Best Chicken Stock Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Stock in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. A direct 1:1 swap for vegetarian/vegan cooking. Vegetable stock is lighter and may lack the savory depth of chicken stock, so consider adding soy sauce or miso for umami.
Looking for the best Chicken Stock substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 5 reliable Chicken Stock replacements that work in cooking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store or keep things plant-based. The top pick is Vegetable Stock — it's the closest match for most recipes. A direct 1:1 swap for vegetarian/vegan cooking. Vegetable stock is lighter and may lack the savory depth of chicken stock, so consider adding soy sauce or miso for umami.
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Get ratios for Chicken Stock →All Chicken Stock Substitutes (5 options)
A direct 1:1 swap for vegetarian/vegan cooking. Vegetable stock is lighter and may lack the savory depth of chicken stock, so consider adding soy sauce or miso for umami.
Dissolve 1 cube in 1 cup hot water per 1 cup stock. More concentrated; adjust seasoning carefully.
Less body and gelatin than stock; use 1:1. Thinner consistency; may need reduction for sauces.
Reconstitute per package directions (typically 1-2 tsp powder per 1 cup water); highly concentrated. Ideal for storage and long shelf-life.
Water works in a pinch but lacks the savory depth of stock. Consider adding salt and a bouillon cube or extra seasonings to compensate for lost flavor.
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Tips for Substituting Chicken Stock
For most recipes, Vegetable Stock is the best starting point. A direct 1:1 swap for vegetarian/vegan cooking. Vegetable stock is lighter and may lack the savory depth of chicken stock, so consider adding soy sauce or miso for umami. Going plant-based? Vegetable Stock 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 Stock 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 Stock Substitutes
The best substitute for Chicken Stock is Vegetable Stock. Use the same amount. A direct 1:1 swap for vegetarian/vegan cooking. Vegetable stock is lighter and may lack the savory depth of chicken stock, so consider adding soy sauce or miso for umami.
This guide lists 5 Chicken Stock 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 Stock is a great plant-based alternative to Chicken Stock. A direct 1:1 swap for vegetarian/vegan cooking. Vegetable stock is lighter and may lack the savory depth of chicken stock, so consider adding soy sauce or miso for umami.
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