Cream of chicken and cream of mushroom belong to a group of creamy soups or sauces that typically use a base of broth or stock along with cream or milk.  

Both are versatile ingredients often used in cooking and as a base for various dishes. 

They could come in canned form, which is readily available in grocery stores. You can also decide to make them at home from scratch. 

These soups have a creamy rich texture; however, the key difference lies in their primary ingredients which in chicken for cream of chicken and mushroom for cream of mushroom.  

In this post, we explore further details about the differences between these preparations. 

Difference between cream of mushroom and cream of chicken

Cream of chicken and cream of mushroom are both versatile soup bases, but they differ in flavor and main ingredients. 

Cream of chicken features chicken as a primary ingredient, while cream of mushroom uses mushrooms as its main ingredient. 

As such, their flavors are also slightly different with cream of chicken offering the savory taste of chicken, while cream of mushroom provides a rich, earthy flavor from the mushrooms. 

What is cream of chicken?

Cream of chicken soup typically includes chicken broth, cream, and shredded or diced chicken as primary ingredients.  

It may include vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions which are often added for flavor and texture. Seasonings such as salt, pepper, and herbs also contribute to the overall taste. 

To make cream of chicken soup, chicken is usually cooked and then combined with broth, cream, and vegetables in a simmering process.  

This allows the flavors to combine, creating a rich and savory soup. The cream also adds a smooth texture to the soup and enhances the overall taste.  

The texture of cream of chicken is creamy, with tender chicken pieces and softened vegetables. 

Cream of chicken soup is versatile; it can be enjoyed on its own. This preparation is also a popular choice for a variety of dishes. 

It is used as a base for various recipes like casseroles or sauces.  

What is cream of mushroom?

Cream of mushroom soup typically consists of mushrooms, broth, cream, and various seasonings. 

Onions, garlic, and flour are often used to add depth and thickness to the soup. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and flavorful dish. 

To make cream of mushroom soup, the mushrooms are sautéed in oil, then mixed with broth, cream, and other ingredients.  

The mixture is usually simmered, resulting in a savory and creamy soup. The addition of flour helps achieve a thicker consistency. 

The flavor in cream of mushroom soup is earthy and robust due to the mushrooms.  

The creaminess from the dairy component enhances the overall taste. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs are also added to elevate the flavor profile. 

The texture of cream of mushroom soup is creamy and smooth, with tender mushroom pieces throughout the soup. 

Cream of mushroom soup is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for various recipes. It serves as an excellent ingredient in sauces or used in pasta or rice.