As many cooks know, chicken broth is an essential ingredient in any recipe that wants to add flavor and depth.
That’s why having some on hand is necessary, especially if you don’t eat meat or prefer plant-based food over anything else.
Unfortunately, many recipes only call for broth with chicken as its main ingredient.
So what can you do if you don’t have any or can’t get any? Check out this list of substitutes for chicken broth.
1. Chicken Stock
In a pinch, you can use water with added flavorings like salt, pepper, and garlic to approximate the taste of the chicken broth.
On the other hand, fish stock is an excellent substitute for chicken broth in most recipes.
2. Herb Water
Several options are available if you’re out of chicken broth and need substitutes for chicken broth. One is to use herb water. This will work in most cases, but if you want your dish to have more flavor, you can try using herb water.
However, simmer some fresh herbs in water for 30 minutes to make this. Strain the herbs and use the resulting liquid as you would chicken broth.
3. Beef Broth
If you’re out of the chicken broth and need substitutes for chicken broth, beef broth is a great option. It has a rich, savory flavor that can be used in many recipes. Plus, it’s easy to find at most grocery stores.
Better yet, some brands like Kitchen Basics are labeled as vegetarian or vegan so that they won’t contain any animal products. Beef broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth in many recipes, although it will change the dish’s flavor slightly.
In short, Beef broth can be substituted in any vegetable or chicken broth recipe using 3/4 cup beef broth instead of 1 cup liquid.
4. Mushroom Soup
Mushroom soup is another tasty substitute for chicken broth (make sure the label says no dairy). Mushrooms are another vegetable-based product that adds a deep flavor without meat products or animal fats. Also, If you need a non-animal-based option, try using mushroom broth as a substitute for chicken broth.
5. Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce also makes an excellent substitute for chicken broth in soups and sauces. For instance, if you’re making chili or spaghetti sauce.
Nevertheless, tomato sauce will give your dish the same tangy taste without sacrificing the richness of the other ingredients.
Use tomato sauce when you’re cooking Italian dishes like lasagna or spaghetti sauce; use 1/2 cup of tomato sauce per every cup of meatless beef stock or chicken stock called for in the recipe
6. Vegetable Stock
Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken broth and will add more flavor to your dish. You can find vegetable stock at most grocery stores. Just make sure to check the label to make sure it is gluten-free and vegan.
More so, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for chicken broth. If you’re looking for something vegetarian or vegan. For a gluten-free option. Consider using quinoa cooking liquid as a stand-in for chicken broth.
7. Organic Vegetable Bouillon
Organic vegetable bouillon is another great substitute for chicken broth. If you need a quick fix, you can find it in most major grocery stores or health food stores.
8. Instant Pot
If you have an Instant Pot, use water with bouillon cubes, dried onion flakes, and garlic powder. Also, thyme and black pepper will add extra flavor without the added carbs from using flour or roux sauce.
9. Organic Tomato Paste
Organic tomato paste is another great substitute for chicken broth because of its bolder flavors. However, it has no salt, so you may want to add sea salt before cooking with this ingredient.
10. Aquafaba
Aquafaba is the water that chickpeas have been cooked in. It’s high in protein and fiber and low in calories, making it an excellent option for those looking to cut down on their intake of animal products.
Plus, it has a neutral flavor that won’t interfere with the taste of your dish. Check further for some other substitutes for chicken broth.
11. Brown Rice
Brown rice can be used as a substitute for chicken broth in recipes that call for broth or stock. Two cups of brown rice will replace one cup of liquid.
12. Wine
Wine is a great option if you’re in a pinch and need a substitute for chicken broth. Pour some wine into the pan you’re cooking and let it simmer. Red wine is best for heartier dishes, while white wine works with lighter fare.
Adjust the other ingredients in your dish accordingly, as wine can change the flavor profile quite a bit. If you don’t have any wine on hand, fear not! Plenty of other options can work as substitutes for chicken broth.
13. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a delicious, creamy alternative to chicken broth. It’s perfect for curries, soups, and stews. Plus, it’s full of healthy fats and vitamins that can boost your immune system.
14. Chicken Bouillon Granules
When you don’t have any chicken broth on hand, and a recipe calls for it, don’t despair. There are several substitutes you can use in its place.
One is to make your bouillon by simmering chicken bones or meat with vegetables in water. This will take some time, but it’s worth it if you have the ingredients.
Another option is to use chicken bouillon granules. These are dehydrated bouillon that you can reconstitute by adding water.
You can also use beef, vegetable, or fish broth as a substitute for chicken broth. If you’re in a pinch, you can use water with some salt added.
15. Salted Butter and Water
While chicken broth is an excellent option for adding flavor to your dish, there are times when you may need a substitute.
Maybe you’re out of chicken broth or cooking for someone with a poultry allergy.
Whatever the reason, don’t worry – there are plenty of other options.
16. Chicken Bouillon Granules
One of the most common substitutes for chicken broth is bouillon granules. Bouillon granules are made from dried vegetables, meat, and seasonings. They dissolve in water to create a broth-like liquid.
However, bouillon granules are found in most grocery stores near the soup aisle. Suppose you don’t have any on hand. When a recipe calls for chicken broth, and you don’t have any on hand, don’t worry!
Notwithstanding, there are plenty of substitutes that will work just as well. If you have time to spare, try making your bone broth with your leftover bones.
17. Non-dairy Milk
Another substitute that may be easier to obtain than traditional chicken broth is non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk. The texture will be different, but it will still provide some nutrients and flavors while being lactose-free if needed.
18. Fish Sauce
Fish sauce is another good substitute for chicken broth; in some Asian dishes, fish sauce may be used instead of soy sauce or anchovy paste.
19. Water
Water is the most basic and common substitute for chicken broth. It won’t provide the same flavor, but it will do the job in a pinch. Try using vegetable broth or water with a bit of Better than Bouillon added in for a bit more taste.
Therefore, this is an excellent option if you’re making a soup where the broth is not the star flavor.
Another simple substitution is to add water with some seasonings. This could be as simple as salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
However, you could get more creative with your favorite herbs and spices. If you need something that has a bit more body,
Conclusion
While chicken broth is a common ingredient, there are times when you may need or want to use a substitute.
The next time you’re in a pinch, try one of the above substitutes for chicken broth. You can create a delicious dish with creativity that your family and friends will love.
Finally, Vegetable stocks have a wide variety of flavors, so it’s easy to find something that will taste similar to chicken broth. Plus, they are made with vegetables instead of meat, so they’re vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
