When you need cream of chicken soup for casseroles, gravies, or cozy soups, don’t reach for the can — make your own shelf-stable, budget-friendly mix at home instead. This easy homemade cream of chicken soup mix comes together in minutes using pantry staples and stores for months in your cupboard. It’s packed with rich flavor, free of unnecessary preservatives, and incredibly convenient. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for quick weeknight meals, this mix will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why Make Your Own Cream of Chicken Soup Mix?
Canned soup may be convenient, but it often contains excessive sodium, artificial flavorings, and thickeners you don’t need. Making your own dry mix puts you in control of the ingredients — and the flavor. This mix also allows you to whip up a batch of condensed soup anytime you need it, using just water and a few tablespoons of the dry blend.
Best of all, this mix tastes richer and fresher than the canned stuff. It works beautifully in recipes like chicken pot pie, creamy casseroles, crockpot meals, or even as a quick soup base on a busy evening.
Pantry-Ready Cream of Chicken Soup Mix
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups dry milk powder
- 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules or powder
- 1½ tablespoons dried chopped onion
These four basic ingredients combine to create a creamy, savory base that can be used in place of a store-bought condensed cream of chicken soup.
How to Prepare the Mix
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Combine all ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, dry milk powder, chicken bouillon, and dried chopped onion. Make sure the mixture is evenly blended and there are no clumps. -
Transfer to a container
Pour the finished dry mix into a mason jar, airtight container, or resealable bag. Label it clearly with the name and the mixing instructions for later use. -
Storage
Store the mix in a cool, dry place — your pantry or cupboard is ideal. Properly sealed, it will keep for up to 6 months.
How to Use the Soup Mix
This homemade dry mix substitutes one can of condensed cream of chicken soup in recipes.
To Prepare One Can Equivalent
- ½ cup of the dry soup mix
- 1¼ cups of cold water
- In a small saucepan, whisk together ½ cup of dry mix with 1¼ cups of water until smooth.
- Place over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy, soup-like consistency. This takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Once thickened, use immediately in your recipe, or refrigerate and use within 2 days.
Important: Do not use 1½ cups of water. For best results, write “1¼ cups water = 1 can soup” on the lid or container to avoid mixing errors in the future.
Ways to Use Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Mix
This versatile mix fits easily into a wide variety of dishes:
- Casseroles: Use it as a base in creamy chicken or tuna noodle casseroles.
- Gravies: Whisk into broth to make flavorful gravies for mashed potatoes or biscuits.
- Slow cooker meals: Add it to the crockpot with chicken breasts and veggies for a hands-free dinner.
- Soups: Create creamy soups like chicken and rice, broccoli cheddar, or potato corn chowder.
- Pot pies: Thicken the filling for savory pot pies with this easy mix.
Tips for Success
- Choose a good bouillon. The quality of your chicken bouillon heavily impacts the final flavor. Opt for low-sodium or organic versions if possible.
- Blend the mix. If you prefer a finer texture, pulse the dry mix in a food processor or blender before storing. This can help it dissolve faster when cooking.
- Make it gluten-free. Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend if you have dietary restrictions. Make sure your bouillon is gluten-free too.
- Boost the flavor. Add a dash of garlic powder, parsley flakes, black pepper, or paprika to the dry mix for extra seasoning.
- Dairy-free option. Substitute coconut milk powder or other non-dairy milk powder if needed (note: flavor will vary slightly).
Storage and Shelf Life
- Keep the mix in an airtight container away from moisture.
- Avoid storing near the stove or oven, where heat can shorten shelf life.
- Use within 4 to 6 months for the best flavor and texture.
- If the mix develops clumps or an off smell, discard and prepare a fresh batch.
Nutritional Information (Per ½ Cup Dry Mix)
- Calories: ~200
- Protein: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~4g
- Sodium: Varies based on bouillon used
Keep in mind, these are approximate values and can change depending on your specific ingredients.
Make a Big Batch for Convenience
Double or triple the recipe and store multiple jars for longer-term use. This makes weeknight cooking faster, especially when preparing multiple dishes that call for a can of condensed soup. Keep one jar in the pantry and a backup in long-term storage.
FAQs
Can I use this soup mix in place of cream of mushroom or cream of celery?
Yes — with modifications. Use the same base but swap the chicken bouillon for vegetable bouillon. Add mushroom powder or celery salt to mimic the specific flavor you’re replacing.
Can I freeze the soup once it’s made?
Yes. Once the soup is cooked and thickened with water, you can freeze it in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before using.
Is this mix safe for vegetarians?
As-is, no — because of the chicken bouillon. However, you can replace it with a vegetarian bouillon to make it suitable.
Can I use this as a soup on its own?
Absolutely. Prepare it with water and optionally stir in some cooked chicken, rice, or vegetables for a quick, hearty meal.
How can I lower the sodium?
Choose a low-sodium chicken bouillon or reduce the amount used. You can also add extra seasonings like herbs and spices to compensate for reduced saltiness.
Does this mix work in slow cooker recipes?
Yes. Just mix the dry soup powder directly into your crockpot ingredients. No need to pre-mix it with water — it will thicken as the dish cooks.
Final Thoughts
Homemade cream of chicken soup mix is a simple, practical pantry essential that saves you time, money, and a trip to the store. With just a few ingredients, you can eliminate canned soup from your grocery list and elevate the flavor of your favorite comfort food recipes.
Whether you’re prepping weeknight dinners, planning make-ahead meals, or simply want to eat cleaner, this dry mix offers the perfect solution. Customize it to suit your taste and dietary needs, and enjoy the convenience of always having a flavorful soup base ready to go.