🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Cream of Chicken Soup Substitutes - Best Alternatives

Find the best substitutes for cream of chicken soup including healthy, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto options. Learn proper ratios and cooking techniques for any recipe.

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Quick Answer

The best substitutes for cream of chicken soup are Homemade Cream of Chicken, Cream of Mushroom Soup, and Chicken Broth with Cream. For dietary needs, try Greek Yogurt + Chicken Broth (healthy), Coconut Cream + Chicken Broth (vegan), or Almond Milk + Chicken Broth (dairy-free).

Best Substitutes

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

1:1

Make your own using chicken broth, cream, flour, and seasonings. This gives you complete control over ingredients and is healthier than canned versions.

Best for:

all recipeshealthier optioncustomizing flavorcasserolessoupssauces

Mix 1 cup chicken broth + 1/2 cup cream + 2 tbsp flour + seasonings. Simmer until thickened.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

1:1

The most popular substitute with similar creamy texture. Works in most recipes but adds mushroom flavor instead of chicken.

Best for:

casserolessoupssauceswhen mushroom flavor is acceptable

Same texture and consistency as cream of chicken soup. Use in equal amounts.

Greek Yogurt + Chicken Broth

1 cup yogurt + 1/2 cup broth

Healthy substitute that adds protein and probiotics. Creates similar creamy consistency with tangy flavor.

Best for:

healthy recipeswhen you want added proteincasserolesdips

Use plain Greek yogurt. Mix well to avoid curdling. Add at the end of cooking.

Coconut Cream + Chicken Broth

1 cup coconut cream + 1/2 cup broth

Vegan and dairy-free substitute with rich, creamy texture. Adds slight coconut flavor.

Best for:

vegan recipesdairy-free dietscasserolessoupssauces

Use full-fat coconut cream, not coconut milk. Mix well and season to taste.

Almond Milk + Chicken Broth + Cornstarch

1 cup almond milk + 1/2 cup broth + 2 tbsp cornstarch

Dairy-free and gluten-free substitute. Thicken with cornstarch for proper consistency.

Best for:

dairy-free dietsgluten-free dietsvegan recipescasseroles

Use unsweetened almond milk. Mix cornstarch with cold liquid first to avoid lumps.

Sour Cream + Chicken Broth

1 cup sour cream + 1/2 cup broth

Tangy substitute that works well in many recipes. Adds richness and acidity.

Best for:

casserolesdipswhen you want tangy flavorbaked dishes

Mix well to avoid curdling. Add at the end of cooking and don't boil.

Evaporated Milk + Chicken Broth

1 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup broth

Creamy substitute with similar consistency to cream of chicken soup. Less processed than condensed soup.

Best for:

casserolessoupssauceswhen you want creamy texture

Use regular evaporated milk, not sweetened condensed milk. Season to taste.

Cream of Celery Soup

1:1

Similar creamy soup with celery flavor instead of chicken. Works well in most recipes.

Best for:

casserolessoupssauceswhen celery flavor is acceptable

Same texture and consistency. Use in equal amounts by volume.

Cooking Tips

💡For homemade versions, always mix flour with cold liquid first to prevent lumps
💡When using dairy substitutes, add them at the end of cooking to prevent curdling
💡Season homemade substitutes well - they need more salt and herbs than canned versions
💡For gluten-free options, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour
💡Cream of chicken soup substitutes work best in slow-cooked dishes like casseroles
💡For keto diets, use heavy cream instead of milk and thicken with xanthan gum
💡Vegetarian options work well but may need additional seasoning for depth of flavor
💡Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for cream of chicken soup?

The best substitute depends on your needs: Cream of Mushroom Soup for similar texture, Homemade Cream of Chicken for authentic flavor, Greek Yogurt + Chicken Broth for healthy option, or Coconut Cream + Chicken Broth for vegan diets.

Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup?

Yes, cream of mushroom soup is the most popular substitute. It has identical texture and consistency but adds mushroom flavor instead of chicken. Use in equal amounts (1:1 ratio).

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup in casseroles?

For casseroles, try Cream of Mushroom Soup, Homemade Cream of Chicken, or Greek Yogurt + Chicken Broth. All work well and maintain the creamy texture needed for casseroles.

Is there a healthy substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Yes, try Greek Yogurt + Chicken Broth for added protein, Homemade Cream of Chicken with low-sodium broth, or Coconut Cream + Chicken Broth for a dairy-free option.

What's a good vegetarian substitute for cream of chicken soup?

For vegetarian diets, use Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Celery Soup, or make a homemade version using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I make a dairy-free substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Yes, use Coconut Cream + Chicken Broth, Almond Milk + Chicken Broth + Cornstarch, or Cashew Cream + Chicken Broth. All provide creamy texture without dairy.

What's the best gluten-free substitute for cream of chicken soup?

For gluten-free diets, use Almond Milk + Chicken Broth + Cornstarch, Coconut Cream + Chicken Broth + Arrowroot Powder, or make homemade with gluten-free flour alternatives.

Can I use chicken broth instead of cream of chicken soup?

Chicken broth alone won't provide the creamy texture, but you can mix it with cream, milk, or dairy-free alternatives. Try 1 cup chicken broth + 1/2 cup cream for similar consistency.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for cream of chicken soup including healthy, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto options. Learn proper ratios and cooking techniques for any recipe.