11 Chicken Soup Cream Substitutes for a Creamy, Savory Base

When you’re looking to add a rich, creamy element to your recipe, you often reach for Cream of Chicken Soup. But what if you want more control over the ingredients or need a dairy-free or vegan alternative? You’re not stuck with the same old canned soup.

You can explore homemade options, dairy-free substitutes, or even concentrated flavor boosters to elevate your dish.

From Cashew Cream Chicken Base to Roasted Chicken and Garlic Paste, there are plenty of options to choose from. Now, it’s time to discover the perfect substitute to take your recipe to the next level.

At a Glance

• Homemade cream of chicken mix offers control over ingredients and customization options, storing for up to six months.
• Dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream chicken base and coconut milk and spices provide luxurious and unique flavor profiles.
• Low-sodium and low-calorie substitutes, such as low-sodium chicken broth concentrate and Greek yogurt and chicken broth, cater to specific dietary needs.
• Vegan cream of chicken alternatives and vegan cream of chicken soup alternatives use plant-based broths and protein sources for a customizable flavor profile.
• Concentrated flavor boosters like creamy chicken and herb paste and roasted chicken and garlic paste add depth and richness to dishes.

Homemade Cream of Chicken Mix

About 10 minutes of your time is all it takes to whip up a homemade cream of chicken mix that’s tailored to your taste preferences and free from preservatives.

This homemade convenience allows you to control the ingredients and create a flavor profile that suits your taste buds. You can customize the mix by adding your favorite herbs and spices, making it a perfect addition to your pantry staples.

When making your own cream of chicken mix, you can choose the type of chicken broth and seasonings to use, ensuring that the flavor enhancers are exactly what you need.

You can also adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to suit your dietary requirements. This mix is perfect for soups, casseroles, and sauces, and can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months.

With this homemade cream of chicken mix, you can say goodbye to store-bought preservatives and hello to a delicious, customizable flavor that’s all your own.

Greek Yogurt and Chicken Broth

You’ve taken control of your pantry with your homemade cream of chicken mix, but sometimes you need a quicker substitute in a pinch.

That’s where Greek yogurt and chicken broth come in – a dynamic duo that will save the day. By combining these two ingredients, you’ll create a creamy, savory base that’s perfect for soups, casseroles, or pasta dishes.

The Greek yogurt benefits are twofold: it adds a tangy flavor and a velvety texture.

The acidity in the yogurt helps to break down the proteins in the chicken broth, creating a rich, creamy consistency. Plus, Greek yogurt is high in protein and low in calories, making it a healthier alternative to traditional cream-based soups.

To use this substitute, simply mix 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup of chicken broth.

You can adjust the ratio to achieve your desired consistency. This combination is especially great in creamy soups or sauces, where you want a thick, velvety texture without the added fat.

With Greek yogurt and chicken broth, you’ll have a quick, easy, and healthy substitute for cream of chicken soup that’s sure to please.

Cashew Cream Chicken Base

Transform your dishes with the rich, creamy flavor of cashew cream chicken base, a game-changing substitute for traditional cream of chicken soup.

This innovative alternative offers numerous cashew benefits, including a boost of magnesium, copper, and zinc.

By blending soaked cashews with chicken broth and spices, you’ll create a velvety, creamy texture that’s perfect for soups, sauces, and casseroles.

To make cashew cream chicken base, simply soak cashews in water for a few hours, then blend them with chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

You can customize the flavor to your liking by adding dried herbs or spices.

The result is a luxurious, dairy-free base that’s free from preservatives and artificial ingredients.

Use it as a 1:1 substitute for cream of chicken soup in recipes, or experiment with new creations.

With its rich, indulgent flavor and versatility, cashew cream chicken base is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Coconut Milk and Spices

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to cream of chicken soup that’s also low in calories, consider combining coconut milk with spices for a rich and creamy substitute.

This option is perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. By blending coconut milk with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, you’ll create a flavorful and aromatic base that’s free from dairy and low in calories.

The coconut flavor will add a unique twist to your dish, while the spices will provide a savory depth. If you want to give your substitute a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick.

You can also customize the spice blend to your taste preferences, making it a versatile option for various recipes.

When using coconut milk and spices as a substitute, keep in mind that it may have a slightly thicker consistency than traditional cream of chicken soup. Simply adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe accordingly, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious and creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Concentrate

Mix low-sodium chicken broth concentrate with water to create a substitute for cream of chicken soup that’s lower in sodium and calories. This option is perfect for those who want to reduce their sodium intake without sacrificing flavor.

When you mix the concentrate with water, you’ll get a rich, savory broth that’s similar to cream of chicken soup but with a substantially lower sodium content.

The flavor profile of low-sodium chicken broth concentrate is neutral, which makes it an excellent base for your recipes.

You can add your own spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking. Additionally, this substitute is also lower in calories compared to traditional cream of chicken soup, making it an excellent option for health-conscious individuals.

When using low-sodium chicken broth concentrate, be sure to follow the package instructions for the correct ratio of concentrate to water.

This will guarantee that you get the right consistency and flavor for your recipe. With this substitute, you can enjoy a creamy, savory base without the guilt of excessive sodium or calories.

Creamy Chicken and Herb Paste

You can also turn to creamy chicken and herb paste as a substitute for cream of chicken soup.

This paste is a concentrated blend of chicken, fresh herbs, and spices that adds depth and richness to your dishes. When reconstituted with water or broth, it creates a creamy, savory base that’s perfect for soups, sauces, and casseroles.

The beauty of creamy chicken and herb paste lies in its versatility.

You can customize the flavor profiles to suit your taste preferences by adding different herbs and spices. For instance, you can add thyme and rosemary for a savory, earthy flavor or parsley and dill for a brighter, fresher taste.

