How To Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Ditch the cans! This homemade cream of chicken soup recipe is quick, flavorful, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients.

If you’ve ever reached for a can of cream of chicken soup and thought, “There has to be a better way,” you’re in the right place. This homemade cream of chicken soup recipe is simple, flavorful, and made with pantry staples. Whether you’re using it in casseroles, soups, or as a base for creamy sauces, this recipe is a delicious and wholesome alternative to the canned version. Plus, it’s ready in just minutes!

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, with no complicated steps.
  • Wholesome Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples and no unnecessary additives.
  • Customizable: Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste or your recipe needs.
  • Budget-Friendly: Costs a fraction of store-bought canned soup.
  • Versatile: Use it as a substitute in any recipe calling for canned cream of chicken soup.
Woman stirring homemade cream of chicken soup in a stainless steel pot on a stovetop in a cozy farmhouse kitchen.

Ingredients for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and easy recipe:

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Homemade bone broth adds extra flavor and nutrients, but store-bought works too.
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder: For a subtle garlicky undertone.
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
  • 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the flavors.
  • 1/4 tsp parsley: Adds a pop of fresh, herby flavor.
  • 1/8 tsp paprika: For a hint of smoky warmth.
  • 1 1/2 cups milk, divided: Adds creaminess to the soup.
  • 3/4 cup flour: Acts as the thickener to give the soup its signature creamy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Broth and Seasonings

In a large saucepot, combine the chicken broth, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, parsley, paprika, and 1/2 cup of the milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 90 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld.

2. Mix the Thickener

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and the remaining 1 cup of milk until smooth. This will act as the thickening agent for the soup.

3. Thicken the Soup

Gradually add the flour mixture to the boiling broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture back to a boil, and continue whisking until it thickens. This will happen quickly, so don’t step away!

4. Remove from Heat

Once thickened, remove the soup from heat. Let it cool slightly before using in recipes as a substitute for canned cream of chicken soup.

Tips for the Best Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

  • Use Homemade Broth: If you have homemade chicken or bone broth, it will add a richer flavor and more nutrients to your soup.
  • Whisk Constantly: To avoid lumps, whisk the mixture continuously while adding the thickener and bringing it to a boil.
  • Make It Ahead: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
  • Freeze It: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and whisk well before using.
Homemade cream of chicken soup stored in a glass mason jar, sitting on a rustic wooden surface with a kitchen towel in the background.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk.
  • Add Chicken Flavor: Stir in shredded cooked chicken for a chunkier, heartier soup.
  • Herbs and Spices: Customize the flavor by adding thyme, onion powder, or rosemary.

How to Use Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

This versatile recipe works in countless dishes. Use it as a substitute for canned cream of chicken soup in:

  • Casseroles: Add it to chicken and rice casseroles or green bean casseroles for creamy, delicious results.
  • Soups: Use it as a base for chicken pot pie soup or creamy vegetable soup.
  • Sauces: Turn it into a creamy sauce for pasta or baked chicken dishes.

Follow Me on Pinterest!

Love homemade recipes like this cream of chicken soup? Follow me on Pinterest for more delicious meal ideas, simple homemade staples, and cozy inspiration. Click here to explore and pin your favorites!

Final Thoughts

This homemade cream of chicken soup recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to ditch the cans. With simple ingredients, rich flavor, and endless versatility, it’s the perfect addition to your recipe collection. Once you try this wholesome, made-from-scratch version, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

More Pantry Staples Recipes:

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp parsley
  • 1/8 tsp paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups milk divided
  • 3/4 cup flour

Instructions

  • Boil broth, seasonings, and 1/2 cup milk for 90 seconds in a large saucepot.
  • In a bowl, mix together flour and remaining milk.
  • Add to the boiling mixture and bring back to a boil. It will thicken quickly, be sure to whisk constantly
  • Remove from heat. Use in recipes as you would canned cream of chicken soup.

Notes

This makes the equivalent of two cans of cream of chicken soup. Simply half this recipe if only one can is needed. 

Similar Posts

4 Comments

  1. What??!! This is awesome!! I don’t use it much but I definitely won’t be buying it again. Thank you!!

      1. Hey Amanda! How do you store this or do you use it right away? How long is it good for? Can’t wait to try this! Looking forward to more good things from you!

        1. Those are great questions! I’m working on trying to pressure can it, but I typically keep it in the fridge for a few days. I don’t think it would freeze too well since it’s a cream, but if I try it I’ll let you know!

Comments are closed.