Screw the canned stuffed, make this cream of chicken soup substitute at home instead!

Screw the canned stuffed, make this cream of chicken soup substitute at home instead! is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Pinch of Parsley on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 20 min

Cost: $3.62 total, $0.90 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 cups Low‑Sodium Chicken Stock (homemade or store‑bought)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (2% milk works well)
  • 1 cup Cooked Chicken Breast (shredded; optional for extra protein)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter

    Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the butter pieces. Stir until fully melted but not browned.

    Time: PT1M

  2. Make a Roux

    Sprinkle the sifted flour over the melted butter. Whisk continuously for 1‑2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells nutty.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Chicken Stock

    Gradually pour the chicken stock into the roux while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Incorporate Milk

    Stir in the milk, continuing to whisk. Reduce heat slightly and let the soup simmer for 3‑4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.

    Time: PT4M

  5. Season

    Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

    Time: PT30S

  6. Optional Chicken

    If using, stir in the shredded cooked chicken and heat through for about 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Serve

    Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy as a soup or thin with extra broth for use in casseroles and stews.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
7 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Chicken

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Screw the canned stuffed, make this cream of chicken soup substitute at home instead!

Recipe by Pinch of Parsley

A quick, healthy homemade version of condensed cream of chicken soup that’s perfect for the holiday season. Ready in under 15 minutes, it can replace canned soup in casseroles, stews, or be thinned for a comforting bowl of soup.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
3m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.62
Total cost
$0.90
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the roux until lightly golden without burning.
  • Whisking the stock into the roux slowly to avoid lumps.
  • Simmering the mixture just enough to thicken without curdling the milk.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot liquids can cause severe burns; handle the saucepan with oven mitts.
  • Steam from the simmering soup can cause scalds; keep face away from the pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance of homemade cream of chicken soup during the holiday season in American cuisine?

A

Cream soups have long been a comfort food in the United States, especially during winter holidays when families gather for hearty meals. A homemade version offers a nostalgic, home‑cooked feel while avoiding the additives found in canned varieties.

cultural
Q

How does homemade cream of chicken soup differ from traditional canned condensed soup in terms of ingredients and nutrition?

A

The homemade version uses fresh chicken stock, real butter, and milk, which provide cleaner flavors and fewer preservatives. It typically contains less sodium and no artificial stabilizers, making it a healthier alternative.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of cream of chicken soup exist within American cuisine?

A

In the South, cooks often add a touch of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning. In the Pacific Northwest, a splash of local cream or milk alternatives like oat milk is common. Each variation reflects local tastes and ingredient availability.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is cream of chicken soup traditionally associated with in the United States?

A

It is frequently used as a base for holiday casseroles, Thanksgiving pot pies, and New Year’s comfort meals. Its quick preparation makes it a go‑to for busy holiday cooking schedules.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a classic American cream of chicken soup, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Classic ingredients include butter, all‑purpose flour, chicken stock, and whole milk. Substitutes can be olive oil for butter, gluten‑free flour, vegetable stock, or dairy‑free milk, though they will slightly alter flavor and texture.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with homemade cream of chicken soup as a base?

A

It works beautifully in chicken and rice casseroles, green bean casserole, chicken pot pie, and creamy vegetable stews. The soup adds richness without overwhelming the other flavors.

cultural
Q

How has the use of cream of chicken soup evolved in modern American cooking?

A

Home cooks now favor making it from scratch to control sodium and avoid additives, while still using it as a shortcut in quick weeknight meals. The rise of gluten‑free and dairy‑free diets has also inspired many alternative versions.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade cream of chicken soup?

A

Common errors include burning the roux, adding stock too quickly which creates lumps, and overheating the milk which can cause curdling. Follow the step‑by‑step whisking and temperature guidelines to prevent these issues.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a butter‑flour roux instead of simply mixing flour into the stock?

A

The roux coats the flour with fat, preventing clumping and creating a smooth, glossy texture. Adding flour directly to hot liquid often results in grainy lumps that are hard to dissolve.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Pinch of Parsley specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Pinch of Parsley focuses on quick, wholesome, and budget‑friendly home cooking tutorials, often highlighting healthier twists on classic comfort foods.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Pinch of Parsley's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Pinch of Parsley emphasizes ingredient transparency, minimal equipment, and step‑by‑step visual cues, making classic dishes like cream of chicken soup accessible to novice cooks while keeping the recipes nutritious and adaptable.

channel

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