Cream Of Chicken Soup Mix Recipe

If you’re someone who enjoys cooking from scratch, you know how satisfying it can be to prepare meals with fresh ingredients, and that includes making your own mixes. Whether you’re a busy parent, a seasoned cook, or just someone who wants to control the flavors and quality of the food they consume, learning to make your own cream of chicken soup mix is a game changer. It’s one of those kitchen essentials that can be used in a variety of dishes, from casseroles to soups, or even as a base for sauces. Plus, it’s an excellent way to cut down on processed ingredients, like the ones often found in store-bought cans.

Not only is homemade cream of chicken soup mix more flavorful and healthier than the canned variety, but it also allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking. You can adjust the seasoning to your preferences, use organic products, and even make it gluten-free or dairy-free if that’s what you’re after. By having this mix readily available, you can create meals in a flash, which can be a lifesaver on busy days when you don’t have time to start from scratch.

So, let’s dive into how you can make your own cream of chicken soup mix and use it in your everyday cooking. I’ll walk you through the recipe, share ingredient insights, tips, and some variations to keep things interesting.

Making your own cream of chicken soup mix is incredibly easy and only requires a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. This recipe will give you the dry mix, which you can store for later use. When you’re ready to cook, all you’ll need is a little liquid, and you’ll have your own creamy, flavorful base for a variety of dishes.

Ingredients Needed

2 cups of powdered chicken bouillon or chicken base (you can find this in most grocery stores)
1 cup of dried milk powder (this gives the creaminess)
1 cup of cornstarch (acts as a thickener)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a savory depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon onion powder (for that aromatic richness)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (for color and a little herbal freshness)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (adds a subtle earthy taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper (to season)
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon turmeric or paprika for color (if you like your soup base a little more golden)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare The Dry Mix
- In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients: powdered chicken bouillon, dried milk powder, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, thyme, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. If you’re adding turmeric or paprika for color, mix that in too.
Store The Mix
- Transfer your dry mix into an airtight container. A mason jar, a resealable plastic bag, or any dry container will work well. Make sure to label it with the date, so you know when you made it.
Use When Needed
- To use the mix, simply take 1/3 cup of the dry mixture and add it to 1 cup of water or milk (depending on how creamy you want it). Stir well to dissolve the powder completely. Bring to a simmer over medium heat while stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens into a creamy consistency.

Ingredient Insights

Here’s a closer look at some of the key ingredients and why they make this mix so great:

Powdered Chicken Bouillon or Chicken Base: This is the heart of the flavor. It’s what gives the mix that authentic chicken taste that makes it ideal for soups, casseroles, and other recipes. Bouillon granules or powder are concentrated, which means you get a lot of flavor without needing a ton of ingredients. Just make sure you’re using a high-quality brand without too much added salt or artificial flavors.
Dried Milk Powder: The magic ingredient that transforms your mix into a creamy base. It’s what gives your soup that rich, smooth texture. You could substitute with a dairy-free option like coconut milk powder or almond milk powder if you’re avoiding dairy.
Cornstarch: A thickening agent that makes your mix versatile for all kinds of cooking. Cornstarch is a neutral thickener, so it doesn’t interfere with the flavor of your dish. It’s perfect for creating that velvety, thick texture typical of cream of chicken soup.
Spices (Garlic, Onion Powder, Parsley, Thyme): These spices are essential for flavor layering. Garlic and onion powder provide that umami kick, while thyme and parsley add a more complex, aromatic quality. The dried herbs also help to preserve the mix, enhancing the flavor over time.
Black Pepper: A small addition that brings a bit of heat and balances the creaminess of the soup base. It adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.

Expert Tips

Making your own cream of chicken soup mix gives you control over the flavor and consistency. Here are some expert tips to ensure you get the best results:

Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with your spices. You can add other herbs like rosemary or sage, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like things spicy. Add more garlic powder or onion powder for a stronger flavor, or reduce them for a milder taste.
Use Quality Bouillon: Not all chicken bouillons are created equal. Look for one with fewer preservatives and artificial flavors. Better yet, you could make your own chicken stock, reduce it to a concentrate, and powder it yourself to make this mix even more homemade.
Make It Gluten-Free: Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so if you’re avoiding gluten, this recipe will already work for you. But make sure your chicken bouillon is also gluten-free (some contain wheat).
Make a Larger Batch: This recipe is easily scalable. If you find yourself using this a lot, feel free to double or triple the recipe to make a big batch that you can keep on hand for weeks. Just store it in a cool, dry place, and it’ll last for months.

Recipe Variations

While this base is fantastic as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize the mix to suit different needs or tastes:

Vegan Cream of Chicken Soup Mix: Swap out the chicken bouillon for vegetable bouillon, and use a non-dairy milk powder (like coconut or soy) instead of powdered milk. This way, you’ll have a dairy-free, vegan version.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to give your cream of chicken soup mix a spicy twist. This works particularly well if you’re planning on using it in a spicy casserole or chili.
Low-Sodium Option: If you’re watching your sodium intake, try using low-sodium chicken bouillon or make your own bouillon using homemade chicken stock. You can control exactly how much salt goes into the mix.
Herb-Infused Version: To take things up a notch, consider adding fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano to give your cream of chicken soup mix a distinct Mediterranean flair.

Final Words

Having a homemade cream of chicken soup mix on hand is like having a secret weapon in your kitchen arsenal. It’s convenient, it’s cost-effective, and it’s an incredibly versatile base that can be used in a variety of ways. Plus, making it yourself means you’re skipping out on the unwanted additives, preservatives, and excess salt that come with store-bought versions.

With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful, creamy base that works for everything from casseroles to soups to gravies. And with the options for customization, you’ll never get bored with this mix.

Cream Of Chicken Soup Mix Recipe