The 13 Best Substitutes For Chicken Broth

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add flavor to your dishes, chicken broth is the perfect solution.

It can be used in soups and stews, as well as sauces and casseroles.

It adds a depth of flavor that cannot be replicated by any other ingredient.

But what if you don’t have chicken broth on hand?

Or maybe you want something with a different taste profile?

Fortunately, there are plenty of substitutes that can do the job just as well.

In this article, I will discuss 13 of the best substitutes for chicken broth so that you can find one that fits your needs perfectly.

What is Chicken Broth?

Chicken broth is a seasoned liquid made from simmering chicken pieces, vegetables, and herbs in water.

The result of this process is a flavorful concoction that has become an essential ingredient for many dishes.

It’s often used as a base for soups and sauces or to add flavor to casseroles, risottos, and other dishes.

It’s also great when added to rice or noodles when cooking them as it brings out their natural flavors while adding its own unique taste.

In terms of preparation, the ingredients are typically simmered together until they are cooked through before being strained off with the resulting liquid collected in another container; this liquid is then your chicken broth.

When making at home, it’s important not to overcook the ingredients since doing so can make your broth cloudy or have an overly strong flavor.

The 13 Best Substitutes For Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is a great way to give dishes more flavor and moisture.

However, it can be difficult to find in stores or you may not have access to it.

Don’t worry – there are plenty of substitutes that will work just as well!

Here we look at the thirteen best alternatives for chicken broth:

1 – Chicken Stock

Chicken stock is a flavorful liquid made by simmering chicken bones and vegetables in water.

Unlike chicken broth, which is often seasoned with herbs and spices, chicken stock is unseasoned and has a richer flavor.

It can be used as the base for soups, stews, sauces, gravies, and other dishes that require liquid ingredients.

When substituting chicken stock for chicken broth in recipes, it’s important to remember that the flavor will be more intense than what you’re used to with broth.

You may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly or add additional herbs or spices if needed.

Chicken stock also contains more fat than broth due to its higher collagen content; this can help thicken sauces and give them a glossy finish.

Overall, using chicken stock instead of chicken broth can provide an extra layer of depth and complexity to your dishes!

2 – Vegetable Stock

Vegetable stock is an excellent alternative to chicken broth, as it provides a flavorful base for soups and other dishes.

It’s made by simmering vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and mushrooms in water with herbs and spices.

The result is a savory liquid that can be used as a substitute for chicken broth in many recipes.

Vegetable stock adds depth of flavor to any dish without the need for added fat or calories.

It also works well as a vegan option when making stews or risottos.

When using vegetable stock instead of chicken broth, you may need to adjust the seasoning levels since the flavors are more subtle than those found in chicken broth.

Additionally, you may want to add additional herbs or spices depending on your recipe’s desired flavor profile.

3 – Beef Broth

Beef broth is a savory liquid made from simmering beef bones, vegetables, and herbs.

It has a deep flavor that can add complexity to soups and stews.

The rich taste of beef broth makes it an ideal substitute for chicken broth in recipes.

The intense flavor will help bring out the best in any dish.

When using beef broth as a replacement for chicken broth, consider adding additional seasonings such as garlic or onion powder to enhance the flavor profile.

Additionally, you may need to adjust cooking times since beef broth takes longer to cook than chicken broth does.

Beef broth can be used in a variety of dishes including risottos, chilis, and casseroles.

Its robust flavor makes it perfect for creating hearty meals with maximum flavor!

4 – Chicken Bouillon Granules

Chicken bouillon granules are a great way to add flavor to your dishes without having to use chicken broth.

These granules are made from dehydrated chicken stock and can be used as a substitute for liquid broth in many recipes.

They have a concentrated flavor that adds depth and richness to soups, stews, sauces, and more.

To use the granules, simply dissolve them in hot water before adding them into your dish.

The ratio of bouillon granules to water should be 1 teaspoon per cup of liquid.

