Cream of chicken substitutes
Cream of chicken substitutes — 3 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cream of mushroom
Same amount as the cream of chicken
Creamy soup base with mushroom flavor instead of chicken.
The best substitutes for cream of chicken are cream of mushroom, chicken broth with cream, or homemade cream of chicken, depending on the use.
Condensed cream of chicken soup is a ready-made thick sauce: in a casserole it is what makes the mixture creamy and clingy instead of watery, and it brings the fat, the liquid, the salt and the chicken flavour with it in one can.
- Best for —
- casseroles
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Fat & richnesssecondary
- Moisture & hydrationsecondary
- Saltsecondary
- Umami & savory depthsecondary
- Aroma & flavor identitysecondary
- Thickeningprimary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cream of chicken |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cream of mushroomcasseroles | Same amount |
| 2 | Chicken broth + creamcooking | Same amountPlus cream to taste |
| 3 | Homemade cream of chickenall uses | Same amount |
Cream of mushroom
Mushroom flavor instead of chicken
Creamy soup base with mushroom flavor instead of chicken.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Thickening
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- casseroles, soups, gravies, when you want mushroom flavor
- Texture
- Similar creamy, thick consistency
Different flavor profile, similar creamy texture.
Chicken broth + cream
Similar chicken flavor to cream of chicken
Homemade version using chicken broth and cream.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Thickening
- Best for
- cooking, casseroles, soups, when you want to control ingredients
- Texture
- Similar creamy, thick consistency
- Prep
- Mix 1 cup chicken broth with ½ cup heavy cream. Thicken with 2 tbsp flour if needed.
Most similar substitute, can adjust thickness and flavor.
Homemade cream of chicken
Same chicken flavor as cream of chicken
From-scratch version made with chicken stock, cream, and flour.
- Covers
- Fat & richness
- Moisture & hydration
- Salt
- Umami & savory depth
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Thickening
- Best for
- all uses, when you want fresh ingredients, customizing flavor, avoiding preservatives
- Texture
- Same creamy, thick consistency
- Prep
- Melt 2 tbsp butter, whisk in 2 tbsp flour, add 1 cup chicken stock and ½ cup cream. Cook until thickened.
Most authentic substitute, can customize flavor and thickness.
Questions
3 questionsCan I use cream of mushroom instead of cream of chicken?
Yes, cream of mushroom is a good substitute for cream of chicken, but it will have a mushroom flavor instead of chicken.
What's the difference between cream of chicken and cream of mushroom?
Cream of chicken is made with chicken stock and has a chicken flavor, while cream of mushroom is made with mushroom stock and has a mushroom flavor.
Can I make cream of chicken at home?
Yes, mix chicken stock with cream and thicken with flour or cornstarch to make homemade cream of chicken.
Tips for substituting cream of chicken
4 tips- Cream of chicken adds richness and flavor to casseroles and soups
- It's commonly used in green bean casserole and chicken pot pie
- Cream of chicken can be made at home with chicken stock and cream
- It pairs well with vegetables, rice, and pasta