Elevate your everyday cooking with a simple yet incredibly flavorful base. This homemade cream of chicken recipes article will guide you through creating your own versatile cream of chicken soup. It’s perfect as a foundational ingredient for countless dishes. You’ll discover superior flavor, better nutrition, and incredible versatility, making it a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cream of Chicken Recipe
Say goodbye to store-bought cans and hello to a richer, more natural flavor. This recipe offers numerous benefits that make it an instant favorite for busy parents and beginners alike.
- Rich, Natural Flavor: Experience a depth of taste far superior to anything from a can.
- No Artificial Ingredients: Enjoy a wholesome base free from preservatives and unpronounceable additives.
- Cost-Effective: Save money by making this pantry-friendly recipe at home.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings and consistency to fit any dish.
- Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a batch ahead of time for quick future meals.
- Quick & Easy: This simple process takes minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards amazing cream of chicken recipes. Here’s what you’ll need for this foundational soup:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon, optional)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- ⅓ teaspoon EACH: celery salt, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many ingredients. Use unsalted butter to control sodium, or salted if preferred. All-purpose flour is standard, but you can use a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a GF option. Chicken broth offers a lighter flavor, while chicken stock is richer. Adding a chicken bouillon cube or Better Than Bouillon intensifies the chicken flavor, which is highly recommended for robust cream of chicken recipes. Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but 2% or skim milk works too, just with a slightly thinner result. Adjust celery salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to your taste.
Equipment Essentials
Making homemade cream of chicken doesn’t require any fancy gadgets. You likely have everything you need already!
- Medium Saucepan: For cooking the roux and soup.
- Whisk: Essential for a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer (Optional): To achieve an exceptionally smooth texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating delicious cream of chicken recipes starts with mastering this simple base. Follow these steps for a perfectly smooth and flavorful homemade cream of chicken.
First, temper the milk by microwaving it for about 45 seconds. This warms it gently, preventing curdling and lumps later. Set this aside. Next, melt the butter in your saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to fully melt and foam, which usually takes around three minutes. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
Now, gradually add the flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously as you incorporate it. Continue whisking for 3-5 minutes until the mixture resembles wet sand. This creates your roux, the thickening agent. Understanding the culinary science behind a perfect roux is key to many classic sauces. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately after the roux is ready.
Carefully add one-third of the chicken broth to the roux and whisk vigorously until it’s fully combined and smooth. Repeat this process with another third of the broth, whisking thoroughly each time. This gradual addition prevents lumps. Finally, whisk in the remaining chicken broth, the chicken bouillon (if using), your warm milk, and all the specified seasonings.
Return the saucepan to medium heat. Bring the mixture to a near boil, whisking constantly. Continue whisking as it heats until it starts to thicken considerably. As soon as it reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat. The soup will continue to thicken further as it cools. For an extra-smooth consistency, you can optionally strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve.
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving a perfect homemade cream of chicken is easy with these simple tips. Always whisk continuously, especially when adding liquids to the roux, to prevent any lumps. Tempering your milk before adding it to the hot roux is vital; this gentle warming ensures it blends smoothly without curdling. Cook your roux until it’s lightly browned, which deepens its flavor. If lumps do form, a quick pass through a fine-mesh strainer or even a few pulses with an immersion blender will smooth them out. For a thicker consistency, simmer a little longer; for thinner, add a splash more broth or milk.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
This homemade cream of chicken is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic addition to many cream of chicken recipes.
How to Use Homemade Cream of Chicken
This recipe provides enough to substitute two 10.5-ounce cans of condensed cream of chicken soup. It’s the perfect foundation for creamy casseroles, such as a comforting chicken divan or a hearty green bean casserole. You can also use it as a base for delicious creamy soups and stews, adding depth and richness. Incorporate it into pasta sauces for an extra creamy texture, or thin it slightly to make a flavorful gravy for mashed potatoes or biscuits.
Storage & Freezing
Store any leftover homemade cream of chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual or meal-sized portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 4 months. For comprehensive guidelines on safe food handling and storage, consult the USDA’s Food Safety Basics. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before using. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, whisking well to recombine any separated ingredients. Due to its dairy content, this homemade soup is not suitable for canning.
Nutrition Information
Making your own cream of chicken soup gives you control over the ingredients, often resulting in a healthier option than store-bought.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120-150 kcal |
| Protein | 4-6 g |
| Fat | 7-10 g |
| Carbs | 9-12 g |
Estimates vary based on exact ingredients and proportions. This homemade version contains essential macronutrients and can contribute to your daily intake of various vitamins and minerals found in milk and broth. Note that sodium content can vary significantly based on your choice of broth, bouillon, and added salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many home cooks have questions about making their own cream of chicken recipes. Here are some common inquiries.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The thickening properties should remain similar.
How can I reduce the sodium?
Use low-sodium chicken broth and omit the chicken bouillon cube. You can also reduce or eliminate the added salt to fit your dietary needs.
Can I add cooked chicken to the soup?
Yes, you can stir in finely shredded or diced cooked chicken at the very end of the cooking process. This instantly turns it into a hearty chicken soup.
What if my soup turns out lumpy?
Don’t worry! Pass the soup through a fine-mesh strainer or use an immersion blender to smooth out any lumps. Consistent whisking also helps prevent them.
How long does homemade cream of chicken last?
When stored in an airtight container, it lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 4 months in the freezer. Always label with the date.
Can I use a different type of milk?
While whole milk offers the creamiest texture, 2% or skim milk can be used. Just be aware the final consistency might be slightly thinner.
Conclusion
Embracing homemade cream of chicken recipes transforms your cooking with superior flavor, impressive versatility, and remarkable ease. This foundational recipe offers a healthier, more delicious alternative to canned versions, empowering you to create countless comforting meals. We encourage you to try this simple recipe and discover the difference. Share your creations and leave a review; we love hearing from our community!