You can also sprinkle the dry granules directly onto cooked foods like vegetables or grains for added flavor.

For example, you could use chicken bouillon granules in creamy pasta dishes like macaroni and cheese or risotto; they’ll give it an extra boost of savory goodness!

5 – Chicken Bouillon Cubes

Chicken bouillon cubes are a convenient and flavorful alternative to chicken broth.

Made from concentrated chicken stock, these cubes provide an intense flavor boost to soups, sauces, and stews.

To substitute for a cup of chicken broth in recipes, use one bouillon cube dissolved in one cup of hot water.

This will give you the same amount of liquid as the recipe calls for with added umami flavor from the bouillon cube.

Bouillon cubes can also be used to add depth and complexity to dishes like risotto or quinoa bowls. Simply dissolve the cube into a small amount of warm water before adding it to your dish.

For more intense flavor, crumble the cube directly into your dish while cooking.

For those looking for an easy way to add extra flavor without having to buy multiple ingredients, try using chicken bouillon cubes as a replacement for chicken broth!

6 – Chicken Base or Chicken Broth Concentrate

Chicken base or chicken broth concentrate is a great alternative to traditional chicken broth.

It is made from concentrated chicken stock that has been reduced down and then mixed with salt, herbs, and spices.

This product provides an intense flavor boost to any dish without having to use large amounts of liquid.

To use it in recipes, simply mix one tablespoon of the concentrate with one cup of water.

This will give you the equivalent amount of broth as one can or carton of regular chicken broth.

You can also add additional seasoning such as garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, etc., if desired.

This replacement works well in soups, stews, casseroles, stir-fries and more!

For example, try using it instead of regular chicken broth when making creamy mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese for added flavor.

Or make a delicious vegetable soup by simmering your favorite vegetables in the prepared mixture for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!

7 – Water

Water is a great substitute for chicken broth when you’re in a pinch. It can be used to add moisture and flavor to your dishes without the addition of extra fat or salt.

To use water as a substitution, simply replace the amount of chicken broth called for in the recipe with an equal amount of water.

For example, if a soup recipe calls for 2 cups of chicken broth, you can replace it with 2 cups of water instead.

This will help keep the flavor profile intact while still adding liquid to the dish.

Additionally, you can also add herbs and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme or bay leaves to give your dish more depth and complexity.

Water is especially useful in recipes like risotto where it helps create a creamy texture without overpowering other flavors.

It’s also great for braising vegetables or poaching fish since it won’t alter their natural taste too much compared to using chicken broth which could overwhelm delicate flavors.

8 – Salted Butter and Water

Salted butter and water is a great alternative to chicken broth when you’re in a pinch.

The combination of the two ingredients creates a flavorful, savory liquid that can be used for soups, sauces, and more.

1. To use this replacement, start by melting one tablespoon of salted butter in one cup of water over medium heat.
2. Stir until the butter has melted completely and then bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes before using it as desired in your recipe.

This substitution works well with many recipes such as risotto, mashed potatoes, or even macaroni and cheese!

For risotto specifically, replace 1 cup of chicken broth with 1/2 cup salted butter mixed with 1/2 cup water.

This will create an incredibly creamy consistency while still providing plenty of flavor!

9 – Dry White Wine

Dry white wine can be a great substitute for chicken broth in many recipes.

It adds an acidic, slightly sweet flavor that can help to enhance the overall taste of your dish.

The key is to use a dry white wine that has no sweetness or oakiness; Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are two popular options.

When using this replacement, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to reduce the amount of salt used in your recipe since the wine will add its own salty flavor.

To use dry white wine as a substitute for chicken broth, simply replace one cup of broth with one-quarter cup of dry white wine.

You may also want to add additional herbs and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

This substitution works great in dishes like risotto, pasta sauces and soups where you need some liquid but don’t want too much watery texture from the broth itself.

It also pairs nicely with fish, poultry and vegetables.

