cream + Chicken Broth
1 cup cashew cream + 1/2 cup brothNeutral-flavored, rich substitute made from soaked cashews. Provides excellent creaminess without strong flavor.
Best for:
Soak cashews overnight, then blend with water until smooth. Strain if needed for ultra-smooth texture.
Oat Milk + Chicken Broth + Arrowroot
1 cup oat milk + 1/2 cup broth + 2 tbsp arrowrootCreamy, naturally sweet substitute. Oat milk provides excellent creaminess and binding properties.
Best for:
Use unsweetened oat milk. Arrowroot provides gluten-free thickening.
Soy Milk + Chicken Broth + Flour
1 cup soy milk + 1/2 cup broth + 2 tbsp flourHigh-protein substitute with good binding properties. Works well in most dairy-free recipes.
Best for:
Use unsweetened soy milk. Mix flour with cold liquid first to prevent lumps.
Rice Milk + Chicken Broth + Cornstarch
1 cup rice milk + 1/2 cup broth + 2 tbsp cornstarchLight, hypoallergenic substitute. Rice milk is naturally sweet and works well for sensitive diets.
Best for:
Use unsweetened rice milk. Mix cornstarch with cold liquid first to avoid lumps.
Cauliflower Puree + Chicken Broth
1 cup puree + 1/2 cup brothLow-calorie, nutrient-dense substitute. Provides creaminess without fat or strong flavor.
Best for:
Steam cauliflower until tender, then puree until smooth. Season well with herbs and spices.
Silken Tofu + Chicken Broth
1 cup silken tofu + 1/2 cup brothHigh-protein substitute with neutral flavor. Blends smoothly for creamy consistency.
Best for:
Blend silken tofu until completely smooth. Season well as it has neutral flavor.
Cooking Tips
- 💡For best results, use full-fat plant milks and creams for maximum creaminess
- 💡Always mix thickeners with cold liquid first to prevent lumps
- 💡Coconut cream provides the richest texture but adds coconut flavor
- 💡Cashew cream offers the most neutral flavor for versatile use
- 💡For binding in casseroles, cashew cream and silken tofu work best
- 💡Always taste and adjust seasonings when using dairy-free substitutes
- 💡For extra richness, add a small amount of nutritional yeast
- 💡For gluten-free options, use cornstarch or arrowroot instead of flour
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dairy-free substitute for cream of chicken soup?
The best dairy-free substitutes are Coconut Cream + Chicken Broth (rich texture), Cashew Cream + Chicken Broth (neutral flavor), or Almond Milk + Chicken Broth + Cornstarch (light option).
Can I use coconut cream instead of cream of chicken soup?
Yes, coconut cream + chicken broth is an excellent dairy-free substitute. It provides similar creaminess but adds slight coconut flavor. Use full-fat coconut cream for best results.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup if I'm lactose intolerant?
For lactose intolerance, use Coconut Cream + Chicken Broth, Almond Milk + Chicken Broth + Cornstarch, Cashew Cream + Chicken Broth, or Oat Milk + Chicken Broth + Arrowroot.
Can I use almond milk instead of cream of chicken soup?
Yes, but you'll need to thicken it. Mix almond milk with chicken broth and cornstarch or arrowroot powder, then simmer until thickened. This creates a good dairy-free substitute.
What's a good nut-free dairy-free substitute for cream of chicken soup?
For nut-free dairy-free options, use Oat Milk + Chicken Broth + Arrowroot, Rice Milk + Chicken Broth + Cornstarch, Cauliflower Puree + Chicken Broth, or Silken Tofu + Chicken Broth.
Can I use cashew cream instead of cream of chicken soup?
Yes, cashew cream + chicken broth is an excellent dairy-free substitute. It provides neutral flavor and excellent creaminess. Soak cashews overnight, then blend until smooth.
What's the best dairy-free substitute for cream of chicken soup in casseroles?
For dairy-free casseroles, use Cashew Cream + Chicken Broth, Coconut Cream + Chicken Broth, or Silken Tofu + Chicken Broth. All provide good binding and creaminess without dairy.
Can I make a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute?
Yes, make it using plant milk, chicken broth, and thickener. Mix 1 cup plant milk + 1/2 cup chicken broth + 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot, then simmer until thickened.
Summary
Find the best dairy-free substitutes for cream of chicken soup including plant-based, lactose-free, and vegan options. Perfect for dairy allergies and plant-based diets.