Healthy and Flavorful Homemade Cream of Chicken Base Recipe
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I am always on the lookout for healthy and delicious recipes that can cater to different dietary needs. Today, I am excited to share with you a recipe that’s perfect for those who are gluten-free and dairy-free, yet still crave creamy comfort food – Gluten-Free Cream of Chicken Base Recipe.
This base recipe can be used to make various dishes, from soups and sauces to casseroles and potpies. And the best part? You don’t have to compromise taste or quality just because you’re avoiding gluten or dairy.
With this recipe, I will show you how you can make your own cream of chicken soup base at home easily. We will be using a combination of gluten-free flour blend and powdered milk to create a smooth and creamy base that will add richness and flavor to your dishes.
Whether you’re making a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup, a hearty chicken potpie, or a flavorful creamy sauce for pasta, this Gluten-Free Cream of Chicken Base Recipe is sure to elevate any dish while still maintaining its healthiness. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I know it can be hard to find a cream of chicken soup that is both gluten-free and dairy-free. But don’t worry, my gluten-free cream of chicken base recipe is here to save the day!
First and foremost, this recipe contains all the necessary ingredients for a classic cream of chicken soup but is free of gluten and dairy. This means that you can enjoy the creamy texture and delicious chicken flavor without worrying about any dietary restrictions.
However, what sets this recipe apart from others is not only its simplicity but also its versatility. You can use it as a soup base for countless dishes such as casseroles, pot pies, or even creamy pasta sauce. The possibilities are endless!
But why will you love this recipe? Well, for starters, it’s incredibly easy to make. All you need is a saucepan, a few simple ingredients, and within no time, you’ll have a delicious base to work with. Plus, it’s customizable! If you want a thicker base, just add more flour. If you’re in the mood for extra garlic flavor, throw in an extra teaspoon!
Another reason why this recipe is top-notch is that it’s homemade – say goodbye to those canned cream of chicken soups! The majority of them contain questionable ingredients and preservatives like MSG (monosodium glutamate), which has been linked to headaches and other health issues.
Lastly, not only is this recipe kid-approved (yes, even picky eaters love it!) but it’s also budget-friendly. Making your own cream of chicken base from scratch means that you control what goes in and how much you make.
In conclusion, my gluten-free cream of chicken base recipe will be your new go-to for all things creamy and savory. It’s simple to make, versatile in its uses, customizable to your taste preferences, homemade (goodbye cans!), kid-friendly and budget-friendly. Trust me; you will not regret giving this recipe a try!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this gluten-free cream of chicken base recipe:
Soup Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 cup milk (dairy or dairy-free)
- ¾ cup gluten-free flour blend or rice flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or vegan butter
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper (gluten-free)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Onion powder (optional)
Cream Chicken Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups soup gluten free ingredients
- 3/4 cup powdered milk, dairy or dairy-free (it can be replaced with canned cream, heavy cream, sour cream, coconut milk, evaporated milk, condensed cream, homemade cream or mushroom soup as per preference.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter or vegan butter
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Note: Make sure to check labels of all ingredients for “gluten-free” and “dairy-free” labels.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients listed in the previous section, let’s get started on making this delicious gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
Preparing the Soup Base
- Melt butter or vegan butter (for dairy-free) in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add rice flour or gluten-free flour blend and whisk to combine.
- Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown while continuously whisking.
- Gradually add chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid any lumps.
- Add milk and evaporated milk to the mixture and whisk well
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Adding Chicken to the Soup
- Heat another saucepan over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
- Add chopped chicken and sauté until it becomes brown for 4-5 minutes
- Season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Finish
- Now pour the creamy soup base into this pan, stir well and cook for 5 more minutes over low heat.
- Once you are done, you can taste it according to your preference and add salt and pepper if needed.
Congratulations! You’ve just made a creamy gluten-free cream of chicken soup that is perfect for any mealtime. Keep on reading for tips on how to store, maintain, serve and pair this delicious dish.
Substitutions and Variations
Hey there, foodies! If you’re looking for some substitutes or variations on this Gluten-Free Cream of Chicken Base recipe, I’ve got you covered. Below are some suggestions to customize this dish to fit your dietary restrictions or taste buds.
