One ingredient that is always stocked in my pantry is cream of chicken soup. It not only makes for a delicious soup on its own but also works as an excellent base for casseroles, enchiladas, sauces, and other soups.
But if you are planning a vegetarian meal or are out of it, you might want to take a look at its substitutes.
Some of the best cream of chicken soup substitutes are full-fat Greek yogurt, coconut milk and chicken broth, sour cream, thickening powders, roux, and whipping cream.
All these ingredients work the same magic as cream of chicken soup does. So, for whatever reason you may be searching for its alternatives, we’ve got the best options for you.
Cream of chicken soup is a combination of hearty chicken, rich cream, and savory stock. The beauty of it is that it has many uses. Come, let’s check out all the substitutes for the cream of chicken soup and how to use them.
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12 Best Cream of Chicken Soup Substitutes
Cream of chicken soup is a great item to have in your pantry. But if you want a change of flavor, a vegetarian alternative, or are out of it, you can use its substitutes.
1. Full Fat Greek Yogurt
If you are on the lookout for the most easily available cream of chicken soup alternative, then full-fat Greek yogurt is one of the best options to try. It works as a perfect thickening agent and also brings a tangy flavor to the dish.
Full-fat Greek yogurt can be used for both non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes. To create a rich chicken-flavored base, you can combine full-fat Greek yogurt with chicken stock. Or else, you can use it on its own to prepare a creamy base for a sauce or casserole.
If you’re looking to reduce the fat content of your dish, you can swap full-fat Greek yogurt for low-fat.
2. Coconut Milk and Chicken Broth
Coconut milk and chicken broth are a match made in heaven. This substitute for cream of chicken soup makes for a flavorful and nourishing mix that is also perfect for lactose-intolerant people.
To achieve the rich creaminess of cream of chicken soup using this substitute, opt for full-fat coconut milk. All you have to do is mix equal parts of chicken broth with full-fat coconut milk. While the chicken broth brings on board a savory flavor, coconut milk provides a rich base.
You can also make a vegetarian version of it by combining coconut milk with vegetable stock. The creamy consistency of this substitute won’t let you feel the absence of the cream of chicken soup.
3. Sour Cream
Like full-fat Greek yogurt, sour cream also acts as a thickening agent. Thus, it works best in recipes where the cream of chicken soup is used to create a rich and creamy base.
It should be noted that sour cream doesn’t bring the same flavor profile as cream of chicken soup. However, it picks up other flavors well.
Thus, you can transform the flavor of sour cream by adding the desired seasonings. Or else, you can combine sour cream with chicken broth to achieve the savory taste of chicken.
4. Roux
Roux is a combination of fat and flour that acts as a thickening agent for soups, sauces, and curries.
It is prepared by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Flour is added gradually once the butter is melted while whisking the mix continuously.
The ratio of flour to fat depends on the thickness and consistency desired for the sauce or soup you are making. It is cooked until it turns light brown and develops a nutty aroma.
While roux won’t provide the exact flavor of cream of chicken soup, you can replicate its flavor by adding it to chicken stock. This combination can be used to make soups, sauces, or curries.
5. Thickening Powders
Thickening powders can be a useful substitute for cream of chicken soup in recipes that require a creamy and thick consistency. Some popular types of thickening powders include cornstarch, flour, arrowroot powder, and potato starch.
The best part about using thickening powders is that they are dairy-free, and some may also be gluten-free. Thickening powders can be mixed with water, chicken, or vegetable broth. But they should always be mixed together before being added to the dish.
6. Beurre Manié
Beurre manié is a French name for kneaded butter and flour. It is made with equal parts flour and softened butter, kneaded together to form a paste. This high-fat ingredient is used as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and stews.
Beurre manié also makes for a good option for vegetarians. Just like roux, the thick paste is added to a warm liquid to thicken it. You can use Beurre manié as a base for many dishes.
7. Whipping Cream
Whipping cream has a high-fat content cream that is used in many recipes to create a rich and creamy texture. It is used to add body to desserts, sauces, and soups.
If your recipe calls for cream of chicken soup for thickness, then whipping cream is a good option. However, it doesn’t have the savory flavor of chicken.
8. Slurry
A slurry is a mixture of water and a thickening agent, such as arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or flour. It is commonly used to thicken sauces, soups, and gravies.