10 – Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a creamy, dairy-free alternative to chicken broth that can be used in many recipes.

It has a mild, sweet flavor and can be used as a substitute for chicken broth in soups, stews, curries, and sauces.

When using coconut milk as a replacement for chicken broth, you may need to adjust the seasoning of your dish accordingly since it does not have the same saltiness or savory flavor as chicken broth.

Additionally, because coconut milk is thicker than most broths, you may need to add more liquid to your recipe if it becomes too thick when cooked.

Coconut milk works great in dishes like Thai curry soup or vegan chili where its sweetness helps balance out the spiciness of other ingredients.

You can also use it to make creamy risottos or flavorful sauces for roasted vegetables.

11 – Aquafaba (Bean or Chickpea Liquid)

Aquafaba is the liquid from cooked or canned beans, most commonly chickpeas.

It has a similar consistency to egg whites and can be used as an egg substitute in many recipes.

Aquafaba can be used as an alternative to chicken broth for soups and stews.

When heated, it adds a rich flavor that enhances the dish without adding any additional calories or fat.

The liquid also helps to thicken sauces and gravies, making them more flavorful and creamy.

When using aquafaba as a replacement for chicken broth, you will need to adjust the seasoning levels accordingly.

You may want to add more salt or herbs depending on your taste preferences.

Additionally, you may need to reduce the amount of liquid used if the recipe calls for a large quantity of broth since aquafaba is thicker than traditional broths.

Aquafaba works great in vegan dishes such as curries and stir-fries where it can replace chicken stock or other animal-based ingredients like eggs or cream cheese.

It can also be used as a binding agent in vegan baking recipes, such as for vegan meringues or eggless mayonnaise.

Aquafaba can also be used as a replacement for butter in some recipes, such as pancakes.

12 – Dashi

Dashi is a Japanese soup stock made from kombu (kelp) and bonito flakes (dried fish).

It has a light, smoky flavor that adds depth to many dishes.

When substituting dashi for chicken broth, you’ll want to use half the amount of dashi as you would chicken broth.

This is because it has a much more concentrated flavor than chicken broth does.

Dashi can be used in soups, stews, marinades and sauces.

It’s also great for poaching vegetables or seafood as it will give them an umami boost without overpowering their natural flavors.

Some recipes where dashi would work well include miso soup, ramen noodle soup, udon noodle stir-fry and teriyaki salmon.

Dashi can also be used as a base for risotto or added to mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

13 – Ramen Seasoning

Ramen seasoning is a flavorful blend of spices and seasonings that can be used as a substitute for chicken broth.

It typically contains garlic, ginger, onion powder, sesame oil, soy sauce, and other herbs and spices.

The flavor profile is slightly sweet with hints of umami and spice.

When substituting ramen seasoning in place of chicken broth, you’ll need to adjust the amount used depending on the recipe.

For soups or stews, start by adding 1 tablespoon per cup of water or stock used.

You can then adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more if needed.

Ramen seasoning can also be used to add flavor to stir-fries or noodle dishes such as ramen soup.

Simply add 1 teaspoon per serving when cooking your noodles or vegetables for an extra boost of flavor.

You can even use it as a marinade for grilled meats like chicken or pork chops – simply mix together equal parts soy sauce and ramen seasoning before coating your meat with the mixture.

Allow the meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chicken broth is a versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance the flavor of soups, sauces, stews, and other dishes.

If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, there are plenty of other ingredients that can be used as a substitute.

The best substitutes for chicken broth are chicken stock, vegetable stock, beef broth, chicken bouillon granules, chicken bouillon cubes, chicken base or chicken broth concentrate, water, salted butter and water, dry white wine, coconut milk, aquafaba (bean or chickpea liquid), dashi, and ramen seasoning.

Each of these ingredients can be used to add flavor and moisture to dishes without overpowering the other flavors.

So the next time you’re in a pinch, reach for one of these substitutes and give it a try.