Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Mix 🍗: Say Goodbye to Canned Soup Forever

by

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Mix 🍗: Say Goodbye to Canned Soup Forever

A Pantry Staple You’ll Always Want on Hand

Canned soups might be convenient, but nothing compares to the flavor, quality, and control you get from making your own. This homemade cream of chicken soup mix is a budget-friendly, shelf-stable alternative to the store-bought versions you’re used to — and it’s made with simple, real ingredients you can feel good about.

Whether you’re building casseroles, thickening stews, or adding creamy richness to comfort food recipes, this DIY soup mix gives you all the convenience of a can with none of the preservatives, MSG, or mystery ingredients.

Why Make Your Own Cream of Chicken Soup Mix?

Creating a homemade version gives you complete control over the ingredients while ensuring long shelf life, customizable flavor, and cost savings. Here are a few reasons why this soup mix belongs in every kitchen:

  • No preservatives, artificial flavors, or MSG
  • Stores for months in a pantry
  • Takes less than 5 minutes to make a batch
  • Easy to scale up for bulk prep
  • Perfect for casseroles, soups, and gravy bases
  • Customizable for gluten-free or low-sodium diets

🧂 Ingredients for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Mix

This dry mix comes together with just a handful of pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1Âľ cups all-purpose flour – Acts as the thickening base.
  • 1½ cups dry milk powder – Adds creaminess and body.
  • 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules or powder – Provides rich, savory chicken flavor.
  • 1½ tablespoons dried chopped onion – Infuses the mix with depth and aroma.

Optional Additions:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for smoother thickening)

Make sure the bouillon is low-sodium if you want to better control the salt levels in your recipes.

🥄 Instructions: How to Make the Mix

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, dry milk powder, chicken bouillon, and dried onion.
  2. Stir or whisk the mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Transfer to a mason jar or an airtight container.
  4. Label the jar with the mixing ratio:
    “½ cup mix + 1¼ cups water = 1 can condensed soup”
    (Do NOT use 1½ cups — write this on the lid to remember!)

Store the jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

🍲 How to Use the Mix in Recipes

Use this mix as a 1:1 replacement for condensed cream of chicken soup in recipes. Simply follow this basic formula:

  • To substitute 1 can of condensed soup:
    Mix ½ cup of dry mix with 1¼ cups of water.
  1. Whisk the mixture together in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir continuously until it begins to thicken — about 3–5 minutes.
  3. Once thickened, remove from heat and use immediately in your recipe.

This can be added directly to casseroles before baking or stirred into soups and stews as a base.

Perfect in These Classic Recipes

This versatile mix works in countless recipes that call for cream of chicken soup. Try it in:

  • Chicken and rice casseroles
  • Green bean casserole
  • Cheesy broccoli bakes
  • Chicken pot pie filling
  • Slow cooker chicken and noodles
  • Creamy potato soup

Wherever you’d normally reach for a can, reach for your homemade mix instead.

Customizing Your Soup Mix

Make It Gluten-Free

  • Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch.

Low-Sodium Version

  • Use sodium-free bouillon and skip added salt in your recipes.

Dairy-Free Alternative

  • Replace dry milk powder with a plant-based alternative such as coconut milk powder or almond milk powder. Note: flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Tips for Best Results

  • Sift the ingredients before storing to remove any lumps.
  • If your bouillon is chunky, pulse it in a food processor before mixing.
  • Label the jar clearly with both the date and the usage instructions.
  • Double or triple the batch for easy long-term storage.
  • Add herbs and spices to match your favorite flavor profile — think sage, thyme, parsley, or celery salt.

Cost Comparison: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Making your own cream of chicken soup mix is not only healthier but also cheaper than buying cans:

  • Store-bought condensed soup: $1.50–$2.00 per can
  • Homemade: Less than $0.40 per “can” serving

You save money while improving flavor and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade soup mix last?

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it lasts up to 6 months.

Can I use this mix to make cream of mushroom soup?

Yes! Add sautéed mushrooms when cooking the mix on the stovetop.

Can I use this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Add the dry mix and water along with your other ingredients. It will thicken as it cooks.

Conclusion: The Kitchen Shortcut You Didn’t Know You Needed

This homemade cream of chicken soup mix is a game-changer for anyone who loves to cook from scratch but still values convenience. It’s quick to make, easy to store, and adds rich, creamy flavor to everything from casseroles to soups and sauces.

Ditch the cans. Embrace your own made-from-scratch flavor with this pantry staple that delivers comfort food goodness every time.

Leave a Comment