14 Best Chicken Broth Substitutes & Swaps

Love cooking? These chicken broth substitutes are a must-save for your recipe arsenal. They’re perfect for when you’re in a bind and work beautifully in everything from pasta and soups to risotto.

1.White Wine

Running low on chicken broth but have white wine on hand? No problem! White wine can be a great substitute in a pinch.

While it will change the flavor profile, it works well in recipes that call for less than half a cup of broth.

Just keep in mind that if you’re not boiling it, some alcohol will remain, so it’s best for dishes that simmer rather than boil.

For a quick substitute, mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1 cup of dry white wine and use it 1:1 in place of chicken broth. Easy and flavorful!

2.Beef Broth

Out of chicken broth? Why not mix things up with some beefy flavor instead?

Beef broth brings a bold, hearty taste that’s way more robust than chicken broth, making it perfect for hearty dishes like chili.

Don’t shy away from it–embrace it and let it add some serious depth to your cooking. The secret is to dilute it with water so you can control the flavor and saltiness.

Try mixing 1 cup of beef broth with 1/4 cup of water. Taste it, and add more water if needed. Use this diluted beef broth as a 1:1 substitute for chicken broth in your recipes–1 cup for 1 cup.

It’s an easy way to give your meals a whole new vibe!

3.Ramen Noodle Packets

Looking for a clever substitute for chicken broth? Here’s a game-changer: those ramen noodle flavor packets you’ve got stashed away!

They’re packed with herbs and spices, ready to add a burst of flavor to your dishes. Just remember, these packets are super concentrated.

To use, dissolve one ramen flavor packet in 1 to 1.5 cups of hot water. Then, use 1 cup of this mixture for every cup of chicken broth your recipe calls for.

Taste as you go and adjust with more water if needed–it’s that simple! This hack is perfect for when you’re in a pinch and need a quick flavor boost.

4.Aquafaba

Aquafaba is the clever liquid left behind after cooking chickpeas, and it’s a game-changer for vegan recipes. While it might seem a bit unconventional, trust us–it works wonders as a substitute.

The best kind comes straight from a can of chickpeas. Just drain the liquid, and you’ll notice it has a consistency similar to chicken broth.

One thing to keep in mind: aquafaba has more starch, so you’ll want to dilute it with water before using it.

Also, since it’s not seasoned like broth, you’ll need to add some extra herbs and spices to your dish.

Here’s the ratio: mix 1/2 cup of aquafaba with 1/2 cup of water to replace 1 cup of chicken broth. Easy peasy!

5.Dashi

Looking to add some Asian-inspired flavor or a burst of umami to your cooking? Dashi is a great option to shake things up!

Made from kelp (kombu) and dried fish flakes (bonito), it brings a rich, savory taste to the table.

Just keep in mind that it has a noticeable fishy undertone, so it’s not the best fit for hearty meat dishes.

To use dashi, start by dissolving a pinch in water until it tastes just right to you.

Then, use about half the amount you’d typically use for chicken broth–think 1/2 cup of diluted dashi for every 1 cup of chicken broth. It’s a subtle swap that can elevate your recipes in no time!

6.Butter and Water

If plain water feels too bland, why not give it a boost with some melted butter?

Opt for salted butter if you have it on hand, but if unsalted is what you’ve got, just add a generous pinch of salt to make it pop.

Simply mix the melted butter into hot water, and use it just like you would a stock. This combo works best in dishes where a subtle flavor shines, like when cooking rice or pasta.

It’s not the star of the show for hearty soups or stews, where you really want that robust chicken flavor to come through.

Here’s the ratio: 1 tablespoon of melted butter mixed with hot water makes a perfect 1:1 substitute for chicken broth–so 1 cup of water gets 1 cup of this tasty mix.

7.Mushroom Broth

Looking for a plant-based alternative to chicken broth that’s not creamy? Mushroom broth is your perfect solution! It’s a healthy and tasty option that brings a rich, earthy flavor to your dishes.

If mushrooms aren’t your thing, this might not be for you. But if you enjoy their taste, you’ll love the depth it adds to your recipes.

Here’s a handy tip: mix 1 teaspoon of soy sauce into 1 cup of mushroom broth for a great 1:1 substitute for chicken broth. It’s easy to use and works beautifully in any recipe.

8.Chicken Bouillon Cubes/Granules

Got chicken bouillon cubes hiding in your pantry? They’re a super handy (and tasty) backup plan for when you need chicken broth in a pinch.