– Dairy-free option: If you’re lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can replace the powdered milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut milk powder. You can also substitute the heavy cream and sour cream with canned coconut cream, which will add a subtle coconut flavor to the soup. Alternatively, you can skip the dairy altogether and use chicken broth as the liquid base for a thinner soup.
– Vegan option: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, replace the butter with vegan butter and swap the powdered milk with almond milk powder. You can also omit the chicken broth and replace it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
– Gluten-free flour blend: If you don’t have rice flour on hand or want to try something different, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Look for blends made with tapioca flour, potato starch, and brown rice flour as they tend to work well in soups and sauces.
– Add spices: This recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your desired flavor profile. If you want a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For an Italian flair, add dried oregano and basil. Experiment with your favorite spices to make this soup your own.
– Customizable soup ingredients: Instead of using plain chicken broth or stock, add different vegetables like carrots, celery or leeks for enhanced flavor. Swap out the chicken for turkey if you have leftovers from Thanksgiving supper.
I always encourage my readers to get creative and try new things in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients until you find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made your homemade gluten-free cream of chicken base, the possibilities for serving and pairing are endless. This versatile base makes a great addition to a variety of dishes, including pasta bakes, casseroles, and pot pies. Simply add in your favorite vegetables and protein choices for a hearty and delicious meal.
One classic way to use this cream of chicken soup is as a topping for baked potatoes. Simply bake your potatoes until they’re tender, then slice them open and ladle on your soup. Top it off with some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for the perfect blend of flavors.
Alternatively, you can use this cream of chicken base as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies or breadsticks. The rich and creamy texture makes it an ideal pairing for crunchy vegetables like carrots or celery.
For a more substantial meal, consider using this cream of chicken soup as the base for a hearty pot pie. You can use whatever proteins and vegetables you have on hand, such as leftover chicken or turkey, broccoli, or peas. Top it off with a buttery biscuit crust for the ultimate comfort food.
Additionally, this cream of chicken soup is also perfect for making gluten-free noodle soups or mushroom soups. By simply adding some rice noodles or mushrooms to your soup recipe ingredients, you will elevate its flavor profile to another level.
No matter how you decide to serve it, this homemade gluten-free cream of chicken base is sure to be a staple in your kitchen arsenal!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This gluten-free cream of chicken base recipe is an excellent make-ahead option for those busy days. You can prepare a large batch of this soup base and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for future use. The base can last up to 4 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.
To store the soup, place it in an airtight container and let it cool down completely before refrigerating or freezing. When reheating the soup, you can use the stovetop, microwave, or oven.
If you choose to use the stovetop method, heat the soup slowly over low heat while stirring occasionally. Do not boil it as it may affect the texture and taste of the soup.
For reheating in the microwave, transfer small portions of the soup into a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in increments of 30 seconds. Stir frequently and continue until it reaches the desired temperature.
If you prefer to use an oven or toaster oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the soup into an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until hot.
Remember to adjust your seasoning if necessary when reheating your soup as flavors may become muted over time. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy creamy and flavorful chicken soup that’s perfect for storing and reheating as needed.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make the perfect gluten-free cream of chicken soup, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve it. In this section, I’ll give you some recommendations that will help you get the best results from this recipe.
Firstly, make sure to use fresh ingredients. For example, if your flour has been in your pantry for a long time or your chicken stock is very old, they may have lost some of their flavor and won’t give you the best taste.
Secondly, always measure your ingredients carefully. Some people think that cooking is an art and that they can add ingredients by eye, but this is not always the case. Gluten-free flours, in particular, can be more sensitive to measurements than regular wheat flour.
Next, don’t overcook the flour mixture. When you’re making the roux with the flour blend and olive oil or vegan butter, continuously stir to prevent clumps from forming. Keep stirring until everything looks light brown and foamy. If you cook it for too long or at too high of a heat, it can burn and taste bad.
Another suggestion is to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. The recipe calls for specific amounts of salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder but feel free to add more or less depending on your preferences.
Finally, when reheating leftovers of this cream of chicken base recipe, add a little bit of water or milk to thin out the soup base as it often thickens up after storage. Plus, it’s totally normal for gluten-free flours to thicken soups more than regular wheat flour.
By following these tips and recommendations, you should end up with a delicious gluten-free cream of chicken soup base that can be used as an ingredient in other recipes or enjoyed on its own!
