The Best Healthy, Homemade Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup

There’s no doubt about it: store-bought cream of chicken soup is convenient, and it makes soups and casseroles taste great. Unfortunately, it’s not that healthy; a single can contains a ton of fat and calories, not to mention over 2,000 grams of sodium (that’s 95% of your daily value, in case you were wondering). Our healthier substitute for cream of chicken soup can be made in about 15 minutes with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

We’ve already shown you how to make homemade cream of chicken soup, but we wanted to give you a recipe for the concentrated version. Essentially, we’re making a flavored roux that you can use as a true substitute for the stuff in the can. As a bonus, it tastes better than the original because it’s made with wholesome ingredients!

How to Make Cream of Chicken Soup

Use this recipe as a direct swap in for a recipe that calls for one (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup. You can easily use this base recipe to make cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup by adding 1/2 cup finely chopped, cooked mushrooms or celery to this base. You can also spice it up with additional herbs and spices, like garlic or paprika, if you like.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon celery salt

Editor’s tip: You can use any type of milk for this cream of chicken substitute. Keep in mind that the soup base will taste creamier and richer as the fat content of the milk goes up. Skim milk has the least amount of fat, but the soup will be thinner and less flavorful. Heavy cream or half-and-half will be the richest, but it’s also the least healthy. If you want to meet in the middle of health and flavor, whole milk is your best bet.

Instructions

Step 1: Make the roux

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and add the flour. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thick and foamy, about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add the liquid and seasonings

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring the mixture to break up any floury clumps. Add the milk, onion powder, and celery salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes nice and thick, about 5 minutes. The mixture will continue to thicken as it cools. If you’re not ready to use it immediately, store it in the refrigerator.

Can you substitute chicken broth for cream of chicken soup?

Cream of chicken soup has a quality that chicken broth does not: it’s thick and creamy. Substituting chicken broth would give you a similar flavor, but it could water down your soup or casserole. Your best bet is to pick up a can of cream of chicken soup or make our roux-based substitution above.

Can you substitute sour cream for cream of chicken soup?

If you’re short on time and you don’t have a can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream works just fine! It won’t have a chicken-forward flavor, but one cup of sour cream creates the same texture and body as a can of cream of chicken soup.

What recipes work with this substitute for canned cream of chicken soup?

There are so many great ways to use this substitute cream of chicken soup! Add about 1 1/4 cups of milk, chicken broth or water to the base to turn it into soup. From there, you can add shredded chicken, vegetables or other toppings to make it a complete meal (like Chicken Noodle Soup or this tasty White Bean and Chicken Enchilada Soup). It also makes a great addition to casseroles, such as Chicken and Rice Casserole. We also love it for entree dishes, with Creamy Italian Chicken or Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo.

Give it a try with these recipes that start with a can of cream of chicken soup.

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Shrimp Chowder

I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana

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Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Just thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside make for a tasty surprise. The chicken rolls are especially nice served over rice or pasta. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida

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Turkey Lattice Pie

With its pretty lattice crust, this cheesy baked dish is as appealing as it is tasty. It's easy to make, too, since it uses ready-to-go crescent roll dough. —Lorraine Naig, Emmetsburg, Iowa

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Pork and Green Chile Casserole

I work at a local hospital and another job part time, so I'm always on the lookout for good, quick recipes to fix for my family. Some of my co-workers and I exchange recipes. This zippy casserole is one that was brought to a picnic at my house. People raved over it. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio

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Zippy Chicken Enchiladas

Leftover chicken gets an awesome makeover in this rich and creamy casserole. This colorful dish is loaded with flavor. It's a nice change of pace from beef enchiladas. —Julie Moutray, Wichita, Kansas

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Cheesy Fiesta Beef Casserole

Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a wonderful, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos, if you prefer a little more heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Chicken Crescent Wreath

Here's an impressive-looking dish that's a snap to prepare. Even when my cooking time is limited, I can still serve this delicious crescent wreath. The red pepper and green broccoli add a festive touch. —Marlene Denissen, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin

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Comforting Chicken Noodle Soup

