10 Best Substitute for Chicken Broth to Enhance Your Recipes

EllieB

Your recipe calls for chicken broth, but you’re out—or maybe you’re looking for a plant-based alternative. Don’t let this small snag throw off your culinary plans. The beauty of cooking lies in its flexibility, and there are plenty of creative substitutes that can keep your dish flavorful and satisfying.

Picture crafting a soup or sauce with layers of rich taste without reaching for the usual carton of broth. From pantry staples to fresh ingredients, there’s a world of options waiting to elevate your meal. Whether you need something quick or want to experiment with new flavors, finding the perfect substitute is easier than you think.

What Is Chicken Broth And Its Common Uses?

Chicken broth is a liquid made by simmering chicken, vegetables like onions and carrots, and seasonings in water. The cooking process extracts flavors, nutrients, and collagen from the ingredients to create a savory base. It’s distinct from stock due to its lighter flavor and shorter cooking time.

You often use chicken broth as a foundation for soups such as chicken noodle or vegetable soup. It adds depth to sauces like gravy or creamy pasta dishes. Risottos benefit from chicken broth’s balanced flavor profile when used instead of water during cooking.

Stews and casseroles rely on its richness for added moisture and taste. For example, using it in beef stew enhances the meat’s tenderness while complementing other ingredients. In some recipes, it’s also a substitute for oil when sautéing vegetables to reduce fat content without compromising flavor.

Some people sip warm chicken broth as a calming drink or remedy for colds due to its comforting qualities.

Why Consider Substituting Chicken Broth?

Chicken broth plays a key role in countless recipes, but there are practical reasons to explore alternatives. Whether dietary preferences or unexpected shortages arise, understanding substitutions can make your cooking versatile and inclusive.

Dietary Restrictions

Some individuals follow plant-based diets that exclude chicken broth. If you prioritize vegan or vegetarian options, using alternatives like vegetable broth or miso paste provides similar umami flavors. Coconut milk, for creamy dishes such as curries and soups, offers another effective substitute.

Others may avoid animal products due to religious practices or ethical considerations. Mushroom stock or kombu-infused water works well for replacing the savory depth of chicken broth in these cases.

Allergies

Food allergies create additional challenges when using premade broths. Those sensitive to specific seasonings, like garlic or onion commonly found in commercial chicken broths, might turn to homemade versions tailored to their needs.

Gluten-free requirements also come into play since some store-bought broths include wheat-based thickeners. Bone broth from alternative sources—such as turkey—or gluten-free liquid bases like tomato juice ensures safe options without compromising taste.

Running Out Of Chicken Broth

Substitutions become essential when you’re out of chicken broth mid-recipe. Water mixed with seasoning cubes replicates the base flavors quickly if pantry staples are limited.

Wine (white or red) adds acidity and complexity in risottos and sauces while blending seamlessly with other ingredients. For heartier meals like stews, try diluting plain yogurt with warm water as an impromptu solution that mimics creamy textures.

Best Substitute For Chicken Broth

When chicken broth isn’t an option, several substitutes can deliver comparable flavor and richness. Each alternative offers unique properties that enhance your dishes while meeting dietary or situational needs.

Vegetable Broth

Vegetable broth replicates the savory depth of chicken broth using plant-based ingredients. It’s made by simmering vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and herbs in water. This option works well for soups, stews, and sauces. For added complexity, include roasted garlic or mushrooms during preparation. If store-bought options are unavailable, create a quick version by boiling vegetable scraps with salt and pepper.

Beef Broth

Beef broth provides a richer, more robust flavor compared to chicken broth. Its hearty taste complements recipes like beef stews or gravies but might overpower lighter dishes such as risottos. Use diluted beef broth if you need a subtler flavor profile. Choose low-sodium versions to control the salt content in your cooking.

Bone Broth

Bone broth delivers nutritional benefits alongside its savory taste due to collagen and minerals extracted from animal bones during slow cooking. This substitute suits health-conscious recipes or hearty meals like ramen or casseroles. To adjust its flavor closer to chicken broth, add poultry seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme.