FAQ
Before we wrap things up, let’s take a moment to answer some frequently asked questions that may have arisen while making this gluten-free cream of chicken soup recipe. Don’t panic if things don’t go smoothly the first time. Just remember that you’re already doing much better and more delicious than with canned or condensed soups! With a bit of patience and practice, soon you’ll find yourself making a homemade cream of chicken base effortlessly, that you can use for anything from creamy pasta dishes to savory casseroles.
Is Campbell’s cream of chicken gluten-free?
None of the soups from Campbell’s brand are currently free from gluten, including the Cream of Chicken soup. This information is particularly relevant to those residing in the United States.
Is chicken soup base gluten-free?
Chicken broth is typically free from gluten due to its primary components being inherently gluten-free. Nevertheless, certain store-bought brands may contain gluten-infused additives and additives.
Does cream of chicken have gluten in it?
When it comes to gluten-free eating, one may wonder if canned cream of chicken soup is a safe option. Unfortunately, most of the cream of chicken soups available in stores contain gluten, and even popular brands like Campbell’s do not have a gluten-free alternative.
What can I substitute for a can of cream of chicken?
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I love to experiment with healthy and organic ingredients to prepare delicious meals. Today, my focus is on creamy soups and the different ways you can make them without compromising on the taste or health benefits. There are plenty of options to choose from such as heavy cream, full-fat sour cream, chicken broth, plain Greek yogurt or plain yogurt. Let me walk you through some of my favorite recipes that are gluten-free and dairy-free.
One of my all-time favorite creamy soups is the Cream of Mushroom Soup. To make it, sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic in a pan until they become tender. Then, blend the mixture in a food processor and return it to the pan. Add chicken broth to the pan and bring it to a boil. Once done, add some dairy-free milk such as almond or soy milk, and thicken the mixture with cornstarch or arrowroot powder until you get a creamy texture. You can complement its earthy and savory taste with a pinch of salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
If you like sour cream, you can use full-fat sour cream to make your soups creamier, thicker and richer in flavor. Mix a cup of full-fat sour cream with some chicken broth, mushrooms or any vegetable of your choice, and blend them until you obtain a smooth consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Plain Greek yogurt or plain yogurt is another great option to handle the creaminess of the soups. Mix 2 cups of yogurt with 1 cup of chicken broth and blend them in a food processor until they become creamy. Pour the mixture into a pan and heat it up until it’s hot. You can use this as a base for a variety of soups like tomato, broccoli, and cauliflower soup.
If you want to stick with heavy cream, you can use it as a base for your creamy soups, but try using chicken broth instead of cream. This will give your soup the right creamy texture, but it will be healthier as it will have lesser calories. Mix equal parts of heavy cream and chicken broth and add salt and pepper to taste.
These different methods of making creamy soups without compromising the health aspect make them a perfect fit for any meal. So, go ahead, pick your choice of ingredients, and whip up some delicious and healthy soup!
Bottom Line
Concluding my article about my gluten-free cream of chicken base recipe, I cannot emphasize enough, how healthy cooking can make a big difference in your life. But it doesn’t mean that it cannot be delicious and enjoyable at the same time.
So, before you reach for the canned condensed soup or the pre-packaged seasoning mix with all kinds of additives and preservatives, give this homemade cream of chicken base recipe a try. This recipe is versatile and free from gluten, dairy, and unwanted ingredients. Plus, it’s quite easy to make substitutions and variations according to your taste and dietary preferences.
With this recipe on-hand, you can whip up a whole range of delicious and healthy soups, casseroles, and even sauces in no time. Trust me; your family and guests will appreciate it too.
And as always, don’t forget to share your experience with me by commenting below or tagging me on social media. Because together we can cook our way towards healthier, happier lives!
Gluten Free Cream of Chicken Base Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered milk
- 1 cup rice flour
- 2 tablespoons instant minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons powdered gluten-free reduced-sodium chicken base
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients well and store in an air tight container in your pantry.
- In a small saucepan mix 3-4 Tablespoons of base with 1/4 cup cold water.Add 1 cup hot water (or for a richer soup 1 cup chicken stock) cook over medium heat stirring til soup thickens.
- Use 3 Tablespoons for thin soup or 4 Tablespoons for thick soup.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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