A good friend made us this rich, comforting, creamy chicken noodle soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah

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Chicken and Rice Casserole

Everyone loves this dish—I consider it the best chicken and rice casserole recipe because it's a tasty combination of hearty and crunchy ingredients mixed in a creamy sauce. It's a time-tested classic. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia

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Great Pork Chop Bake

A friend brought this hearty smothered pork chops dish to our home when I returned from the hospital with our youngest child. Since then, we have enjoyed it many times. It's a snap to throw together on a busy day, then pop in the oven to bake. —Rosie Glenn, Los Alamos, New Mexico

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Chicken Divan

This tasty chicken divan recipe was given to me by a friend years ago, and it's been a family favorite ever since. My daughters enjoy making this dish in their own homes and get the same enthusiastic compliments I always do! —Mary Pat Lucia, North East, Pennsylvania

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White Turkey Chili

Here's proof that chili doesn't have to be red. I combined several recipes and changed flavors until the recipe was just right. Trust me, this one is a keeper. —Tina Barrett, Houston, Texas

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Chicken Casserole

The original old family recipe for this chicken casserole called for the sauce to be made from scratch. Through the years, I developed this version that takes less time to prepare and still tastes great. It's an attractive main dish. —Ruth Van Dyke, Traverse City, Michigan

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Warm Broccoli Cheese Dip

When my family gathers for a party, someone serves this flavorful, creamy dip. Everyone loves its zip from the jalapeno pepper and the crunch of the broccoli. —Barbara Maiol, Conyers, Georgia

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Creamy Chicken Fettuccine

Convenient canned soup and process American cheese hurry along the assembly of this creamy sauce loaded with delicious chunks of chicken. —Melissa Cowser, Greenville, Texas

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Creamy Hash Brown Casserole

This versatile side dish was dairy-good with the steaks we grilled and is delicious with other meats as well. A creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make this potato casserole ever-popular for family dinners and potlucks. —Teresa Stutzman, Adair, Oklahoma

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Potato Chowder

One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana

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Slow-Cooked Turkey Sandwiches

These sandwiches have been such a hit at office potlucks that I keep copies of the recipe in my desk to hand out. —Diane Twait Nelsen, Ringsted, Iowa

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Grandma's Chicken 'n' Dumpling Soup

I've enjoyed making this rich homemade chicken dumpling soup recipe for over 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois

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Calico Squash Casserole

I love to try out different recipes for the squash I grow in my garden. It's fun to bring this beautiful casserole to potlucks because I know it'll go fast. Even the little ones like it. —Lucille Terry, Frankfort, Kentucky

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Golden Chicken Potpie

The golden crust and creamy sauce make this veggie-packed pie a sure hit. Mild and comforting, the family favorite has convenient freezer instructions for a night when there's no time for prep. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Lemony Turkey Rice Soup

While growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup. —Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana

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Fiesta Chicken

Chili powder and picante sauce add just the right dash to this hearty main dish. It's a snap to assemble since it uses convenience foods. —Teresa Peterson, Kasson, Minnesota

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Meatball Hash Brown Bake

For a seniors potluck at church, I wanted to create a recipe that would incorporate a meat dish and side dish in one. This casserole proved to be a crowd-pleaser, and many people asked for the recipe. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico

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Creamy Italian Chicken

Italian salad dressing mix is like a secret weapon for adding flavor to this creamy chicken dish. Served over rice or pasta, this Italian dressing chicken is rich, delicious and special enough for company. —Maura McGee, Tallahassee, Florida

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Whole Wheat Waffles with Chicken & Spinach Sauce

On a business trip years ago, I got the idea for waffles with chicken and spinach. When I serve it, people go back for seconds, even thirds. —Vicki Melies, Elkhorn, Nebraska

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Chicken Noodle Casserole

Everyone who tries this comforting, cheesy chicken and noodle casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel like I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas

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Vegetable Noodle Casserole

If you're looking for a filling side dish, this recipe fits the bill. It combines nutritious vegetables and hearty noodles in a delectable cream sauce. Whenever I serve this dish, it gets passed around until the pan is scraped clean. —Jeanette Hios, Brooklyn, New York