Plant-Based Alternatives To Chicken Broth

Plant-based substitutes offer flavorful, versatile options for enhancing your dishes without using animal products. These alternatives are suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone seeking new culinary possibilities.

Mushroom Broth

Mushroom broth provides a rich umami flavor that mimics the depth of chicken broth. Simmer mushrooms like shiitake or cremini with garlic, onion, thyme, and bay leaves to create an earthy base. You can enhance its taste by adding soy sauce or tamari for extra savoriness. This broth works well in soups (e.g., miso soup), risottos, and stews needing robust flavors.

Soy Sauce And Water Blend

A mixture of soy sauce and water replicates the salty-savory quality of chicken broth. Combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce with 1 cup of water; adjust proportions based on dish requirements. Add herbs like parsley or oregano for complexity if needed. Use this blend in stir-fries, casseroles, or as a deglazing liquid when sautéing vegetables.

Miso Soup Base

Miso paste dissolved in hot water creates a quick substitute offering both saltiness and umami depth. Choose white miso for mild sweetness or red miso for stronger flavors depending on your recipe’s profile. This base complements Asian-inspired dishes but can also replace chicken broth in marinades or glazes for plant-based proteins like tofu.

Homemade Substitutes For Chicken Broth

When you’re out of chicken broth or opting for a dietary alternative, making substitutes at home is easy. These options offer flavorful, customizable solutions to fit your recipe needs.

DIY Vegetable Broth Recipe

Prepare vegetable broth by simmering fresh vegetables and herbs in water. Use ingredients like carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and parsley for a balanced flavor. Add bay leaves or thyme for depth. Chop the vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking during the process.

Combine 4 cups of water with these ingredients in a pot. Let it simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to an hour until the flavors infuse fully. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve before use. This versatile base works well in soups (like minestrone), stews, or risottos.

If you prefer bold flavors, include tomatoes or mushrooms in the mix—these amplify umami notes and enhance dishes such as pasta sauces or casseroles.

Herb-Infused Water

Herb-infused water serves as a quick substitute when you’re short on time but need flavor complexity. Start with warm water (around 2 cups) and add dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil—1 teaspoon each should suffice.

For stronger taste profiles suitable for hearty meals like roasted potatoes or creamy pasta dishes, steep fresh herb sprigs instead of dried ones for about 10 minutes. Garlic cloves or peppercorns can be added while boiling to mimic savory undertones found in chicken broth.

This infusion preserves simplicity while lending subtle aromatic qualities to your recipes without overpowering them.

Tips For Choosing The Right Substitute For Chicken Broth

Consider Flavor Compatibility

Match the substitute’s flavor profile with your dish. Use vegetable broth for a light, savory taste in soups, or mushroom broth for rich umami notes in stews. Opt for soy sauce diluted with water if you need a salty-sweet balance.

Account for Dietary Needs

Ensure the substitute aligns with dietary restrictions. Choose plant-based options like miso paste dissolved in water for vegan recipes, or coconut milk to add creaminess without animal products.

Evaluate Texture and Consistency

Match the consistency of chicken broth to maintain desired textures in dishes. Use bone broth as a thicker alternative or dilute yogurt with water when preparing creamy sauces.

Assess Availability and Preparation Time

Select substitutes based on availability and cooking speed. Water mixed with seasoning cubes works well for quick fixes, while homemade broths provide customizable flavors if time permits.

Experiment With Unique Ingredients

Elevate dishes by trying unconventional options like kombu-infused water for subtle umami or wine to add depth and complexity to recipes.

Test Before Committing Fully

Incorporate small amounts of the substitute initially to ensure it complements other ingredients before adjusting quantities further during cooking.

Prioritize Nutritional Value

Conclusion

Finding the perfect substitute for chicken broth doesn’t have to be daunting. With a little creativity, you can transform your dishes using ingredients already in your kitchen or tailored alternatives that suit your dietary needs. The key is understanding the flavors and textures each option brings and matching them to your recipe’s requirements.

By experimenting with different substitutes, you’ll not only solve cooking challenges but also discover new ways to elevate your meals. Whether it’s a pantry staple or a fresh twist, exploring these options opens up endless possibilities for flavorful and satisfying dishes.