16 Best Chicken Broth Substitutes For Cooking

Run out of chicken broth in the middle of your cooking session but don’t know if there’s a chicken broth substitute around? Don't panic. Some of your pantry staples and unexpected ingredients can deliver surprising results that are just what you need. 

A chicken broth substitute can be your culinary savior. Whether you're out of stock or simply looking to experiment with new flavors, this guide will introduce you to a world of flavorful chicken broth substitute options. So if you’re asking yourself "What can I substitute for chicken broth?" then look no further. Let's dive in and explore the possibilities.

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• What Is Chicken Broth?
• What Is the Purpose of Chicken Broth in Cooking?
• The 16 Best Substitutes for Chicken Broth

What Is Chicken Broth?

Chicken broth is a flavorful liquid made by simmering chicken bones, meat and often vegetables like carrots, celery and onions. It's the foundation for countless recipes, adding depth and richness to soups, stews and sauces. The long cooking process extracts collagen from the bones, resulting in a broth that's not only flavorful but has a silky texture, and is full of goodness.

What Is the Purpose of Chicken Broth in Cooking?

Chicken broth is a culinary workhorse, serving as the foundation for countless dishes. It's the heart and soul of comforting soups like chicken noodle soup and creamy tomato and basil soup. Its versatility extends beyond soups, enhancing the flavor of rice, quinoa and even braised meats. 

For professional chefs, mastering the art of broth making is essential. Many culinary schools and online cooking classes dedicate entire modules to broths, stocks and sauces, recognizing their pivotal role in creating extraordinary dishes. You’ll conveniently find numerous cooking classes near you if you wish to complement your cooking knowledge with broth cooking.

However, there isn’t always time for stewing up your own chicken broth — or perhaps you don’t have access to all the necessary ingredients. Alternatively, you might want to make a vegetarian or vegan version of chicken broth and you want your dish to taste just as savory and flavorful. Whatever the reason, here are 16 delicious chicken broth alternatives for you to experiment with at home. 

The 16 Best Substitutes for Chicken Broth

1. Beef Broth

Beef broth is a rich and flavorful alternative to chicken broth. Made by simmering beef bones, meat and vegetables, it offers a deeper, more robust taste. So, can you substitute beef broth for chicken broth? The answer is, generally, yes. 

Beef broth works particularly well as a chicken broth substitute in heartier dishes like stews, chili and soups with strong flavors like tomato or lentil. Use a combination of beef and vegetable broth with a 1:1 ratio for a milder flavor profile to avoid the overpowering beefy taste when using it as a chicken broth substitute.

2. Mushroom Broth

Mushroom broth is a fantastic vegan and vegetarian substitute for chicken broth. Packed with umami flavor, it adds depth and richness to dishes without any meat products.  

Mushroom broth as a chicken broth substitute shines in creamy soups, risotto and sauces where its savory character can truly shine. To use mushroom broth as a chicken broth substitute, measure a 1:1 ratio. However, be aware that the flavor profile will differ, so you may need to adjust other seasonings accordingly.

3. Chicken Stock

Chicken stock is essentially the unseasoned version of chicken broth. While it might seem a less flavorful chicken broth substitute, chicken stock is packed with collagen and provides a strong foundation for building rich flavors.

So if you’re thinking "Can I substitute chicken stock for chicken broth?" then absolutely, go ahead! Chicken stock can be used interchangeably with chicken broth by adjusting the salt level. Chicken stock is best used for creating flavorful bases for soups, stews and sauces. To use chicken stock as a chicken broth substitute, measure a 1:1 ratio.

4. Vegetable Broth

Vegetable broth is an excellent plant-based chicken broth substitute. While it lacks the richness of chicken broth, it offers a clean, fresh taste with its flavorful and nutritious liquid that works well in many dishes.

You can use vegetable broth as a 1:1 substitute. However, remember that vegetable broth has a lighter flavor profile, so you might need to adjust other seasonings to compensate. It's particularly well-suited for soups, stews and sauces where the focus is on vegetables and herbs rather than meat-based flavors.

5. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is not a direct chicken broth substitute as it lacks some of the depth of flavor. However, it can enhance the taste of dishes where a small amount of broth is called for. Soy sauce is primarily used to add saltiness and umami to a dish. It's best used in small quantities as a flavor enhancer rather than a bulk liquid replacement. 

There's no specific ratio for alternating soy sauce instead of chicken broth, as it's not a direct chicken broth substitute. Instead, use it sparingly to complement the other flavors in your dish. Consider adding it to stir-fries, marinades or sauces where a salty and savory boost is desired.

6. White Wine

White wine is not a direct chicken broth substitute but it can add a bright, acidic note to certain dishes. It's primarily used as a deglazing agent to lift browned bits from the bottom of a pan, creating a flavorful base for sauces.

White wine can enhance the flavor of dishes like creamy sauces, risottos and pan-cooked meats. Remember that white wine evaporates and reduces significantly during cooking, concentrating its flavor and burning off the alcohol. As such, there's no specific ratio for using white wine as a substitute; the amount used will depend on the recipe and desired flavor profile. 

7. Dashi

Dashi is a Japanese stock packed with umami flavor, making it a fantastic chicken broth substitute. This savory elixir is perfect for boosting the taste of soups, stews and stir-fries.  While traditionally made from seaweed and dried fish, you can easily find store-bought dashi powder or granules for convenience. 

To swap chicken broth for dashi, use an equal amount in your recipe. Remember, dashi has a distinct taste, so adjust other seasonings accordingly. This chicken broth substitute will elevate your dishes with its complex and rich flavor profile.

8. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk might seem like an odd choice for a chicken broth substitute, but hear us out! This creamy tropical delight can actually work wonders in certain dishes. While it won't replicate the exact flavor of chicken broth, it adds a rich, indulgent taste that's perfect for curry-based recipes. 

Coconut milk is a fantastic substitute when you're creating a dish with a Caribbean or Asian influence. To use it, simply replace the chicken broth with an equal amount of coconut milk. Remember, coconut milk is thicker than broth, so you might need to add a bit of water to adjust the consistency. It also isn’t salty so you’ll need to adjust your seasoning accordingly. 

9. Bouillon Cubes

Bouillon cubes can be your pantry's secret weapon! These concentrated flavor bombs can quickly transform into a decent chicken broth substitute. Perfect for soups, stews and sauces, bouillon cubes offer a convenient and flavorful solution. Simply dissolve one cube in a cup of boiling water to create your homemade chicken broth replacement. 

Remember, bouillon cubes tend to be saltier than broth, so adjust your seasoning accordingly. While they might not replicate the depth of homemade broth, bouillon cubes are a fantastic option when you're in a pinch and need a quick chicken broth substitute.

10. Salted Butter and Water

A simple blend of salted butter and water can be a surprisingly effective substitute for chicken broth. This quick fix is perfect for recipes where the broth plays a supporting role, rather than being the star of the show. 

To create this chicken broth alternative, simply melt one tablespoon of salted butter in a cup of hot water. While it won't replicate the full flavor profile of chicken broth, the butter adds a rich, savory element that can enhance your dish. Remember, this chicken broth substitute is best suited to recipes where other ingredients will dominate the taste.

11. Kombu

Kombu might sound like an odd choice for a chicken broth substitute, but hear us out. This type of seaweed is packed with umami flavor — the kind of savory deliciousness that makes your taste buds sing. If you're looking for a vegan chicken broth substitute, kombu is your new best friend.

While it won't replicate the exact taste of chicken broth, it can add a rich, deep flavor to your soups, stews and sauces. Kombu is especially great for miso soup, ramen and other Asian-inspired dishes. To use kombu as a substitute for chicken broth, simply add a piece to your dish while it simmers. Remove it before serving as it can become chewy. Remember, a little goes a long way with this powerful ingredient.

12. Chickpea Liquid

Don't toss out that chickpea liquid — or aquafaba. This often-overlooked pantry staple is a fantastic chicken broth substitute. Packed with protein and flavor, it's a great option for those seeking vegetarian or vegan alternatives. While it doesn't have the same poultry taste as chicken broth, chickpea liquid adds a rich, earthy depth to your dishes, as well as thickening them up. It's perfect for soups, stews and sauces. 

To use chickpea liquid as a chicken broth substitute, simply dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio. This will help balance the strong flavor and create a versatile base for your recipes. So, next time you open a can of chickpeas, save that liquid and discover a new culinary treasure.

13. Crushed Canned White Beans

Who would've thought that a can of white beans could be your secret weapon in the kitchen? These little legumes are more versatile than you might think; crushed canned white beans can be a fantastic chicken broth substitute. They add a creamy texture and subtle bean flavor to your dishes — this unexpected swap works wonders in soups and stews. 

To use crushed white beans as a chicken broth substitute, simply drain and rinse a can of white beans, then mash them with a fork or potato masher until you reach your desired consistency. Add them to your recipe along with extra water to mimic the broth-like consistency. 

14. Ramen Seasoning With Water

Ramen seasoning packets are more than just instant noodle flavor bombs. Believe it or not, this pantry staple can be a game-changer when you're out of chicken broth. It's a fantastic chicken broth substitute, especially for dishes that crave a salty, umami-packed punch.

To swap chicken broth for ramen seasoning, simply dissolve the seasoning packet in hot water. The result? A surprisingly authentic broth-like liquid brimming with savory goodness. Perfect for soups, stir-fries and rice dishes, this unexpected chicken broth alternative will elevate your cooking game. Remember, start with a small amount of seasoning and adjust to taste.

15. Italian Seasoning

Who would've thought this classic herb blend could be a chicken broth substitute? While it won't replicate the exact taste of chicken broth, Italian seasoning brings a savory punch to your dishes — perfect for adding depth to sauces, soups and stews. This comforting herb blend includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme and marjoram. 

To use Italian seasoning as a chicken broth alternative, mix it with hot water to create a flavorful base. Remember, it's all about enhancing the taste, not replacing it entirely. Experiment with different amounts to find your perfect blend and this unexpected chicken broth substitute might just become your new go-to cooking solution.

16. Mirepoix With Water

Mirepoix — a classic French blend of onions, carrots and celery — is a fantastic chicken broth substitute. When sautéed in some fat and simmered in water, it releases incredible flavors that mimic the essence of chicken broth.

While it won't offer the same protein content, mirepoix with water is a great option for vegetable-based dishes like soups, stews and risotto. It adds depth and richness to your cooking without overpowering other ingredients. To use it, simply sauté the mirepoix until softened, then cover with water and simmer for at least 30 minutes to extract maximum flavor. Strain the liquid and use it as a chicken broth substitute in your recipe.

So, there you have it. A world of possibilities awaits when you run out of chicken broth. From the classic vegetable broth to the unexpected power of mushrooms, there's a chicken broth substitute for every culinary adventure. Remember, the best substitute depends on your recipe and taste preferences.

Over to you! With this extensive guide to chicken broth substitutes, you’re now equipped to tackle any recipe without breaking a sweat (or your pantry) — time for you to experiment with, explore and discover your new favorite chicken broth alternatives.

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