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Makeover Swiss Chicken Supreme

Stephanie Bell asked our test kitchen to lighten her family-favorite recipe. Even though this makeover recipe is slimmed down, it is still supreme. It has 560 fewer calories, 81 percent less fat and nearly 75 percent less sodium. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin

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Chicken Zucchini Casserole

A co-worker shared this chicken zucchini casserole recipe that was originally her grandmother's. When I make it, I use pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store and fresh zucchini my neighbor gives me from his garden. —Bev Dutro, Dayton, Ohio

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Scalloped Taters

This creamy and comforting slow-cooked side tastes great with almost any main dish and is a snap to assemble with convenient frozen hash browns. It's a good way to make potatoes when your oven is busy with other dishes. —Lucinda Wolker, Somerset, Pennsylvania

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Cheesy Chicken 'n' Shells

When our friend served us this entree, I asked her for the recipe right away. It was so good, I thought I would share it with others. I cut the recipe down for a meal or two, but it can easily be doubled or tripled. —Jodee Harding, Mount Vernon, Ohio

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Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

My daughter has the best cream cheese chicken enchiladas recipe I've ever tried. She brought 10 pans of it to my wedding reception and they were the biggest hit of all the food. So many guests wanted the recipe, we sent it out with our Christmas cards. —Pat Coffee, Kingston, Washington

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Ham & Cheese Casseroles

I got this recipe from my mother and love it because it’s easy and I’ve usually got the ingredients on hand. It freezes well, so I can have an extra ham and cheese casserole handy for when guests show up. Everyone always likes it; there are never leftovers. —Jan Schoshke, Brookville, Kansas

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Corn and Broccoli in Cheese Sauce

This veggie side is a solid standby. Because it's made in a slow cooker, there's more room in the oven for other dishes. My daughter likes to add leftover ham to hers. —Joyce Johnson, Uniontown, Ohio

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

I got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois

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Wine-Braised Chicken with Pearl Onions

This is a family favorite handed down from my grandmother in London. She made it for every family gathering. It was always the first food to go on the table and the first one to disappear. —Wayne Barnes, Montgomery, Alabama

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Hearty Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This gooey casserole is so hearty and homey, second helpings are a must! —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California

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Quicker Chicken and Dumplings

Ready in 30 minutes, this easy chicken and dumplings recipe takes advantage of convenience items and uses time-saving, drop-style dumplings. —Willie DeWaard, Coralville, Iowa

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Chicken & Egg Noodle Casserole

A friend and her family went through a really difficult time, and I felt so awful for them. Bringing over this casserole was the one thing I could think of to help them out in a tiny way and let them know I was thinking of them. —Lin Krankel, Oxford, Michigan

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Muffin-Tin Chicken Potpies

I made these personalized chicken pot pies in muffin tins for my kids, and they gobbled them up. For the record, the grown-ups did, too! —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana

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Deluxe Hash Brown Casserole

My son-in-law gave me the recipe for this hash brown casserole, which my kids say is addictive. It's an amazing make-ahead dish.—Amy Oswalt, Burr, Nebraska

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White Bean & Chicken Enchilada Soup

I made this soup to please my daughters’ craving for creaminess, my husband’s for spice and mine for white beans. Garnish with jalapenos, sour cream and green onions. —Darcy Gonzalez, Palmdale, California

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Buffalo chicken is a favorite in our household. Combine it with pasta and you have the ultimate comfort food. If you prefer less spicy food, the addition of sour cream, ranch dressing and mozzarella provides a creamy texture and cooler flavor that nicely balances the spice in this buffalo chicken pasta dish. —Kathy White, Henderson, Nevada

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Grandma's Cornbread Dressing

Growing up, we didn’t have turkey. We had chicken, chopped and baked in my grandmother’s dressing. Now we leave out the chicken and keep the cornbread dressing. —Suzanne Mohme, Bastrop, Texas

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The post The Best Healthy, Homemade Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup appeared first on Taste of Home.

Lindsay D. Mattison