Cream of chicken and cream of chicken soup are two canned soup products that seem very similar but have some key differences. Both are creamy soups made with chicken broth and cream, but the ingredients and uses vary. Understanding the distinctions between these two canned soups can help you pick the right one for your recipe.
What is Cream of Chicken Soup?
Cream of chicken soup is a classic creamy soup made by combining chicken broth with cream or milk and thickening it slightly. The ingredients typically include:
- Chicken broth – Provides savory chicken flavor
- Heavy cream or milk – Adds richness and creaminess
- Flour or cornstarch – Thickens the soup to a creamy texture
- Onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper – Extra seasonings
- Cooked chicken pieces – Small chunks of chicken for texture (optional)
The soup has a smooth, creamy texture with a rich chicken flavor. Brands like Campbell’s and Progresso are well-known for their canned cream of chicken soups. The canned version is shelf-stable so it can be stored in the pantry until needed.
Cream of chicken soup is valued for its versatility. It can be used as:
- A base for casseroles and pot pies
- A sauce for dishes like chicken enchiladas or chicken & biscuits
- An ingredient in creamy dips and chowders
- A quick shortcut for homemade chicken gravy
The neutral flavor profile allows it to be incorporated into savory recipes both as a sauce and a standalone soup.
What is Cream of Chicken?
Cream of chicken, sometimes labeled cream of chicken broth, is a variety of canned condensed soup. It is chicken broth that has been concentrated and combined with milk or cream. The ingredients are:
- Chicken broth – Provides primary flavor
- Milk or cream – Adds richness and body
- Onion, garlic, seasonings – Extra flavor
Unlike cream of chicken soup, it does not contain thickeners like flour or cornstarch. So it has a thinner, more broth-like consistency rather than a creamy texture. It derives its name from the creamy mouthfeel provided by the dairy ingredients.
Brands like College Inn, Swanson, and Pacific Foods offer canned condensed cream of chicken. Using canned cream of chicken provides a shortcut for adding chicken flavor to recipes without diluting consistency like regular broth would.
Common uses for cream of chicken include:
- Substituting for broth or stock in cooking
- Making quick chicken gravies and pan sauces
- Adding flavor to rice, pasta, and vegetable dishes
- Providing a chicken base for soups and casseroles
The concentrated flavor can enhance anything from mashed potatoes to green bean casserole. It’s a handy pantry item for adding a boost of chicken taste.
Nutrition Comparison
Cream of chicken soup and cream of chicken have some nutritional differences based on their ingredients. Here is a comparison of the nutrition facts for a common branded version of each (Progresso cream of chicken soup and College Inn cream of chicken):
| Nutrition Facts | Cream of Chicken Soup (Progresso) | Cream of Chicken (College Inn) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per 1 cup serving | 300 | 60 |
| Total Fat | 18g | 2g |
| Sodium | 890mg | 590mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24g | 6g |
| Protein | 6g | 4g |
As you can see, cream of chicken soup contains significantly more calories, fat, carbs, and sodium because of the added dairy and thickeners. Cream of chicken has lower impact macros since it is concentrated broth without heavy cream.
Both provide a good amount of protein from the chicken broth. But cream of chicken soup has higher amounts of other nutrients from its dairy ingredients.
Taste Comparison
In terms of taste, cream of chicken soup has a richer, fuller flavor. The creaminess gives it a smooth, velvety mouthfeel. It coats the palate more than plain broth.
Cream of chicken has a thinner consistency and sharper chicken flavor. Without thickeners, the broth taste comes through more directly. It can have a slight saltiness from being condensed down.
Cream of chicken soup is more subtle and mild mannered. It has a gentle chicken essence in a blanket of dairy. Cream of chicken is bolder with distinct savory notes shining through.
Think of cream of chicken soup as a chicken flavor muted by cream. Cream of chicken is like chicken concentrate dialed up – intensified but one dimensional. Cream of chicken soup has a lusher texture but cream of chicken may pack more upfront chicken taste.
Price Comparison
Both cream of chicken soup and cream of chicken are inexpensive canned soup products, usually costing between $1 to $3 per can. Cream of chicken soup may cost slightly more due to higher ingredient costs from including cream and thickeners.
Here is an approximate price comparison:
| Product | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can) | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Cream of Chicken Condensed (10.5 oz can) | $1.00 – $2.00 |
Cream of chicken is the more budget friendly option, while cream of chicken soup may cost up to $1 more per can. Sales and store pricing can affect prices as well.
Buying larger multi-pack cases can lower the per can cost for either item. But cream of chicken condenses down more, so may provide more servings per can compared to the thicker soup.
