In the kitchen, not all heroes wear capes. Some are in the pantry, like chicken broth.
We ran into a bit of a snag recently: no chicken broth in sight. That set us off, scouting for alternatives that could still knock our socks off.
Turns out, there are a handful of swap-ins that didn’t just make do; they rocked our recipes. We’re talking about liquids that, honestly, we might have overlooked otherwise.
This isn’t just about getting by; it’s about flavor that stands tall on its own. Stay tuned for our top picks on chicken broth alternatives that truly bring the zest to your table.
6 Easy Substitutes for Chicken Broth
If you find yourself without chicken broth, don’t worry – there are plenty of tasty alternatives!
Substitute | Taste | Texture | Ratio | Suitable Dishes |
Vegetable Broth | Mild, savory | Thin, watery | 1:1 | Soups, stews, rice dishes, sauces |
Beef Broth | Rich, meaty | Thin, watery | 1:1 | Beef-based soups and stews |
Bouillon Cubes | Concentrated, salty | Dissolves in water | 1 cube per 1 cup water | Soups, stews, rice dishes, sauces |
Bone Broth | Savory, rich | Thick, gelatinous | 1:1 | Soups, stews, sauces, risotto |
Mushroom Broth | Earthy, umami | Thin, watery | 1:1 | Vegetarian soups, risotto, sauces |
Vegan Bouillon Powder | Savory, salty | Dissolves in water | 1 tsp per 1 cup water | Soups, stews, rice dishes, sauces |
1 – Vegetable Broth
Vegetable broth swaps in seamlessly for chicken broth; one-to-one ratio works perfectly. It’s our go-to for soups and stews.
Vegetable broth amps up the veggie goodness in every dish. It’s a staple in our pantry now. For those curious about diversifying their broth repertoire, find great vegetable broth alternatives here.
Our chili nights have never been the same. Seriously, the depth it adds is surprising.
Veggie broth keeps things light yet flavorful. We hardly miss the chicken.
2 – Beef Broth
Beef broth steps in like a champ for chicken broth, ratio one-to-one. It injects a rich, hearty vibe into dishes.
We’ve tossed it into soups and were wowed by the depth it lends. For those leaning into heartier flavor profiles, beef broth nails it.
Ever tried it in a stew? Game. Changer. Makes every bite robust and satisfying.
Our stew nights have been revolutionized, honestly. You might want to peek at substitute beef broth options for more ideas.
We found it keeps meals full-flavored without overshadowing other ingredients. Veggies still shine, and grains soak up the beefy goodness.
3 – Bouillon Cubes
Bouillon cubes are your quick fix in a pinch, molding to your broth needs with a one-to-one cube to cup ratio. We tossed one into boiling water, stirred, and voilà, broth base achieved.
These squares of flavor saved our soups more times than we can count. They’re ace for adding depth.
Want more mix-up in your broth game? Kick it up a notch with creative bouillon cube substitutes.
Each cube dissolves to kick up your dishes’ taste. It’s like a secret weapon in our cooking arsenal now.
We use them all the time, really simplifying our cooking without skipping on flavor.
4 – Bone Broth
Bone broth is our go-to when chicken broth runs out. One cup replaces one cup, easy.
It brings a rich texture to soups and stews. Its deep flavor elevates every dish.
We tried it; our dishes turned hearty. It mixes well, keeping veggies and grains in the spotlight.
Personal bit? We swapped it in a soup recipe. Our dinner felt more wholesome.
For a full swap, check our bone broth ratio guide. It’s straightforward, no fuss.
Our meals tasted richer, yet balanced. It’s a solid pick for depth without overpowering.
5 – Mushroom Stock
Mushroom stock slips into recipes as a vegetarian marvel; it’s a one-cup-for-one-cup exchange. Its earthy tones bring depth to vegetarian dishes in ways others can’t.
We found it not only substitutes but enhances. For those dishes missing a ‘meaty’ essence without the meat, this is it.
Our stew tasted more grounded, more ‘there’. It married well with grains, lending them a new character.
Looking for variety in your vegetarian broths? Check out fantastic options for mushroom stock.
6 – Vegan Bouillon Powder
Last but definitely not least, vegan bouillon powder is the real deal. It nails the flavor game just like other broths but skips the dairy, animal stuff, and gluten.
It’s basically broth in powder form (you use it one-to-one).
Super fine texture means it blends into dishes like a dream. We’re huge into vegan cooking and this has been a game-changer for us. It’s simple, fast, and adds that extra oomph; what else could you ask for?
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.