Are you staring at that lonely can of cream of chicken soup in your pantry wondering what to do with it? Well, I’ve got good news for you! That humble can is practically kitchen magic in disguise. As a busy home cook myself, I’ve come to rely on cream of chicken soup as my secret weapon for creating comforting, delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re craving a hearty casserole, a quick weeknight dinner, or something to impress guests, cream of chicken soup can transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals Let’s dive into some amazing recipes that’ll have your family begging for seconds!
Why Cream of Chicken Soup is a Pantry MVP
Before we jump into the recipes let me tell you why I always keep at least 3 cans of cream of chicken soup in my pantry
- It’s an incredible time-saver
- Creates instant creamy texture without complicated roux or sauces
- Adds rich flavor to otherwise bland dishes
- Works in slow cookers, skillets, and casseroles alike
- Super affordable (usually under $2 per can)
Now let’s get cooking with these awesome recipes!
Comforting Casseroles
1. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This casserole tastes like a million bucks but costs way less to make! The combination of creamy chicken soup, tender chicken, and a crispy topping is simply unbeatable.
2. King Ranch Chicken Casserole
This Texas classic uses cream of chicken soup to create a hearty, flavorful casserole with layers of tortillas, chicken, and cheese. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
3. Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
When you’re craving comfort food with a twist, this casserole delivers. Tender spaghetti noodles get coated in a creamy sauce made from—you guessed it—cream of chicken soup! Add some shredded chicken and cheese, and you’ve got a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
4. Poppy Seed Chicken
This Southern classic combines shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping with poppy seeds. It’s simple but SO satisfying! My kids request this at least twice a month.
5. Hashbrown Casserole
Who says cream of chicken soup is just for dinner? This hashbrown casserole works for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish. Crispy on top, creamy in the middle—it’s potato perfection!
6. Cauliflower Casserole
Looking for a low-carb option? This cauliflower casserole uses cream of chicken soup to create a cheesy, satisfying side dish that might just upstage your main course.
Cozy Soups & Stews
7. Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Nothing beats coming home to the smell of chicken and dumplings after a long day. The cream of chicken soup creates the perfect base for this classic comfort food, and the slow cooker does all the work!
8. King Ranch Chicken Soup
All the flavors of the classic casserole in soup form! This Tex-Mex inspired soup is loaded with chicken, veggies, and that creamy goodness from the soup.
9. Easy Chicken Soup
When you’re feeling under the weather or just need something warm and comforting, this quick chicken soup is the answer. The cream of chicken soup adds richness without hours of simmering.
Quick One-Pot Meals
10. One-Pot Spicy Chicken & Bacon Pasta
Creamy, spicy, and loaded with bacon—what’s not to love? This one-pot wonder comes together in about 30 minutes and only dirties one pan. Win-win!
11. Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Basmati Rice
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this flavorful dish. The cream of chicken soup creates a silky sauce for the chicken thighs while also flavoring the rice. It’s like a vacation in a bowl!
12. One-Pot Smoky White Chicken Chili
This ain’t your average chili! Cream of chicken soup adds body and richness to this white chicken chili variant, making it extra satisfying on cold evenings.
Impressive Yet Easy Main Dishes
13. Cheesy Skillet-Baked Pork Chops
Don’t limit yourself to just chicken! These skillet pork chops get a major upgrade thanks to a creamy, cheesy topping made with cream of chicken soup. They’re ready in just 35 minutes but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen.
14. Joanna Gaines’ Chicken Pot Pie
If it’s good enough for Joanna Gaines, it’s good enough for me! This chicken pot pie uses cream of chicken soup to create a velvety filling that’s topped with a golden, flaky crust. Pure comfort on a plate.
15. Heavenly Chicken Lasagna
Switch up your usual lasagna routine with this chicken version. Layers of noodles, chicken, spinach, and a sauce made with cream of chicken soup create a dish that’s, well, heavenly!