Uses in Cooking
While they have some interchangeable uses, cream of chicken soup and cream of chicken work better in certain dishes based on their consistency.
Cream of chicken soup is ideal as a sauce or base because it can smoothly integrate into recipes without thinning them out. It excels in:
- Casseroles
- Pot pies
- Pasta bakes
- Stovetop gravies
- Risottos
- Chowders
Cream of chicken is better for:
- Sauteing aromatics
- Deglazing pans
- Rice, grains, and legumes
- Braising and stewing
- Soups
The thinner consistency disperses into dishes without weighing them down. It adds a layer of flavor without affecting texture.
In general:
– Use cream of chicken soup for thickening and binding
– Use cream of chicken for flavor in delicate dishes
However, they can often be swapped if you account for the difference in consistency by adjusting other liquids or thickeners in a recipe.
Which is Healthier?
Cream of chicken is the healthier choice between the two. With lower amounts of fat, carbs, and calories, it fits better into a healthy diet. It provides pure chicken flavor without the added dairy found in cream soups.
However, cream of chicken soup has higher amounts of some vitamins and minerals from its ingredients:
- Higher calcium from milk/cream
- More vitamin A from cream
- Increased potassium from thickeners
So cream of chicken soup offers more nutritional density if you don’t need to limit fat, sodium, or calories. But cream of chicken has a leg up for those monitoring their health. It’s also naturally gluten free, while some cream soups contain wheat.
Ultimately, cream of chicken works best for those concerned about fat intake, calories, and preservatives in processed foods. The simpler ingredients are a diet-friendly choice.
Common Substitutions
In a pinch, cream of chicken soup and cream of chicken can sometimes stand in for each other. Here are some tips for substituting:
– For cream soup – Use equal parts cream of chicken + milk or broth and thicken with 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour per cup of liquid.
– For cream of chicken – Dilute cream soup with equal parts milk, broth, or water to thin out texture. Reduce any other thickeners in the recipe.
– For both – In sautéed dishes, whisk in some flour to thicken broth or thin out cream soups.
– For flavor – Use chicken broth + bouillon or seasonings to mimic flavor without creamy texture.
Keep in mind substitutions may alter the final texture and flavor compared to the original recipe. Adjusting cooking times or heat may help counteract differences.
Cream of Chicken Soup vs Broth and Stock
Chicken broth and stock are other canned or boxed chicken-flavored liquids for cooking. How do they compare to cream of chicken soup?
Broth and stock have a much thinner consistency than the creamy soup. They are straight chicken cooking liquids rather than having a dairy-enriched base. In terms of use, broth and stock:
– Add subtle background flavor without changing texture
– Work as a braising/cooking liquid
– Get diluted into soups and sauces
Cream soup has significantly more body from milk or cream. It can thicken and enhance richness in a more noticeable way. It also has a more velvety mouthfeel.
For flavor, canned broth and stock tend to taste weaker than concentrated cream soups. But homemade versions made from real chicken can surpass the flavor of canned soup.
In summary, cream of chicken soup works better for finishing and creamy applications while broth and stock are best used for braising, simmering, or drinking. Stock adds delicate flavor, cream soup adds lush texture and taste.
Pros and Cons
Here is a comparison of some pros and cons when deciding between cream of chicken soup and cream of chicken:
Cream of Chicken Soup
Pros:
- Provides creamy, smooth texture
- Neutral base for many recipes
- Convenient and shelf-stable
- Higher amounts of some nutrients
Cons:
- Higher in calories, fat, sodium
- Contains preservatives and thickeners
- Not gluten or dairy-free
- More processed flavor
Cream of Chicken
Pros:
- Lower calorie, fat free option
- Distinct chicken flavor
- Naturally gluten free
- Thinner consistency won’t overthicken dishes
Cons:
- Less creamy compared to soup
- May alter texture of some recipes
- Contains more sodium when condensed
- Less added nutrients than soup
Conclusion
Cream of chicken soup and cream of chicken both provide easy chicken flavor for cooking. While they have some overlapping uses, there are distinct differences that make each better for certain applications.
Cream of chicken soup is ideal for creamy casseroles and smoothing out sauces with its thick, velvety texture. Cream of chicken can add chicken taste without thinning down delicate dishes, making it perfect for simmering rice or veggies.
Nutritionally, cream of chicken has an edge for being lower calorie and fat free. But cream soup offers more vitamins and minerals from dairy ingredients. Taste wise, cream of chicken may have bolder chicken notes while the soup is muted by cream.
The best option depends on the recipe and your nutritional needs. But both canned products are budget friendly pantry staples for conveniently elevating flavor in homemade meals.