It’s easy to know what to do with a can of chicken noodle soup, but cream of chicken? Not many people want to eat spoonfuls of that straight out of the can. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable meals that start with this pantry staple. Here are some of our favorite recipes using the ubiquitous can of cream of chicken soup.
1. Party Potatoes
Party potatoes just sound fun to say, don’t you think? They’re also a cheap, easy way to use up a bag of languishing hash browns in the freezer and a can of condensed cream of chicken soup. Combine the soup with sour cream, cheddar cheese, butter, onion, and salt, then add in the frozen hash browns. A topping made from cornflakes, butter, and cheese finishes the dish before it gets baked into a gooey delight.
Recipe: Southern Living
Related: This Easy, Cheesy Easter Casserole Graced my Grandma’s Table Every Year
2. Creamy Green Chile Chicken Cobbler
If you’re craving the flavors of the Southwest, this green chile chicken cobbler should do the trick. The chiles and enchilada sauce add a little heat, while the cream of chicken soup lends a savory creaminess to the dish. For the shredded rotisserie chicken, one of Costco’s famed birds should do the trick.
Recipe: Taste of Home
3. Smothered Chicken and Rice
This recipe uses two types of canned soup: cream of chicken and cream of mushroom. All that soup — plus the addition of milk — creates a flavorful gravy that is then smothered over browned chicken thighs. Serve with rice for a well-rounded (and incredibly delicious) meal.
Recipe: Top Teen Recipes
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4. Chicken Pot Pie
Making chicken pot pie for the first time can be a little intimidating, but this recipe makes it remarkably easy. All you’ll need is cream of chicken soup, shredded or diced chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and two pie crusts, which can either be homemade or store-bought. The end result? An impressive pie that you’ll feel confident making time and time again.
Recipe: Country Hill Cottage
Related: 11 Cheap and Easy Canned Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipes
5. Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
You’ll notice that adding cream of chicken soup to most dishes makes them, well, creamy. These enchiladas are no exception (the addition of cream cheese helps, too). Here, flour tortillas are filled with a decadent chicken mixture and topped with a combination of soup, sour cream, and green chiles. One helpful hint: You can prepare the enchiladas in advance and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for up to three months.
Recipe: Julie’s Eats & Treats
Related: Delicious and Inexpensive Mexican Dishes
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6. Homemade Chicken Spaghetti
Comfort food at its core, chicken spaghetti is a hearty pasta bake that uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Gather up spaghetti, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and a couple cheeses and herbs, and you have all the makings of a meal your family will love.
Recipe: Mama Loves Food
Related: Cozy Fall Comfort Foods You’ll Want To Cook Up ASAP
7. Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
This recipe comes straight from the soup connoisseurs themselves: Campbell’s. Forget beef-based chili and opt for this white chicken chili, which uses red bell peppers, corn, cannellini beans, chicken, and cream of chicken soup, among other ingredients. You can make it as spicy as you like by increasing the amount of chili powder.
Recipe: Campbell’s
8. Shrimp Chowder
Not all shrimp chowder is created equal. This one uses both cream of chicken soup and cream of potato soup, along with two pounds of cooked shrimp. Oh yeah, and evaporated milk and cream cheese, making it one of the more indulgent soups out there.
Recipe: Taste of Home
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9. Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole
Talk about an easy side dish. Simmer broccoli and cauliflower florets; add butter, sautéed onions, and rice; and stir in a mix of cream of chicken soup, cheese, and milk. Top your casserole off with a buttery cracker topping before baking in the oven, then serve alongside your favorite entree.
Recipe: All Recipes
Related: Decadent Meatless Casserole Recipes to Try Now
10. Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos
In need of a “set it and forget it” meal? These slow cooker nachos are cooked on low for four to five hours. Dump all the ingredients — including two cans of cream of chicken soup — into the slow cooker, get on with your day, then spoon over tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Living
11. Chicken Tetrazzini
This list wouldn’t be complete without chicken tetrazzini, a cozy comfort meal that relies on a handful of everyday ingredients. This recipe uses two cans of cream of chicken soup, and can be on the table in under an hour.
Recipe: Lil’ Luna