To use creamy chicken and herb paste as a substitute for cream of chicken soup, simply mix it with water or broth according to the package instructions.

Then, add it to your recipe as you’d the canned soup. With its rich, velvety texture and customizable flavor, creamy chicken and herb paste is an excellent alternative to traditional cream of chicken soup.

Chicken and Mushroom Duxelles

In the domain of flavor-packed substitutes for cream of chicken soup, chicken and mushroom duxelles is a game-changer.

This French-inspired mixture of sautéed mushrooms and chicken adds an earthy flavor that elevates any dish.

By incorporating French techniques, you’ll create a rich, savory base that’s perfect for soups, stews, or casseroles.

To make chicken and mushroom duxelles, you’ll need finely chopped mushrooms, onions, and chicken.

Sauté them in butter until they’re soft and fragrant, then season with thyme, salt, and pepper.

The result is a velvety, umami-rich mixture that’s a far cry from the processed taste of cream of chicken soup.

When you use chicken and mushroom duxelles as a substitute, you’ll notice a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with other ingredients.

It’s a versatile mixture that can be used in a variety of recipes, from creamy soups to hearty stews.

Vegan Cream of Chicken Alternative

While the rich flavors of chicken and mushroom duxelles may not be suitable for every palate, vegan alternatives can provide a similar depth of flavor without the animal products.

You can create a vegan cream of chicken alternative by using plant-based broths and vegan protein sources. For example, you can use a mushroom-based broth and add tofu or tempeh as a protein source.

You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to create a flavor profile that’s similar to traditional cream of chicken soup.

When choosing a vegan protein source, consider using textured vegetable protein, seitan, or vegan chicken strips. These options can provide a similar texture to chicken and can be easily incorporated into your vegan cream of chicken alternative.

Additionally, you can add sautéed vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery to add depth and complexity to your dish. By combining these ingredients, you can create a rich and creamy sauce that’s perfect for vegan dishes like pasta, casseroles, and soups.

Chicken and Leek Puree

Several tablespoons of sautéed leeks can elevate a dish and add a depth of flavor reminiscent of chicken.

This is because leeks have a mild, sweet, and slightly oniony flavor profile that complements chicken beautifully.

When you combine sautéed leeks with cooked chicken, you create a rich and savory puree that’s perfect for soups, sauces, or casseroles.

To make a chicken and leek puree, you can use various chicken variations, such as roasted, grilled, or poached chicken.

Simply sauté the leeks in butter or oil until they’re soft and fragrant, then add in the cooked chicken and blend until smooth.

You can also add in some chicken broth or cream to achieve the desired consistency.

This puree is an excellent substitute for cream of chicken soup, as it’s free from preservatives and additives.

Plus, you can customize the flavor to your liking by adding herbs, spices, or other aromatics.

With its rich, velvety texture and deep flavor, your dishes will be sure to impress.

Roasted Chicken and Garlic Paste

You can also harness the flavor of roasted chicken to create a rich and savory paste that’s perfect for enriching soups, sauces, or casseroles.

By roasting chicken with garlic, onions, and herbs, you can extract the chicken essence and intensify the roasted flavors. Simply blend the roasted mixture into a smooth paste, and you’ll have a concentrated flavor booster to elevate your dishes.

To make the paste, roast 1-2 pounds of chicken with 2-3 cloves of garlic, 1 onion, and your choice of herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley) at 425°F (220°C) for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are caramelized.

Let the mixture cool, then blend it into a smooth paste. You can store the paste in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for later use.

This roasted chicken and garlic paste is a game-changer for adding depth and richness to your recipes.

Use it as a substitute for cream of chicken soup in soups, sauces, or casseroles, or as a flavor enhancer in its own right.

Healthy Store-Bought Soup Bases

Frequently, when you’re short on time, store-bought soup bases can be a convenient fallback for adding flavor to your dishes.

However, many commercial options are high in sodium and preservatives. Fortunately, you can find healthy store-bought soup bases that cater to your dietary needs.

Look for organic options or brands that use natural ingredients and minimal processing.

Some popular healthy alternatives include Pacific Foods’ Organic Creamy Tomato Soup Base and Amy’s Organic Cream of Tomato Soup.

These brands prioritize using wholesome ingredients, reducing sodium content, and eliminating artificial preservatives.

You can also explore brands like Imagine Foods, which offers a range of organic and low-sodium soup bases.

When shopping, be sure to read labels and opt for products with fewer ingredients and less added salt.

FAQs

Can I Use These Substitutes in Recipes That Call for Condensed Soup?

When using substitutes in recipes that call for condensed soup, you’ll need to make recipe adjustments, like scaling back liquid or spices, to guarantee the flavor profiles align, and your dish turns out rich and savory, not watered down.

Are These Cream of Chicken Substitutes Gluten-Free?

You’ll want to scrutinize the labels for gluten-free certification when choosing a substitute, as some may contain gluten. Be sure to read labels carefully, and if you’re still unsure, contact the manufacturer to verify the product meets your dietary needs.

Can I Make These Substitutes Ahead of Time and Freeze Them?

You can prep these substitutes ahead of time, but freezer safety is key! Portion them into airtight containers or freezer bags, label, and date. For batch preparation, make a large batch, then freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Are There Dairy-Free Alternatives to Cream of Chicken Soup?

You’ll find plenty of dairy-free alternatives to cream of chicken soup, including vegan options made with plant-based milks and non-dairy yogurts, offering a creamy, savory base for your recipes without the dairy.

Can I Use These Substitutes in Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Recipes?

You can definitely use these substitutes in slow cooker or Instant Pot recipes, but keep in mind the slow cooker benefits from longer simmering times, while pressure cooker nuances require adjusting cooking times and liquid ratios for ideal results.