These little gems come in cubes or granules, are super long-lasting, and are perfect for adding that chicken broth flavor without the fuss.

Just dissolve one in a cup of hot water, and you’re good to go!

Or, if you’re cooking something up, you can toss them right into the pot–just make sure you’re cooking for at least 10 minutes.

Here’s a pro tip: Use 1 bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon of granules) in 8 ounces of water to replace 1 cup of chicken broth. Easy, right?

9.Coconut Milk

Looking for a vegan or dairy-free substitute for chicken broth? Coconut milk is a tasty, creamy alternative that adds a fun tropical twist to your cooking.

While it might not be perfect for every dish–like the hearty Coq au Vin–it shines in curries and certain soups.

To use it as a substitute, mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce into 1 cup of coconut milk. This blend works beautifully as a 1:1 replacement, adding a rich, flavorful base to your recipes.

It’s a simple swap that brings a delicious island vibe to your meals.

10.Vegetable Stock

Looking for a vegetarian option or a lighter alternative to chicken broth? Vegetable stock is here to save the day! It’s super easy to make by simmering veggies and garlic in water.

Use those veggie scraps, peels, or anything that’s getting a little limp–no need for perfect produce. If you don’t have enough for a full pot, just freeze your scraps until you’re ready.

Of course, you can also grab it pre-made at the store–just keep an eye on the sodium levels.

Either way, vegetable stock is a tasty, versatile substitute that adds depth to your dishes without overwhelming the other flavors. Use it 1:1 in place of chicken broth–1 cup for 1 cup. Easy, right?

11.Miso

Miso is a powerhouse of flavor–a salty, umami-rich paste that brings serious depth to dishes.

It’s one of my favorite substitutes for chicken broth, and honestly, I often reach for it even when I have broth on hand.

Miso comes in different shades, and the darker it gets, the bolder the flavor. If you’re new to miso, start with light miso for a milder taste.

Since it’s pretty thick, you’ll need to mix it with water before using. A good starting point is 1/2 tablespoon of miso in 1 cup of water–adjust to your liking from there.

One important tip: add miso toward the end of cooking to keep all that delicious flavor intact.

For a quick substitute, whisk together 1 tablespoon of light miso paste, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and 1 cup of water or veggie stock. This makes a great 1:1 replacement for chicken broth.

12.Water

We’ve all been there–running low on chicken broth when you need it most. But don’t worry, water is here to save the day!

While it won’t add that rich, savory flavor broth brings to the table, it does a great job thinning out the recipe just like broth would.

The key is to give your dish a little extra love. Sprinkle in some fresh herbs, add a pinch of your favorite spices, or toss in some extra veggies and chicken to keep things tasty.

The good news? You can use water as a 1:1 substitute for chicken broth–1 cup of water for every cup of broth called for in the recipe.

Your dish might not have that broth boost, but with a few tweaks, it’ll still be packed with flavor and totally satisfying!

13.Chicken Stock

Chicken stock and broth–what’s the real difference? While they’re often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle distinction. Broth is made with meat, veggies, herbs, and seasonings, giving it a lighter flavor.

Stock, on the other hand, is crafted by simmering bones, which adds a richness and thickness thanks to the natural gelatin in the bones.

But here’s the good news: when you’re cooking up a stew or soup, you can swap them out without a second thought. Just use a 1:1 ratio–1 cup of stock for 1 cup of broth.

Both will bring that savory goodness to your dish!

14.Chicken Broth Concentrate

Chicken broth concentrate is a space-saving solution for keeping broth on hand. It’s perfect for when you need a reliable alternative to traditional broth.

Just remember to dilute it according to the package instructions, and feel free to adjust to your taste. For substitutions, dilute the concentrate as directed, then use it 1:1–1 cup for 1 cup.

It’s an easy, shelf-stable way to add flavor to your dishes whenever you need it.

14 Best Chicken Broth Substitutes & Swaps

Recipe by Mohamed ShiliCourse: Sauces u0026amp; DipsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Love cooking? These chicken broth substitutes are a must-save for your recipe arsenal. They’re perfect for when you’re in a bind and work beautifully in everything from pasta and soups to risotto.

Ingredients

  • White Wine

  • Beef Broth

  • Ramen Noodle Packets

  • Aquafaba

  • Dashi

  • Butter and Water

  • Mushroom Broth

  • Chicken Bouillon Cubes/Granules

  • Coconut Milk

  • Vegetable Stock

  • Miso

  • Water

  • Chicken Stock

  • Chicken Broth Concentrate

Directions

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!

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