From creamy casseroles and cozy soups to flavorful potpies, these recipes with cream of chicken soup transform an everyday pantry staple into comforting meals with hardly any fuss.
Few ingredients work harder in the kitchen than a can of cream of chicken soup. With its rich, velvety texture and savory flavor, this pantry staple can be used to create creamy chicken casseroles, cozy soups and one-skillet meals. You can make these recipes with cream of chicken soup using store-bought condensed soup for big flavor with minimal effort. Or, go the extra mile and make homemade cream of chicken soup if you want to customize the ingredients to fit your preferences.
Here are our favorite creamy chicken soups, as well as other comfort food ideas, such as cheesy baked casseroles and chicken recipes for the slow cooker. In weeknight favorites like chicken and rice casserole, scalloped potatoes and creamy enchiladas, condensed cream of chicken soup stands in for time-intensive sauces to create easy meals with creamy textures. The best part is that most of these recipes only need a can of soup, some leftover chicken, and a bag of frozen vegetables. This shows that a few common items can be turned into a warm and filling meal.
We also chose recipes with enough twists to keep things interesting. Chicken pot pie and chicken noodle soup are reimagined with bold seasoning blends or crunchy toppings that make them taste better. Whether they’re baked in the oven, simmered on the stovetop or slow-cooked, these easy chicken dinners and one-dish meals showcase how cream of chicken soup provides a rich base that ties everything together.
Cream of chicken soup is one of those humble canned goods that often gets overlooked. Yet this unassuming ingredient holds a world of potential. Beyond being just a soup base, cream of chicken can transform everything from casseroles to sauces into comforting, flavorful dishes.
In this article, we’ll explore the many clever ways to use cream of chicken soup and reveal its talent for elevating home cooking. You’ll discover how a simple can of this soup can add richness, moisture, and depth of flavor to a variety of recipes.
The Creamy Canvas: Understanding What Makes Cream of Chicken Soup So Versatile
To understand the magic of cream of chicken soup, let’s first look at what gives this ingredient its versatility:
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Creaminess – Cream of chicken soup provides a smooth, creamy texture that adds moisture, richness, and body to dishes. The creamy base helps bind ingredients together.
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Savory chicken flavor – The soup boasts a delicious savory chicken flavor that infuses any recipe with warmth and savoriness, It’s more complex than plain cream or milk,
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Binding properties – The thick, creamy consistency acts as a binder and thickener This allows the soup to hold casseroles and sauces together.
Because of these qualities, cream of chicken soup can be used to improve a wide range of recipes, from traditional comfort foods to quick weeknight dinners. Let’s explore some specific ways to harness its potential.
Casseroles: The Creamy, Savory Cornerstone
Without a doubt, the most common way to use cream of chicken soup is in casseroles. All of the ingredients in these baked dishes stay together thanks to the soup’s moisture, creaminess, and binding power. Consider these classics:
- Chicken and rice casserole
- Tuna noodle casserole
- Green bean casserole
- King ranch chicken casserole
- Chicken pot pie casserole
In all of them, the soup turns into a quick, tasty sauce that sticks to pasta, rice, or vegetables. In addition to holding the casserole together, it gives it its signature savory taste.
When making casseroles, don’t be afraid to add spices and seasonings to the soup to complement other ingredients. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs are easy ways to customize the flavor profile.
Sauces: A Shortcut to Creamy, Savory Richness
Cream of chicken soup can also be used as a quick and easy sauce for meats and vegetables. To make a sauce, just add enough broth, milk, or wine to the soup to make it the right thickness. Cooking fresh herbs, garlic, onions, and mushrooms in olive oil will make a simple soup sauce taste even better.
Some tasty ideas:
- Creamy chicken sauce for pasta or gnocchi
- Pork chops or chicken breasts with mushroom cream sauce
- Veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans tossed in a creamy soup sauce
The possibilities are endless! The soup makes an indulgent sauce without much effort.
