Chicken Broth Substitutes – 5 Best Flavorful Swaps
The best substitute for chicken broth is Vegetable Broth at a 1 cup chicken broth = 1 cup vegetable broth ratio. It works best for soups, risotto, cooking grains. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Vegetable Broth
1 cup chicken broth = 1 cup vegetable broth
The easiest 1:1 swap. Lighter in body and flavor than chicken broth. The best vegan and vegetarian option.
What are the other substitutes for chicken broth?
Bouillon Cube + Water
1 cup chicken broth = 1 bouillon cube + 1 cup hot water
Dissolve the cube in hot water. Higher in sodium than homemade broth, so reduce added salt. Chicken or vegetable varieties available.
Mushroom Broth
1 cup chicken broth = 1 cup mushroom broth
Deep umami flavor that mimics the savory quality of chicken broth. Make by simmering dried mushrooms in water for 20 minutes.
Water + Soy Sauce
1 cup chicken broth = 1 cup water + 1 tsp soy sauce
Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami to plain water. A quick substitute when you have no broth on hand.
Bone Broth
1 cup chicken broth = 1 cup bone broth
Richer, more gelatinous, and more nutritious than regular broth. Simmered longer for deeper flavor and body.
What should you know before substituting chicken broth?
Freeze leftover broth in ice cube trays for convenient small portions. Homemade chicken broth should be refrigerated and used within 4-5 days. When using store-bought, choose low-sodium to control salt levels in your cooking.
How do you substitute chicken broth in a recipe?
A savory liquid made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs, used as a base for soups, sauces, risotto, and cooking grains.
The best substitute for chicken broth depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Vegetable Broth (1 cup chicken broth = 1 cup vegetable broth), which works well for soups, risotto, cooking grains.
If you need a different option, Bouillon Cube + Water (1 cup chicken broth = 1 bouillon cube + 1 cup hot water) is another reliable choice. Dissolve the cube in hot water. Higher in sodium than homemade broth, so reduce added salt. Chicken or vegetable varieties available.
When substituting chicken broth, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
Yes, but add flavor by stirring in 1 teaspoon soy sauce or a bouillon cube per cup. Plain water works in a pinch but the dish will be less flavorful.
What is the difference between broth and stock?
Stock is made primarily from bones and is richer and more gelatinous. Broth is made from meat and is lighter. In most recipes, they're interchangeable, with stock providing more body.
What is a vegan substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth is the easiest 1:1 swap. Mushroom broth provides deeper umami flavor similar to chicken broth. Both work in any recipe calling for chicken broth.