4 Easy Swaps That Replace Chicken Broth

4 Easy Swaps That Replace Chicken Broth

What can I substitute for chicken broth when your recipe calls for this staple but none remains in the pantry? This common kitchen dilemma has several solutions that maintain flavor while using ingredients already on hand.

Many home cooks face this challenge regularly, especially during busy weeknight meal preparation.

The right replacement depends on what dish you're making and which flavors need to shine through.

Several pantry items can mimic the savory depth that chicken broth typically provides without compromising taste.

These alternatives range from simple water with seasonings to more complex homemade options that replicate the original quite effectively.

Most substitutes work equally well in soups, stews, risottos, and other dishes where chicken broth serves as a foundation.

Read on to find perfect alternatives that will rescue your recipes when chicken broth isn't available.

What Is Chicken Broth?

What Is Chicken Broth?

Chicken broth is a savory liquid made by simmering chicken meat, bones, and sometimes vegetables in water until the flavors blend together, creating a comforting base for soups, stews, and sauces:

  • Simple Ingredients: Chicken broth usually contains chicken, water, salt, and vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery for extra depth.
  • Cooking Method: The mixture is gently cooked for an hour or more, allowing the chicken and veggies to release their flavors and nutrients into the liquid.
  • Uses in Cooking: Chicken broth is commonly used to add moisture and flavor to rice, pasta, grains, casseroles, gravies, and braised dishes.
  • Store-Bought or Homemade: You can buy ready-made chicken broth or make it at home using leftover chicken pieces and basic kitchen staples.
  • Nutrition: It’s low in calories and can offer some protein and minerals, depending on how much meat and bone are included.

Why Substitute Chicken Broth?

There are many reasons people look for chicken broth substitutes, whether for health needs, personal preference, or simply running out of broth in the kitchen:

  • Dietary Restrictions: Some people avoid chicken broth due to vegetarian, vegan, or kosher diets, so they turn to vegetable broth or other plant-based options.
  • Allergies or Sensitivities: Chicken broth can sometimes contain common allergens like gluten, MSG, or certain spices, making a swap necessary for those with food sensitivities.
  • Lower Sodium Needs: Store-bought chicken broths are often high in salt, so choosing a low-sodium or homemade alternative helps control sodium intake.
  • Flavor Variety: Using a different broth, like beef, mushroom, or vegetable, can add new layers of flavor and give classic dishes a twist.
  • Convenience and Cost: If you run out of chicken broth, you can use water with added herbs and spices or bouillon cubes, which are budget-friendly and easy to keep on hand.

Savory Chicken Broth Replacements

Chicken broth replacements keep comfort food rich and flavorful while leaving room for personal touches. Soups and sauces still feel like home. Discover the options that can do the job beautifully.

Chicken Stock

Chicken Stock

Chicken stock serves as a fantastic substitute for broth in most recipes, offering a similar poultry flavor despite being made from bones, feet, vegetables, and seasonings rather than meat.

The main difference is that stock has a thinner consistency, but this small variation barely registers in the final dish once you've made proper adjustments to the liquid base.

Many cooks use chicken stock without any thickening at all and still achieve excellent results in their cooking.

This convenient alternative works in equal ratios for any recipe calling for chicken broth, making swaps simple and straightforward.

Bouillon Cubes

Bouillon Cubes

Substituting chicken bouillon cubes for broth offers a convenient alternative when cooking your favorite recipes.

These concentrated flavor cubes dissolve easily in hot water to create an instant replacement for liquid chicken broth in soups, stews, and sauces.

For a standard substitution, one cube mixed with one cup of water equals the same amount of broth called for in your recipe.

The flavor intensity can be adjusted by simply adding half a cube more when you need a stronger chicken taste in your dish.

This pantry staple takes up minimal storage space compared to cartons or cans of broth and has a much longer shelf life.

Aquafaba

Aquafaba

Substituting chicken with plant-based alternatives has become increasingly popular for those on vegan diets who still crave that rich, savory flavor in their meals.

Aquafaba, the liquid from canned garbanzo beans, offers an excellent solution packed with umami that can replace chicken broth in numerous recipes.

Many chefs recommend diluting this chickpea-derived liquid with equal parts water to reduce its natural starchiness and create a more broth-like consistency.

The flavor profile matches surprisingly well in soups, stews, and sauces where chicken broth would traditionally be used.

Beef Broth

Beef Broth

Substituting beef broth for chicken broth can be a game-changer when you're in a pinch, thanks to its rich umami flavor that delivers similar results.

The deeper taste profile and thicker consistency of beef broth might seem different, but it still accomplishes what chicken broth would in most recipes.

For dishes where chicken flavor is not the star, you can use beef broth in equal amounts to add more depth and richness.

When cooking lighter recipes where the poultry notes matter, simply mix half beef broth with half water to create a more subtle alternative.

How to Adjust Liquid Volumes When Swapping Broths

How to Adjust Liquid Volumes When Swapping Broths

When switching out one broth for another, adjusting the liquid amount is important to keep your dish balanced and flavorful:

Watch Saltiness

Some broths vary widely in salt content. Start by adding a smaller amount to your dish, then taste and gradually add more if needed to avoid an overly salty result.

Concentration

When using concentrated stock, bouillon cubes, or reduced broth, dilute them with water before adding to recipes to prevent flavors from becoming too intense or overpowering.

Texture Matters

Thicker, richer broths such as homemade or bone broth may need additional water to prevent soups and sauces from becoming too heavy, thick, or gelatinous.

Cooking Time

Broths can evaporate at different rates during simmering. Monitor your dish closely and add extra liquid as needed to maintain the desired consistency throughout cooking.

Substitute For Water

If a recipe calls for both broth and water, you can sometimes replace the water with broth for extra flavor, but always taste and adjust seasoning to balance the dish accordingly.

Chicken Broth Substitutes: Reader FAQs

1. Can I replace chicken broth with bouillon cubes?

Absolutely. Dissolve 1 bouillon cube in 1 cup of hot water to make a quick broth replacement.

2. What’s the best vegetarian substitute for chicken broth?

Vegetable broth is the top choice, especially for soups, risottos, and sauces in vegetarian dishes.

3. Can I use chicken stock instead of chicken broth?

Yes, stock is richer and more gelatinous, but it can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

4. Are bone broth and chicken broth the same thing?

They’re similar, but bone broth is usually more concentrated and nutrient-rich. It can replace broth in most savory recipes.

5. How do I make a quick homemade chicken broth substitute?

Mix hot water with salt, a little oil, and common seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley.

6. Can I use mushroom broth in place of chicken broth?

Yes, especially in dishes where you want a deeper umami flavor without using meat-based broth.

7. Is miso a good replacement for chicken broth?

Miso paste mixed with hot water creates a savory broth substitute, especially in Asian-style dishes.

Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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