Dips: Blend Up a Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
Here’s an unexpected way to use cream of chicken soup – blend it into dips! The creamy base makes an ideal starting point for appetizer dips. Consider these winning combinations:
- Buffalo chicken dip
- Spinach and artichoke dip
- Jalapeño popper dip
- Cheesy ranch chicken dip
- Bacon and corn dip
Mix the soup with sour cream, cream cheese, or mayonnaise to reach the right consistency. Then fold in cheese, herbs, roasted veggies, or cooked meats for a protein-packed dip perfect for game day.
Pot Pies: Comfort Food Simplified
What better way to simplify pot pie than by using cream of chicken soup in the filling? Just combine the soup with veggies like carrots, peas, and corn. Then, stir in cooked chicken, turkey, or other protein.
Making the pot pie topping is easy with store-bought pie crusts or puff pastry. Or go the homemade route for added flair. Either way, the creamy soup filling guarantees comfort in a bite.
Additional Creative Uses for Cream of Chicken Soup
The ideas don’t stop there! Get creative with these other unique uses for cream of chicken soup:
- Add body and flavor to sauces and gravies
- Use as a base for queso dip
- Create a quick alfredo sauce for pasta
- Make meatloaf extra moist and tender
- Thicken up your favorite soups and chilis
- Bind together ingredients in stuffed peppers or cabbage rolls
- Bake into easy chicken empanadas
- Whip up fast chicken pot stickers
As you can see, the possibilities are practically endless with this often under-appreciated pantry item. A simple can of cream of chicken soup can take your cooking to new levels of ease and flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking with cream of chicken soup:
Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, in many recipes you can substitute an equal amount of cream of mushroom soup. The flavor profile will change slightly.
How long does opened cream of chicken soup last in the fridge?
An opened can of cream of chicken soup will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make my own cream of chicken soup from scratch?
Absolutely! Making homemade cream of chicken soup allows you to control the ingredients. Look for recipes using chicken broth, milk or cream, butter, and flour.
What’s a vegetarian substitute for cream of chicken soup?
Try using cream of mushroom soup or make a white sauce from vegetable broth, milk, cream, and flour. Add nutritional yeast for savory flavor.
Is cream of chicken soup gluten-free?
Unfortunately, most canned cream of chicken soups contain wheat flour so they are not gluten-free. Check labels for gluten-free options or make your own.
Can I freeze extra cream of chicken soup?
Freezing can cause the cream to separate and turn grainy. For best results, use cream of chicken soup within 3-4 days of opening.
Get Creative with Cream of Chicken Soup!
Hopefully you’re now inspired to look at humble cream of chicken soup in a whole new light. With its creamy texture and savory flavor, it can transform your cooking in endless ways. From easy weeknight casseroles to party-ready dips and appetizers, this pantry staple is an undercover star.
So grab a can or two on your next grocery run and get ready to whip up some delicious, comforting dishes that will wow your family and friends. With cream of chicken soup, adding richness and flavor is just a recipe away.
Recipes with Cream of Chicken Soup FAQ
You can turn a can of cream of chicken soup into hearty casseroles, rich soups, savory potpies and cozy baked pasta dishes that feel like a warm hug. Keep a few cans on hand and use the pantry staple to infuse extra comfort into everyday dishes. Try using it to enhance instant rice recipes or as a creamy addition to savory puff pastry pockets. You can even stir it into mashed potatoes or stuffing for added richness.
Can you substitute other types of condensed soup for creamy chicken dishes?
Depending on the recipe, you can usually use condensed soups like cream of mushroom, cream of celery or cream of potato to make creamy chicken dishes. Each type of condensed soup has a unique flavor profile, so the substitution will affect the dish’s taste.
If you don’t have cream of chicken and want to keep it in the recipe, try making homemade cream of chicken soup. It comes together in only 15 minutes and can be customized based on your dietary preferences. Use plant-based milk for dairy-free cream of chicken soup or thicken the soup with cornstarch instead of flour to make gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Taste and season as you go to ensure the substitution complements your dish.