Cooking often requires a level of flexibility, especially when specific ingredients aren’t available, or you have dietary restrictions. One common substitution question is whether you can use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup. While this substitution can work, there are nuances you need to be aware of to ensure your dish turns out just right. In this guide, we’ll explore when and how this substitution works, what alternatives to consider, and best practices for success.
Understanding Cream Soups in Cooking
Cream soups, whether it’s cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, or another variety, are common in many American kitchens, particularly for comfort foods. These condensed soups serve as the base for casseroles, pasta bakes, pot pies, and more. They act not only as flavor enhancers but also as thickening agents, creating the creamy consistency that many recipes depend on.
When you’re substituting one cream soup for another, it’s crucial to remember the role that the original ingredient played in the recipe. Was it providing the primary flavor? Was it simply there for creaminess? Answering these questions will help you determine if a swap will work for your dish.
The Versatility of Cream Soups
These soups offer an incredibly easy way to add richness and flavor without needing to whip up a roux or a complex sauce from scratch. For example, many people use cream of mushroom soup in casseroles like green bean casserole because of its earthy undertones, while cream of chicken soup is a popular choice for chicken-based comfort foods such as chicken and rice casserole.
What is Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Cream of mushroom soup is typically made with a base of mushrooms, butter, cream, and sometimes a thickening agent like flour. The mushrooms provide an earthy, umami flavor that brings depth to dishes, making it particularly useful in recipes that can benefit from those savory undertones.
Common Uses for Cream of Mushroom Soup
This soup is a staple in many homes, particularly for dishes such as:
- Green bean casserole: One of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes, using cream of mushroom as a key ingredient.
- Mushroom stroganoff: The soup adds a rich, creamy consistency to this vegetarian spin on the classic dish.
- Creamy mushroom pasta: Paired with sautéed garlic and onions, cream of mushroom soup helps create a luscious pasta sauce.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to create healthy snacks or side dishes to accompany meals with cream-based soups, consider this vegan air-fried zucchini recipe. It’s an excellent choice for balancing the richness of a cream-based meal with something light and crispy.
What is Cream of Chicken Soup?
As the name suggests, cream of chicken soup has a more pronounced chicken flavor, made with a base of chicken stock or broth, cream, and seasonings like garlic and onion. It’s the go-to for dishes that rely on a savory chicken flavor, such as chicken casseroles or soups. The thick, creamy consistency allows it to both thicken and flavor dishes, giving them a distinct, homey taste.
Common Uses for Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of chicken soup is a kitchen favorite for:
- Chicken pot pie: The creamy texture and chicken flavor of the soup complement the other ingredients perfectly.
- Chicken noodle casserole: Here, the soup acts as both the base and thickener for a hearty, one-pan meal.
- Slow-cooker meals: Soups like cream of chicken are popular in slow-cooker recipes, as they hold up well to long cooking times, keeping the dish creamy without breaking down.
Why Would You Want to Substitute?
There are several reasons you might want to swap cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup:
- Dietary restrictions: If you’re cooking for someone who doesn’t eat chicken or follows a vegetarian diet, cream of mushroom soup is a great plant-based alternative.
- Availability: Let’s face it—sometimes you just don’t have cream of chicken on hand, and cream of mushroom is sitting in the pantry.
- Flavor preferences: Some people prefer the deep, earthy taste of mushrooms over the lighter, savory flavor of chicken. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, this swap can add more complexity to your dish.
If you’re making a chicken dish but don’t have cream of chicken soup, a rich substitution could be made by using cream of mushroom soup paired with a good chicken broth or stock. This can keep some of the savory chicken notes while introducing the added depth of mushrooms.
Can You Substitute Cream of Mushroom Soup for Cream of Chicken Soup?
The short answer is yes, you can, but it may require a few tweaks to get the flavor balance right.
Key Similarities:
- Both soups have a creamy texture that works well for thickening casseroles, pasta dishes, and soups.
- They are both commonly used in comfort food recipes, where richness and depth of flavor are key.
Key Differences:
- Cream of mushroom soup has a much more pronounced earthy flavor from the mushrooms. This can change the overall taste of the dish, sometimes for the better, but in other cases, it may overpower milder ingredients.