The slurry is made by mixing equal parts of the thickening agent with cold water until smooth. It is gradually added to a hot liquid that you want to thicken by stirring it constantly. The heat activates the starch or flour in the slurry that thickens the liquid to create a smooth and silky texture.
It should be noted that slurry on its own will not work in place of cream of chicken soup if the desired flavor is of chicken. However, it will work as a thickening agent. You can create the same flavor by making the slurry using chicken stock instead of water.
9. Cream of Mushroom Soup
Till now, you have read about the substitutes for the cream of chicken soup that can help you create a similar base for your recipes. However, you can also use some soups that can add an umami flavor to your dish.
This is where the cream of mushroom soups comes in. Cream of mushroom soup has a similar consistency as cream of chicken soup. While it doesn’t contain the savory flavor of chicken, it adds an umami flavor of its own. It is also a great alternative for vegetarians.
Cream of mushroom soup can be added to soup, stew, casserole, pasta, and meat dishes. Its flavors will surely make it your new favorite.
10. Cream of Shrimp Soup
If you enjoy the flavors of seafood, cream of shrimp soup can be a good choice for you as an alternative to the cream of chicken soup. It can be used in the same amount as cream of chicken soup. However, it will add a creamy, sweet, and salty flavor to shrimp.
Cream of shrimp soup will work in chowders, creamy pasta dishes, and casseroles.
11. Cream of Bacon Soup
Another alternative for the cream of chicken soup is cream of bacon soup. It is a heavenly treat for bacon lovers.
Cream of bacon soup has a smoky, salty, and savory flavor. It can be swapped in a 1:1 ratio with cream of chicken soup. You can add cream of bacon soup in place of cream of chicken soup in dishes like pasta, au gratins, as a sauce for meat and vegetable dishes, and in casseroles.
12. Cream Of Potato Soup
If you require a vegetarian alternative to the cream of chicken soup, you can opt for the cream of potato soup. This soup provides a nice thick texture because of the presence of starch in potatoes. Thus, it adds a rich and full-bodied taste. You can use cream of potato soup in soups, stews, casseroles, pasta, sauces, and dips.
Short Recap Of Best Substitutes For Cream Of Chicken Soup
Here is a little recap of the best substitutes for the cream of chicken soup on a few factors.
Best Cream Of Chicken Soup Substitutes Per Availability:
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Roux
- Thickening Powder
- Cream of Shrimp Soup
- Coconut milk and Chicken Broth
Best Cream Of Chicken Soup Substitutes For Similar Texture:
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Cream Of Potato Soup
- Cream of Bacon Soup
- Cream of Shrimp Soup
- Full-Fat Greek Yogurt
Best Cream Of Chicken Soup Vegetarian Substitutes:
- Cream Of Potato Soup
- Beurre manié
- Roux
- Whipping Cream
- Full-fat Greek yogurt
- Sour Cream
How To Use Cream Of Chicken Soup Substitutes
12 Best Cream of Chicken Soup Substitutes You Need To Try
Ingredients
- Roux
- Slurry
- Thickening Powders
- Sour Cream
- Whipping Cream
- Full-Fat Greek yogurt
- Cream of Mushroom Soups
- Cream of Shrimp Soup
- Cream of Potato Soup
- Cream of Bacon Soup
- Beurre Manié
- Coconut milk and Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe.
- Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
- Use the substitute in the required amount and make the dish according to the recipe.
Conclusion
Cream of chicken is a decadent and creamy soup that acts as a thickening agent and a base for many dishes. However, it has many substitutes that can be used for carrying out similar purposes.
The best part about the cream of chicken soup alternatives is that they are suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. So, now that you are aware of quite a few alternatives try out the most suitable substitute for your dish and tell us how it worked for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to use cream of chicken soup?
Cream of chicken soup can be used in many ways apart from drinking it only as a soup. It can be used as a thickening agent, as a base for sauces or gravies.
What can be used in place of cream of chicken soup?
Cream of chicken soup has many substitutes. These include roux, slurry, whipped cream, sour cream, full-fat Greek yogurt, cream of potato soup, cream of mushroom soup, cream of shrimp soup, and more.
Is cream of chicken soup and chicken broth the same?
No, cream of chicken and chicken broth are different things. Cream of chicken soup is a creamy soup made of chicken broth, milk, and butter. On the other hand, chicken broth is a flavorful liquid made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs in water.
