Before we dive into the substitutes, it's essential to understand what cream of chicken soup is and what it does. In a nutshell, it's a canned soup made from a mixture of chicken broth, cream, and thickeners. It adds a rich, creamy texture and a boost of chicken flavor to our dishes. With this in mind, our substitutes should ideally replicate these characteristics.
Now, imagine you're in the middle of cooking your famous chicken pot pie, and you realize you're out of cream of chicken soup. Panic sets in, but fear not, friend! You can easily substitute it with a mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream or half-and-half. This combo will give you a similar creamy texture and a hint of chicken flavor.