Cream of Chicken Soup is a staple comfort food that brings warmth and richness to any meal. While the canned version is convenient, nothing compares to the creamy, savory flavor of homemade. Whether you’re enjoying it as a bowl of cozy soup or using it as a base for casseroles, pot pies, or slow cooker recipes, this version is thick, flavorful, and easy to make with pantry basics.
This homemade version is also freezer-friendly, more wholesome than store-bought, and customizable with herbs and add-ins to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup cooked, shredded chicken (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of thyme, parsley, or paprika for flavor
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Roux
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute, until it forms a paste (this is your roux). Cook until it smells slightly nutty but not browned.
Step 2: Add the Liquid
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Then add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Add Chicken (Optional)
- If you want it chunky and hearty, stir in the shredded cooked chicken. For a smoother version, leave the chicken out.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and seasoning to your liking. Remove from heat and serve warm or let cool to store.
Variation:
- Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened almond or oat milk and dairy-free butter
- Low-Sodium: Use homemade broth and reduce added salt
- Herbed Version: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a gourmet touch
- Mushroom Add-In: Add chopped mushrooms to make a cream of chicken & mushroom soup
COOKING Note:
For a thicker soup (like the consistency of canned cream soup), simmer a bit longer or reduce the broth to ¾ cup. For a soupier consistency, increase the broth slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Use as a base for casseroles, like green bean casserole or chicken spaghetti
- Stir into pasta bakes, pot pies, or slow cooker meals
- Serve as a simple soup with crusty bread
- Add veggies like peas, carrots, or corn for a hearty lunch bowl
- Serve with biscuits or a grilled cheese sandwich
Tips:
- Double the batch and freeze for later use—perfect for quick recipes
- Store in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Let cool completely before freezing—store in freezer-safe containers up to 2 months
- Stir often while cooking to prevent clumping
- Add cheese for a rich twist (cheddar or Parmesan)
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per ½ cup serving):
- Calories: ~140
- Protein: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Fat: ~10g
- Sugar: ~2g
- Sodium: ~280mg
- Fiber: 0g
Values may vary based on milk type and optional ingredients.
❓FAQs
Can I freeze homemade cream of chicken soup?
- Yes! Let it cool completely and freeze in individual portions. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Is this the same as condensed soup?
- Yes—this homemade version is equivalent to one can of condensed cream of chicken soup and can be used in any recipe calling for it.
Can I use this in casseroles?
- Absolutely! It’s perfect for baked dishes, crockpot recipes, and pasta bakes.
How can I make it healthier?
- Use low-fat milk and skip the butter for a lighter version, or replace butter with olive oil.
Can I leave out the chicken?
- Yes—it’s delicious as a vegetarian base. Or replace chicken with cooked mushrooms or tofu for plant-based protein.
Conclusion:
Cream of Chicken Soup is more than just a comforting bowl—it’s a kitchen essential that elevates everything from casseroles to pot pies. Making it from scratch not only tastes better, but it also gives you control over the ingredients, salt, and richness.
In just 15 minutes, you can have a homemade version that’s freezer-friendly, flexible, and so much better than anything in a can. Whether spooned up as a cozy soup or stirred into your favorite recipes, this homemade staple belongs in every kitchen.