Mexican-Inspired Favorites
16. Chicken Enchilada Casserole
All the flavor of enchiladas with way less work! Cream of chicken soup creates a creamy sauce that perfectly complements the corn tortillas, chicken, and cheese.
17. Smothered Enchiladas
These enchiladas are literally smothered in a delicious sauce made from cream of chicken soup and green chiles. They require just 10 minutes of hands-on time but taste like you spent all day in the kitchen.
18. Easy Mexican Street Corn Skillet Dip
Need an appetizer that’ll wow your guests? This skillet dip combines cream of chicken soup with the flavors of Mexican street corn for a creamy, slightly spicy dip that’s perfect with tortilla chips.
Southern Classics
19. Cornbread Dressing
Whether you call it dressing or stuffing, this Southern staple gets extra moisture and flavor from cream of chicken soup. It’s not just for Thanksgiving—it’s delicious any time of year!
20. Summer Squash Casserole
Make the most of your garden’s bounty with this squash casserole. The cream of chicken soup transforms simple squash into a side dish worthy of Sunday dinner.
21. Cornbread ‘N’ Squash Dressing
Can’t decide between cornbread dressing and squash casserole? This hybrid dish gives you the best of both worlds, with cream of chicken soup bringing everything together.
Kid-Friendly Favorites
22. Doritos Casserole
Yes, you read that right—Doritos! This fun casserole layers crushed Doritos with a creamy chicken mixture for a dish that kids absolutely love. Don’t be surprised if adults sneak seconds too!
23. Party Potatoes
Also known as “Funeral Potatoes,” this cheesy potato casserole is welcome at any gathering, happy or sad. The cream of chicken soup makes them extra creamy and delicious.
Tips for Cooking with Cream of Chicken Soup
After years of experimenting with cream of chicken soup, I’ve learned a few tricks:
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Don’t dilute it unless the recipe specifically calls for it. The concentrated soup gives the best flavor and texture.
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Mix thoroughly before adding other ingredients to avoid lumps.
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Low and slow is often best for recipes using cream soups to prevent curdling.
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Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to brighten up the flavors.
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For a healthier option, look for the lower-sodium or “healthy request” versions of cream of chicken soup.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re out of cream of chicken soup or need to accommodate dietary restrictions, here are some ideas:
- Cream of mushroom soup can usually substitute 1:1 in most recipes
- Cream of celery soup works well, especially in vegetable-forward dishes
- For a homemade alternative, make a simple roux with butter and flour, then add chicken broth and a splash of milk or cream
- Dairy-free versions are available at some specialty stores for those with lactose intolerance
Freezing Tips for Cream of Chicken Soup Dishes
Many dishes made with cream of chicken soup freeze beautifully! Here’s what works best:
- Casseroles can usually be frozen before or after baking
- Let dishes cool completely before freezing
- Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
- Some dishes with potatoes might change texture slightly when frozen
Final Thoughts
That can of cream of chicken soup is so much more than just soup—it’s the foundation for countless delicious meals! From comforting casseroles to quick weeknight dinners, this humble ingredient has earned its place as a pantry staple in my kitchen.
So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, grab that can of cream of chicken soup and get cooking! Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.
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.
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
FAQ
What can I add to canned cream of chicken soup to make it better?
1. Add sautéed aromatics like onion or garlic. My favorite way to upgrade canned soup is to add sautéed onion and garlic.Jul 8, 2024
What do you eat cream soup with?
What should I serve it with? –Small pasta that holds it shape, such as coquillettes, penne or macaroni. -Round rice, risotto style. -Puff pastry with cheese or breadsticks with seeds to dip into the soup.
What to do with leftover creamy soup?
- Replace water with flavour. …
- Use it to make pasta sauce. …
- Use it to make Risotto. …
- Add it to make a casserole creamier or thicker. …
- Make healthy mashed potatoes. …
- Turn it into a dipping sauce. …
- Cut the fat.
Can cream of chicken soup be used as gravy?