- Cream of chicken soup is more neutral, with a savory chicken flavor that is more adaptable to a variety of dishes.
The substitution can work seamlessly in recipes where the chicken flavor isn’t crucial, or where you’re happy to swap out the flavor for a richer, mushroom taste. However, in chicken-centric dishes like chicken pot pie or chicken noodle casserole, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth to retain that savory chicken note.
When Substituting Might Not Be Ideal
There are a few instances where substituting cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup could negatively impact your dish:
- Flavor-heavy chicken dishes: If you’re making a dish like chicken and dumplings or chicken pot pie, where the flavor of chicken is essential, using cream of mushroom soup may not deliver the same result. The earthy mushroom taste could overpower the subtle chicken flavors, leaving the dish feeling off-balance.
- Light casseroles: Some casseroles depend on the light, savory taste of cream of chicken soup, and the deeper mushroom flavor could clash with vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas.
In these cases, consider adding chicken broth or stock to balance the flavors. If the mushroom flavor is still too strong, you might also dilute it with a bit of milk or cream to soften the impact.
For chicken recipes that pair well with mushroom flavors, try making something like chicken thighs with cream of mushroom soup. This pairing works particularly well since the stronger taste of dark chicken meat complements the earthy mushrooms.
Best Practices for Substituting
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when substituting cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup:
- Add Chicken Broth: If you’re concerned about losing that savory chicken flavor, simply add a bit of chicken broth or bouillon to maintain the right balance of flavors.
- Adjust Seasonings: Enhance the dish with complementary seasonings like garlic, onion powder, parsley, or thyme to round out the flavors.
- Blend for Texture: If the mushroom pieces in cream of mushroom soup change the texture too much for your liking, you can blend the soup before adding it to your dish. This will give you a smooth consistency, similar to cream of chicken.
Alternatives to Both Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken Soup
If you’re looking for an alternative to both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup, you have several options:
- Vegan or dairy-free options: A simple plant-based cream soup can be made using vegetable broth, non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk, and flour for thickening. This works well for people with dairy sensitivities or those following a vegan diet.
- Homemade cream soups: Making your own cream soup is surprisingly easy. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter, then add flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in broth (chicken or vegetable) and cream (or a non-dairy substitute) until it thickens.
A good example of a dish that can work with various cream-based soups is this recipe for sausage rolls, where you could pair it with either cream of mushroom or a lighter, homemade alternative.
Recipe Ideas Where Substitutions Work Well
Here are some recipes where substituting cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup works perfectly:
- Chicken and Rice Casserole: The richness of cream of mushroom soup pairs well with the comforting rice base. Consider adding a bit of chicken broth to ensure that the chicken flavor still shines through.
- Pasta Bakes: Creamy pasta dishes, especially those featuring earthy ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes, can benefit from the additional depth of cream of mushroom soup.
- Vegetarian Dishes: If you’re making a vegetarian version of a typically chicken-based dish, such as a vegetarian pot pie, using cream of mushroom adds a meaty depth without the meat.
FAQs
Can I use cream of mushroom soup in chicken recipes?
Yes, but it will alter the flavor. Consider adding chicken stock or broth to balance the stronger mushroom notes.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup in casseroles?
You can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade cream soup. If you need a vegetarian option, a plant-based cream soup works well.
How do I make homemade cream of chicken or mushroom soup?
To make your own, sauté onions and garlic in butter, whisk in flour to create a roux, and gradually add broth and cream (or non-dairy milk) until it thickens.
Can cream of mushroom soup be made vegetarian?
Yes, most commercial cream of mushroom soups are vegetarian, but check the label to ensure no chicken broth or meat products are included.
Are there any flavor enhancers when substituting?
Adding chicken bouillon, stock, or extra seasonings like garlic or thyme can enhance the flavor when swapping cream of mushroom for cream of chicken.
Conclusion
Substituting cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup is a great way to tweak recipes to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability. With a few simple adjustments—like adding chicken broth or adjusting seasonings—you can achieve delicious results without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re making a hearty casserole, creamy pasta, or comforting soup, this substitution can open up new flavor possibilities and keep your cooking flexible.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust recipes to suit your taste. After all, cooking is all about adapting and making the dish your own!
