Best Chicken Broth Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. More gelatinous and richer flavor from longer simmering; use 1:1. Slightly richer mouthfeel.
Ran out of Chicken Broth mid-recipe? Don't panic — you have options. This guide covers 7 tested Chicken Broth substitutes that actually work in cooking, complete with exact ratios so you don't have to guess. Whether you need to save money at the store or keep things plant-based, there's a swap here for you. The top pick is Chicken Stock — it's the closest match for most recipes. More gelatinous and richer flavor from longer simmering; use 1:1. Slightly richer mouthfeel.
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Get ratios for Chicken Broth →All Chicken Broth Substitutes (7 options)
More gelatinous and richer flavor from longer simmering; use 1:1. Slightly richer mouthfeel.
Beef broth is a 1:1 swap but has a richer, deeper flavor that works well in hearty dishes. May overpower delicate dishes where chicken broth is preferred for its mild taste.
Dissolve 1 cube in 1 cup hot water per 1 cup broth. More concentrated; adjust salt accordingly.
Reconstitute with water according to package directions (typically 1-2 tsp powder per 1 cup water). Very concentrated and shelf-stable.
Turkey broth is nearly identical in flavor and function to chicken broth with a slightly deeper taste. Direct 1:1 substitution works in almost all recipes.
Works well in most dishes, but may lack the savory depth of chicken broth. Best in vegetarian dishes or neutral-flavored recipes.
Water works as a neutral base but lacks the savory depth of broth. Best used in recipes where broth is not the primary flavor source, or add salt and herbs to compensate.
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Tips for Substituting Chicken Broth
For most recipes, Chicken Stock is the best starting point. More gelatinous and richer flavor from longer simmering; use 1:1. Slightly richer mouthfeel. Going plant-based? Vegetable Broth is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. Watching your grocery budget? Water is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Chicken Broth substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Chicken Broth Substitutes
The best substitute for Chicken Broth is Chicken Stock. Use the same amount. More gelatinous and richer flavor from longer simmering; use 1:1. Slightly richer mouthfeel.
This guide lists 7 Chicken Broth alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Vegetable Broth is a great plant-based alternative to Chicken Broth. Works well in most dishes, but may lack the savory depth of chicken broth. Best in vegetarian dishes or neutral-flavored recipes.
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