• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About

Gusto Meadow

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
×
Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

5 BEST Substitutes for Cream of Chicken

If you're out of Cream of Chicken, reach for Cream of Mushroom Soup, Any Creamy Soup, Heavy Cream, Full-Fat Sour Cream, and Sour Cream & Chicken Broth.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup is an earthy, savory flavor sensation in a bowl.

For cooking, Any Creamy Soup also works well - adjust the amount to taste.

Yeah, that moment can throw a wrench in your cooking groove. No sweat, though.

This article's all about keeping your kitchen game strong with five awesome alternatives to cream of chicken.

They're easy to find and even easier to use.

Ready to up your sauce game?

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 5 Cream of Chicken Substitutes to Try
    • 1 - Cream of Mushroom Soup
    • 2 - Any Creamy Soup
    • 3 - Heavy Cream
    • 4 - Full-Fat Sour Cream
    • 5 - Sour Cream & Chicken Broth
  • Frequently Asked Questions

5 Cream of Chicken Substitutes to Try

If you're looking for a substitute for cream chicken, you've come to the right place.

This creamy and comforting classic is used in many dishes - from casseroles to soups.

But what if you don't have this key ingredient on hand? No worries - a list includes five substitutes that will work just as well, including table cream substitute ideas for cooking:

1 - Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of mushroom soup is an earthy, savory flavor sensation in a bowl.

With its delicate blend of mushrooms and vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.

Its silky texture can be irresistible on a cold night, whether enjoyed as a side or the main course.

Some prefer to combine it with other types of soups for an even greater depth of taste.

Cream of mushroom is an easy substitute for cream of chicken in almost any recipe, and taste-wise, it complements ingredients such as beef and poultry just as well - and for lighter options, consider light cream swap options for recipes.

Who knew that one type of soup could have so many uses?

2 - Any Creamy Soup

5 BEST Substitutes for Cream of Chicken Save for Later!

Cream soups are a perplexing culinary enigma that leaves many of us stumped.

Deliciously creamy and savory, one often wonders how exactly the soup came to possess its luscious texture.

The secret lies in combining milk or cream with a thickening agent such as flour, cornstarch, or arrowroot powder to create a lusciously smooth mixture that coats each spoonful in its creamy goodness.

If you're looking to substitute this type of soup for cream of chicken, more specifically, you would simply replace the milk and cream with chicken broth, onion powder, celery salt, garlic powder, and seasonings like thyme and sage for an extra savory punch - see mushroom soup swap suggestions for flavor.

3 - Heavy Cream

5 BEST Substitutes for Cream of Chicken Save for Later!

Heavy cream is an obscure ingredient that leaves many perplexed.

It has a remarkably thick texture and high-fat content, indicative of its calorie count.

Despite being incredibly rich tasting and heavier than other cream types, such as light cream or half and half, heavy cream can also be used to make lighter dishes - think tasty whipped cream.

When deciding to substitute it for canned cream of chicken soup in recipes, it is important to remember the ratio: use ¾ cup of heavy cream for every one can of soup in the recipe - or explore heavy cream alternatives for pasta recipes for lighter takes.

Experimenting with this pleasant ingredient will guarantee exciting new culinary flavors.

4 - Full-Fat Sour Cream

5 BEST Substitutes for Cream of Chicken Save for Later!

Do you love sour cream but don't want to give up on the rich, creamy texture? Full-fat sour cream could be your answer.

This delicious condiment is made of heavy cream that has gone through a fermentation process to give it its signature tang.

The end product is thick and velvety smooth, with an unmistakable tangy taste.

It can easily be substituted for cream of chicken in casseroles or other dishes you might want to add a bit of flavor to - all you have to do is replace the same amount in cups/grams and adjust seasoning as necessary; for other options, review sour cream substitute options for casseroles.

Whether it's served up as is or part of a tasty dish, full-fat sour cream offers irresistible taste and texture every time.

5 - Sour Cream & Chicken Broth

5 BEST Substitutes for Cream of Chicken Save for Later!

Ever tasted a dish that packs a punch of flavor while also delivering richness and satisfaction? If so, it's likely that sour cream and chicken broth were involved.

This combination might sound unusual at first, but it just works.

Sour cream adds a mild tangy flavor and wonderfully creamy texture to chicken broth.

It helps to thicken up the broth to perfection, creating an irresistibly comforting cooking experience.

Want to make your meal even more special? Try substituting this duo for canned cream of chicken for a unusual taste sensation.

A few tablespoons of sour cream mixed into some warm chicken broth will take your dish from ordinary to extraordinary in just minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Cream of Chicken?

Cream of Mushroom Soup, Any Creamy Soup, Heavy Cream, Full-Fat Sour Cream, and Sour Cream & Chicken Broth. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Cream of Chicken.

Can I use a different ingredient instead?

Absolutely. Cream of Mushroom Soup is the closest swap.

Any Creamy Soup also works in a pinch. Match the original amount and tweak from there.

Can this substitute be used in baking as well as cooking?

Some work in both, but baking is less forgiving.

Substitutes that alter fat content, sweetness, or moisture can shift the structure of baked goods.

Test with a small batch first.

Does freezing affect how well the substitute performs?

Frozen substitutes sometimes change texture after thawing. This matters more in raw applications like salads than in cooked dishes where texture is softened by heat anyway.

Cream cheese alternatives work similarly in creamy recipes. cream cheese substitute choices for baking shows practical swaps. Coconut cream replacements suit dairy-free needs: coconut cream swap ideas for desserts.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

More Substitutes

  • British Flavors: 5 BEST Substitutes for English Mustard
  • Enhance Drinks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Vermouth
  • Tenderize Meat: 5 BEST Meat Tenderizer Powder Substitutes
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Yellow Curry Paste

Primary Sidebar

Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

Hi, I'm Andrew

Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

Our Story →

Related Posts

  • Try the Kiwano Mysteries: What Does Kiwano Taste Like?
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Schmaltz
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Tomato Soup
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Dark Corn Syrup
  • What To Serve with Spanish Rice? 7 Tasty Side Dishes
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Masa Harina in Chili

Join 5,000+ Home Cooks

Fresh Recipes Weekly

Easy dinner ideas, smart substitutes, and kitchen tips — every Thursday morning.

Subscribe Free →

Dinner Picks

  • Garlic butter baked pork chops this re xeuiota
    13 Keto-Friendly Pork Chop Recipes for Low-Carb Dinners
  • Sheet pan with garlic and qzvpq
    14 One-Pan Vegetarian Dinners with Seasonal Vegetables
  • Garlic butter baked chicken thighs thi
    15 Quick and Delicious Chicken Thigh Recipes
  • Sheet pan salmon with lemon dill and a lg
    14 Easy Sheet Pan Salmon Dinners with Fresh Herbs

Browse by Topic

  • Ingredient Substitutes340
  • Side Dishes186
  • Comparisons124
  • Taste Guides89
  • Shelf Life72

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Services
  • Disclosure

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2026 GustoMeadow