Cream soups like cream of chicken and cream of mushroom are staple ingredients in many classic casserole recipes and other dishes. While they share a similar creamy texture, their flavors are quite different. So can you substitute one for the other?
Quick Answer
In most cases, yes, you can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup and vice versa. The creamy base and texture will be similar in the final dish. However, the flavor will change, so keep that in mind. Adjust other seasonings as needed to complement the new cream soup flavor.
Comparing Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom Soup
Let’s take a closer look at how these two popular Campbell’s condensed cream soups differ:
| Attribute | Cream of Chicken Soup | Cream of Mushroom Soup |
|---|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Chicken stock, milk, cream | Mushrooms, milk, cream |
| Flavor and aroma | Savory chicken broth flavor | Earthy mushroom flavor |
| Color | Pale golden yellow | Beige |
| Texture | Smooth and creamy | Smooth and creamy |
| Uses | Casseroles, pot pies, sauces | Casseroles, pasta dishes, sauces |
As you can see, the ingredients and flavors differ, but the soups have a similar creamy, spoonable texture. So while the taste profile will change in a recipe, the structural role of the cream soup remains the same.
Substitution Ratio
When substituting one condensed cream soup for another, you can do so in a 1:1 ratio. Simply use the same volume of cream of chicken soup as the recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup. No additional adjustments or conversions are needed.
Tips for Subbing Cream Soups
Here are some tips for achieving the best results when substituting cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup:
- Adjust seasonings to complement the new flavor. For example, add a dash more garlic powder, nutmeg, sage, or other chicken-friendly seasonings.
- Add sautéed mushrooms to cream of chicken soup to give it an earthier flavor profile closer to cream of mushroom soup.
- Use low-sodium cream soups or dilute with milk to reduce sodium levels if needed.
- For a thicker or thinner consistency, adjust the amounts of milk or broth added to the cream soup.
- In savory pies or casseroles, substitute a handful of cooked chicken for mushrooms.
- Opt for wild rice or orzo instead of white rice to complement the new flavor.
- Swapping in cream of chicken soup will add a subtle chicken flavor. Enhance it by garnishing the finished dish with sliced chicken.
Recipe Examples
Here are some classic recipes where you can easily substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup or vice versa:
Green Bean Casserole
This popular Thanksgiving side swaps out the traditional cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken. Add sautéed mushrooms to the bean mixture to complement the new soup flavor.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Cream of mushroom soup adds an earthy flavor to this chicken and rice bake. Use cream of chicken instead for a more unified chicken flavor.
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Cream of chicken blends in nicely with the cheesy broccoli flavor. Garnish with cubed chicken.
Tuna Noodle Casserole
The flavors of tuna and cream of mushroom are a tried and true pairing. Sub in cream of chicken for a slightly different but still comforting casserole.
Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie is often made with cream of chicken soup. But cream of mushroom would lend an extra savory, umami flavor.
Substitution Considerations
While cream of chicken and cream of mushroom are generally interchangeable in recipes, there are a few considerations:
- Those with dietary restrictions or allergies should note the ingredients. Cream of chicken contains poultry; cream of mushroom contains fungi.
- Cream of mushroom has a more assertive, earthy flavor. The chicken flavor in cream of chicken soup is more subtle.
- For mushroom-centric dishes, adding sliced mushrooms back into a cream of chicken base can help achieve a similar flavor.
- Recipes with a delicate flavor balance may be more noticeably impacted by swapping cream soups.
- Always adjust seasonings to complement the new cream soup flavor as needed.
Conclusion
While their flavors are different, cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup have a similar creamy texture that makes them interchangeable in most recipes. The key is adjusting additional ingredients and seasonings to complement the new cream soup flavor. With a little tweaking, you can successfully substitute one condensed cream soup for the other in casseroles, pot pies, pasta bakes, and soups.