🥣 Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Mix (Bulk Family-Size Version)
Skip the cans and whip up your own Cream of Chicken Soup Mix at home! This pantry-friendly dry mix is perfect for casseroles, slow cooker meals, pot pies, and more. Not only does it save money, but it also allows you to control the ingredients—no weird preservatives, artificial flavorings, or hidden MSG.
This bulk version yields the equivalent of 18 cans of condensed soup, making it perfect for families, batch cooks, and DIY pantry stockers.
✅ Why Make Your Own Cream of Chicken Soup Mix?
Skip the cans and take control of your pantry! This homemade cream of chicken soup mix recipe is easy to make, frugal, and free of preservatives. Whether you’re meal prepping, stocking your pantry, or cooking on a budget, this versatile mix is a must-have.
Top Reasons to DIY It:
- 💸 Budget-friendly – Just 26¢ per use
- 🧼 Cleaner ingredients – No MSG, no junk
- 🧂 Customizable – Adjust flavor to your preference
- ⏱️ Quick & easy – Mix and store in under 5 minutes
🧂 Ingredients – Family Size (Makes 18 “Cans”)
To make a bulk-sized batch that replaces 18 cans of condensed soup, you’ll need:
- 4 cups nonfat powdered milk
- 1 1/2 cups cornstarch
- 1/2 cup instant chicken bouillon granules
- 4 tsp dried onion flakes
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried basil, crushed
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (Tellicherry pepper recommended)
💡 You can also pulse the dry ingredients in a food processor or blender for a finer texture.
🧪 Ingredients – Single Batch (Makes 1 “Can”)
Just want to try it first? Here’s a one-can trial batch:
- 3 tablespoons nonfat powdered milk
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon granules
- 1/4 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- Pinch dried thyme
- Pinch crushed basil
- Tiny pinch black pepper
🛠️ How to Make the Mix (Any Size)
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl or gallon-sized Ziploc bag.
- Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Store in an airtight container, glass jar, or vacuum-sealed bag.
- Label with the date and store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 1 year.
🥄 To Make 1 Can of Soup from the Mix
Each “can” of condensed cream of chicken soup can be replaced with the following mixture:
- 1/3 cup soup mix
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
📋 Cooking Instructions:
- In a saucepan, whisk together the dry mix, water, and butter (if using).
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
- Use immediately in recipes calling for a standard 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup.
🍲 How to Customize It
Want more flavor or need a different variety? Try these swaps and add-ins, or try our Cream of Anything Soup Mix:
- Cream of Mushroom: Replace chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon and stir in finely chopped sautéed mushrooms.
- Cream of Celery: Add 1 tsp celery salt and stir in sautéed diced celery while cooking.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium bouillon and skip the added salt.
🧾 Budget101® Price Breakdown: Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Mix
Ingredient |
Amount Used |
Package Size & Cost |
Cost Used |
Nonfat Powdered Milk |
4 cups (10.4 oz) |
25.6 oz @ $10.48 |
$4.26 |
Cornstarch |
1 1/2 cups (6 oz) |
16 oz @ $1.58 |
$0.59 |
Chicken Bouillon Granules |
1/2 cup (3.5 oz) |
15 oz @ $3.12 |
$0.73 |
Onion Flakes, Herbs, Pepper |
~1 oz total |
Bulk pantry staples |
~$0.25 |
🧾 Total Used Cost |
$5.83 (~$0.32 per “can”) |
🏷️ Storage Tips
- Use mason jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or plastic airtight containers.
- Add a silica gel packet or a few grains of rice in a cheesecloth pouch if your area is humid.
- Label clearly with the contents and expiration date (best within 12 months).
📌 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut milk powder or soy milk powder instead of powdered milk.
Can I use bouillon cubes?
Yes. Crush finely and measure by volume (not weight).
Will it thicken in a slow cooker?
Yes—whisk the mix with cold water first, then stir it in during the final 30 minutes of cook time.
Can I use flavored bouillon?
Absolutely! Try roasted garlic, herb-infused, or reduced-sodium versions.
Tried this recipe? Mention @Budget101com or tag #Budget101
📌 Love this Cream of Chicken Soup Mix Recipe? Pin it!
🏷️ Free Printable Jar Labels for Cream of Chicken Soup Mix
Keep your pantry organized in style! We’ve created free printable jar labels that perfectly fit pint-size mason jars (compatible with Avery 5163 or similar labels). These labels include the mix name, instructions for use, and storage tips—making it easy to grab and go when cooking.
👉 [Click here to download your free printable jar labels (PDF)]
🖨️ Print-Friendly Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Mix Recipe
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Mix (Bulk Pantry Staple)
Equipment
- Airtight container or mason jar
- Saucepan (for prepared use)
Ingredients
- 4 cups nonfat powdered milk
- 1 ½ cups cornstarch
- ½ cup instant chicken bouillon granules
- 4 tsp dried onion flakes
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp crushed dried basil
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup cream of chicken soup mix
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 tbsp butter (optional for richness)
Instructions
Make the Dry Mix:
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl or gallon-size zip-top bag. Stir or shake until well mixed. Transfer to an airtight container. Label and store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.4 cups nonfat powdered milk1 1/2 cups cornstarch1/2 cup instant chicken bouillon granules4 tsp dried onion flakes2 tsp dried thyme2 tsp crushed dried basil1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
To Use:
- In a saucepan, whisk 1/3 cup of the dry mix with 1 cup cold water and optional butter.1/3 cup cream of chicken soup mix1 cup cold water1 tbsp butter
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
- Use immediately in recipes that call for 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup.
Equipment
Notes
💡 Notes & Tips:
✅ Trial batch: To test before making bulk, combine 3 tbsp powdered milk, 1 tbsp + 1 tsp cornstarch, 2 tsp chicken bouillon, 1/4 tsp onion flakes, and a pinch of each herb. 🧈 Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut milk powder and use salt-free bouillon if needed. 🧼 Blend for smoothness: Pulse in a food processor for a finer texture. 🧊 Freezer-safe: The prepared soup can be cooled and frozen in 1-cup portions for future use.If you altered the ingedients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cooking/baking time.
Nutrition
📌 Final Thoughts
Once you try this homemade cream of chicken soup mix, you’ll never go back to the can! It’s incredibly convenient, cheaper than store-bought, and adaptable to any recipe. Whether you’re prepping comfort food casseroles, creamy crockpot meals, or hearty soups, this pantry staple is a must-have for every frugal cook.
