This homemade Cream of Chicken Soup recipe is a direct substitute for condensed soup and adds comforting home cooked flavor to your favorite casseroles and soups. It's also freezer-friendly and easy to make!
Recipe by Stephanie on July 20, 2020
Prep time: PT5M
Cook time: PT10M
Total time: PT15M
Rating
5 stars (312 reviews)
Keywords
Condensed, From Scratch, Homemade, Substitute
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup + 2 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 chicken bouillon cube ( or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon. (Optional- see notes.))
Note: It’s important to whisk continuously throughout this process to ensure the smoothest possible consistency.
Temper the milk by microwaving it for 45 seconds. This prevents curdling but also prevents lumps from forming when it’s added. Set aside.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it fully melt and wait until it starts to foam, about 3 minutes.
Gradually add the flour, whisk continuously for 3-5 minutes, until it’s the consistency of wet sand. Remove from heat.
Add 1/3 of the chicken broth and whisk well. Add 1/3 more, whisk well.
Add the remaining chicken broth, chicken bouillon, warm milk, and seasonings, whisk continuously.
Return to heat and bring to a near boil. Continue to whisk until it begins to get very thick. Immediately remove from heat.
Soup will continue to thicken upon standing.
If possible, run the mixture through a fine mesh strainer for a super-smooth consistency.
Use as a direct substitute for condensed cream of chicken soup, this recipe makes enough for two (10.5 oz.) cans.
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 434 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Cholesterol: 72 mg
Sodium: 2008 mg
Sugar: 6 g
Reviews
Courtney on 2025-12-09 (5 stars): Amazing!!!! You can taste the amazing homemade flavor!! Worth the time! Won't be using cans
Dianne on 2025-12-04 (5 stars): As I’m not familiar with the canned soup, how much liquid should you add to make classic cream of chicken soup? And what liquid? Water, bouillon or milk?
The recipe was super easy so am sure the soup will be great too!
Devon on 2025-12-01 (5 stars): Delicious and creamy!
Aimee on 2025-11-30 (5 stars): Delicious, classic casserole. Easy to add or substitute to fit your preference.
I will also be making her homemade crram of chicken soup to freeze and have on hand. I substitute goat milk for cow milk
Tiffany W. on 2025-11-28 (5 stars): This recipe was very simple to make and delicious. Thanks
Jess on 2025-11-26 (5 stars): I’ve always made my homemade cream of chicken soup, cream of anything soup! It’s so nice to have this recipe to look back on when my brain is overloaded and I need a refresher. And I love adding a little more pepper, a little less salt, or substituting whatever base I need at the moment. Thank you! It’s perfect every time!
Jennifer P. on 2025-11-25 (5 stars): I was skeptical about this recipe, but I’m trying to eat healthier and eliminate as many processed foods as I can, so I gave it a try. I am so glad I did! This recipe is delicious, much better than the canned soup. I am going to make a double batch and get containers to freeze the soup in single serve portions to always have some on hand.
