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.
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
1:1Make your own using chicken broth, cream, flour, and seasonings. This gives you complete control over ingredients and is healthier than canned versions.
Best for:
Mix 1 cup chicken broth + 1/2 cup cream + 2 tbsp flour + seasonings. Simmer until thickened.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
1:1The most popular substitute with similar creamy texture. Works in most recipes but adds mushroom flavor instead of chicken.
Best for:
Same texture and consistency as cream of chicken soup. Use in equal amounts.
Greek Yogurt + Chicken Broth
1 cup yogurt + 1/2 cup brothHealthy substitute that adds protein and probiotics. Creates similar creamy consistency with tangy flavor.
Best for:
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 brothVegan and dairy-free substitute with rich, creamy texture. Adds slight coconut flavor.
Best for:
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 cornstarchDairy-free and gluten-free substitute. Thicken with cornstarch for proper consistency.
Best for:
Use unsweetened almond milk. Mix cornstarch with cold liquid first to avoid lumps.
Sour Cream + Chicken Broth
1 cup sour cream + 1/2 cup brothTangy substitute that works well in many recipes. Adds richness and acidity.
Best for:
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 brothCreamy substitute with similar consistency to cream of chicken soup. Less processed than condensed soup.
Best for:
Use regular evaporated milk, not sweetened condensed milk. Season to taste.
Cream of Celery Soup
1:1Similar creamy soup with celery flavor instead of chicken. Works well in most recipes.
Best for:
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
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.