How many calories does cream of chicken have?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A single serving of condensed cream of chicken soup can contain between 110 and 120 calories, but the final count changes significantly based on how it's prepared. Knowing exactly how many calories does cream of chicken have depends on whether you're using a store-bought can or a homemade version with controlled ingredients.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for cream of chicken soup varies widely depending on brand and preparation. Condensed canned versions have around 110-120 calories per half-cup, which rises when prepared with milk. Homemade recipes offer lower-calorie alternatives by using healthier ingredients.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The number of calories in cream of chicken soup depends heavily on whether it is a canned, condensed version or a homemade recipe, with preparation adding more calories.
Canned vs. Homemade: Condensed canned soup contains around 110-120 calories per 1/2 cup, which increases to nearly 200 calories per cup when mixed with milk. Homemade versions can range from low-calorie (around 205 kcal) to higher counts depending on ingredients.
Mindful Preparation: Reducing the final calorie count is possible by using skim milk, low-sodium broth, or incorporating more vegetables into the soup.
Low-Fat Versions: Heart-healthy or low-fat versions of canned cream of chicken soup are available, containing significantly less fat and sodium than their regular counterparts.
Healthy Substitutes: For a cream-free base, alternatives like Greek yogurt, cashew cream, or a simple white sauce made with low-fat milk can be used.
Ingredient Control: Making the soup from scratch gives you complete control over every ingredient, from the type of flour to the creaminess source, allowing for the healthiest possible option.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Cream of Chicken Soup

The number of calories in cream of chicken soup is not a single, fixed figure. It fluctuates based on several factors, including whether the soup is store-bought and condensed, homemade, or a specialized low-fat product. Canned, condensed varieties are typically high in calories, fat, and sodium, but knowing the specifics can help you make a more informed choice for your diet.

Breaking Down Canned vs. Homemade Calories

For a standard canned, condensed cream of chicken soup, a half-cup serving generally contains around 110 to 120 calories. This is before any liquid is added. However, when prepared as directed with an equal volume of milk, the calorie count per serving increases significantly. A cup of canned, prepared with milk, can rise to approximately 191 calories, due to the added fat from the milk.

Homemade versions, on the other hand, offer much more control over the nutritional content. You can substitute high-fat ingredients with healthier alternatives to reduce both calories and fat content. A typical homemade cream of chicken soup recipe can range anywhere from 205 calories per serving, as seen in some recipes from Pinch of Yum, to around 395 calories for a meal-sized bowl in a recipe from RecipeTin Eats. The variation largely depends on whether cream or a healthier substitute is used.

Nutritional Comparison: Canned vs. Homemade

To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of typical nutritional values based on standard serving sizes:


Feature	Canned Condensed (1/2 cup)	Canned, Prepared w/ Milk (1 cup)	Homemade (Low-Fat, 1 serving)	Homemade (Standard, 1 serving)
Calories	110–120 kcal	~191 kcal	~205 kcal	~395 kcal
Total Fat	~7g	~11g	~4.8g	~27g
Sodium	~840–870mg	~898mg	~823mg	~673mg
Carbohydrates	~9g	~15g	~31.6g	~6g
Protein	~2g	~7g	~8.5g	~30g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on brand and specific recipe.

Reducing Calories and Fat in Your Soup

For those looking to enjoy the flavor of cream of chicken soup while managing their calorie intake, there are several simple strategies to employ:

Use low-fat milk: When preparing canned soup, substitute whole milk with skim or fat-free milk to reduce fat and calories. You can also use unsweetened almond milk for a non-dairy option.
Choose a low-fat version: Many brands, including Campbell's, offer low-fat or heart-healthy versions of their cream of chicken soup, which are lower in fat and sodium.
Make it from scratch: Preparing a homemade version from scratch allows you to use a roux made with low-fat ingredients instead of heavy cream. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth.
Add extra vegetables: Bulking up your soup with healthy, low-calorie vegetables like celery, carrots, or broccoli adds fiber and nutrients without significantly increasing the calorie count.

Substitutions for a Healthier Alternative

If you want to move away from using cream of chicken soup as an ingredient altogether, several healthy substitutions can be used in recipes:

Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy texture with a protein boost and fewer calories.
Cashew cream: A dairy-free alternative that provides a rich, creamy consistency.
White sauce (Béchamel): A lighter sauce made with flour, milk, and butter can be a good base.
Cream of Mushroom or Celery Soup: These canned alternatives can have similar creamy textures but with slightly different flavor profiles.
Chicken broth and cornstarch: A simple mix can create a thick, flavorful base with minimal calories.

Making smarter choices about how you consume cream of chicken soup—whether through modification or substitution—can significantly impact the overall calorie and nutritional value of your meals. Homemade options and healthier versions allow you to maintain the comfort food flavor without the heavy nutritional load.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count of cream of chicken soup is highly variable, ranging from approximately 110 calories per half-cup of condensed soup to nearly 400 calories for a generous, rich, homemade serving. The final number is influenced by ingredients and preparation methods. Consumers can reduce their calorie intake by opting for low-fat milk, choosing lightened versions of the soup, or making it from scratch with healthier components. By being mindful of these factors, you can effectively manage the nutritional impact of this popular comfort food ingredient.

For more detailed, health-conscious recipe ideas, check out the options from Confessions of a Fit Foodie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homemade cream of chicken soup allows for much more control over ingredients, potentially resulting in a lower-calorie product, especially if low-fat milk or other creamy substitutes are used instead of heavy cream. Canned versions are often higher in fat and sodium.

A half-cup serving of condensed canned cream of chicken soup contains approximately 110 to 120 calories. The entire can's calorie count would be much higher, and preparation with milk further increases it.

Yes, adding milk significantly increases the calorie count. A cup of soup prepared with milk can have around 191 calories, whereas the condensed version is much lower per serving.

You can use healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt, cashew cream, a homemade white sauce, or even cream of celery soup combined with chicken broth. Some brands also offer low-fat versions of their soup.

Standard canned cream of chicken soup is very high in sodium, with some versions containing more than 800mg per half-cup serving. Homemade versions can significantly reduce the sodium content, as you can use low-sodium broth and control the salt added.

To make a healthier version, use skim milk or a plant-based milk substitute like unsweetened almond milk. Start with a roux made with minimal butter and flour, then mix in low-sodium chicken broth. Adding plenty of vegetables also increases nutrients without heavy calories.

The calorie difference is minimal and varies by brand. For example, a half-cup condensed serving of Campbell's cream of chicken has 110 calories, while their cream of chicken and mushroom has 120 calories. Always check the nutritional label for the specific product.