At its heart, this recipe is a thick, savory sauce that mimics the consistency of canned condensed soup. By swapping in different add-ins like sautéed mushrooms, cooked chicken, or diced celery, you can customize it to suit any dish. It’s a flexible, go-to recipe that transforms into exactly what you need.
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
1 cup milk (whole milk works best)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup add-ins of choice (mushrooms, diced chicken, or celery, pre-cooked)
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully melted and bubbling.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Slowly pour in the broth while whisking, followed by the milk. Continue whisking until smooth.
Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, whisking often, until the soup thickens to a condensed-soup-like texture.
Stir in your chosen add-in (mushrooms, chicken, or celery). Mix well and let simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
Use immediately in casseroles, sauces, or enjoy as a soup. Cool completely before storing.