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Easy Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Substitute

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy homemade cream of chicken soup featuring visible shreds of chicken and herbs.

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Make a rich, creamy substitute for canned condensed soup using simple pantry staples. This recipe is perfect for casseroles and tastes much better than store-bought versions.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil rapidly.
  5. Stir in the shredded chicken, salt, and pepper.
  6. Heat through for 1 minute. Use immediately in your favorite casserole or serve as soup.

Notes

  • For a freezer-friendly version, cool the soup completely before storing it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
  • If you want a thicker consistency for a casserole base, reduce the milk to 3/4 cup.
  • You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth if needed.

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