Have you ever been halfway through a recipe only to realize you’re not sure if that can of chicken broth in your pantry is the right size? I’ve been there too! Understanding chicken broth can sizes might seem like a small detail, but it can make a huge difference in your cooking Whether you’re making a hearty soup or adding flavor to your rice, knowing exactly what size you’re working with helps ensure recipe success
In this guide, I’ll walk you through all the common chicken broth can sizes you’ll find at the grocery store, how to use them, and some handy tips for storing leftover broth. Let’s get started!
Common Chicken Broth Can Sizes
Chicken broth comes in several standard sizes to accommodate different cooking needs, Here’s a breakdown of the most common sizes you’ll encounter
Can Size | Volume | Best Used For |
---|---|---|
10-10.5 oz | About 1.25 cups | Small recipes, single servings |
14.5 oz | About 1.8 cups (1¾ cups) | Standard recipes |
29 oz | About 3.6 cups | Family-sized recipes |
32 oz | 4 cups (1 quart) | Large recipes, soups |
48 oz | 6 cups (1.5 quarts) | Bulk cooking |
50 oz | About 6.25 cups | Family size |
64 oz | 8 cups (2 quarts/half-gallon) | Meal prep, large gatherings |
The most popular everyday sizes are the 14.5 oz and 32 oz cans, which will cover most of your cooking needs.
A Closer Look at the Most Common Can Sizes
10-10.5 Ounce Cans
- Often sold in multi-packs
- Perfect for single servings of soup
- Good for recipes calling for just a small amount of broth
- Campbell’s Condensed Chicken Broth comes in this size (10.5 oz)
14.5 Ounce Cans
- The standard individual can size
- Contains approximately 1¾ cups of broth
- Swanson® 100% Natural Chicken Broth comes in this size
- Ideal for most recipes that call for “one can” of chicken broth
- Good for small family meals
32 Ounce Cans/Cartons
- Equivalent to a quart (4 cups)
- Perfect for making larger batches of soup or stew
- More economical for frequent broth users
- Often comes in carton packaging rather than cans
48-50 Ounce Cans
- Family-sized option
- Great for big batch cooking
- Economical choice for frequent broth users
64 Ounce Cans
- Half-gallon size
- Perfect for meal prepping or cooking for large gatherings
- Most economical option per ounce
Swanson Chicken Broth: A Closer Look
One of the most popular brands of chicken broth is Swanson Their 145 oz can (which comes in a 24-pack for food service) has these specifications
- Pack size: 24 cans per case
- Can dimensions: 14.5 oz per can
- Case dimensions: 18.000 in x 11.875 in x 4.500 in
- Case weight: 25.122 lb
- UPC: 51000024319
- Features: 100% natural, non-GMO ingredients, gluten-free, no artificial flavors or preservatives
This broth contains chicken stock, salt, natural flavoring, mirepoix (carrots, celery, onions), chicken fat, and yeast extract. It’s designed to add rich flavor to your dishes and can be used as a soup base or instead of water for cooking rice, pasta, and veggies.
Converting Between Can Sizes
Sometimes a recipe might call for an amount that doesn’t match the can size you have. Here’s a quick conversion guide:
- 1 standard 14.5 oz can ≈ 1¾ cups of broth
- 4 cans of 14.5 oz broth = two 32 oz containers
- 2 cans of 14.5 oz = about 3½ cups (slightly less than a 32 oz container)
If your recipe calls for 1 cup of broth but you only have a 14.5 oz can, you’ll use a bit more than half the can and have some leftover.
Tips for Using and Storing Chicken Broth
Using Chicken Broth
- Check your recipe first – Note exactly how much broth you need before buying
- Don’t dilute – Most broths are ready to use (just shake the can before opening)
- Look beyond soup – Use broth instead of water when cooking rice, pasta, or grains for extra flavor
- Consider sodium content – Many brands offer low-sodium options if you’re watching your salt intake
Storing Leftover Broth
- Refrigerator storage – Transfer unused broth to an airtight container and use within 3-5 days
- Freezer storage – Freeze leftover broth in ice cube trays for small portions or airtight containers for up to 6 months
- Label everything – Always mark the date on stored broth so you know when to use it by
- Cube it – Freezing in ice cube trays gives you perfect small portions for recipes needing just a splash of broth
Creative Uses for Chicken Broth
Chicken broth isn’t just for soup! Here are some ways I like to use it:
- Use as the cooking liquid for grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous
- Add moisture and flavor when reheating leftovers
- Make gravy or sauce bases
- Braise vegetables for extra flavor
- Use instead of water when making stuffing or mashed potatoes
- Add to stir-fries for extra flavor and moisture
Homemade vs. Canned Broth
While canned broth is super convenient, you might want to try making your own chicken broth from scratch. Homemade broth lets you control ingredients and sodium levels, plus it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps.
But let’s be real – sometimes we just need the convenience of grabbing a can from the pantry! That’s why knowing your can sizes is so important.
Choosing Between Different Types of Chicken Broth
When shopping for chicken broth, you’ll notice several varieties:
- Regular chicken broth – Standard option, typically contains around 900mg sodium per serving
- Low-sodium chicken broth – Contains about 100-200mg sodium per serving
- Organic chicken broth – Made with certified organic ingredients
- Free-range chicken broth – Made from chickens raised with access to the outdoors
- Bone broth – Typically simmered longer for more collagen and nutrients
The size considerations apply to all these varieties, though packaging might differ slightly between brands and types.
FAQs About Chicken Broth Can Sizes
How many cups is a 14.5 oz can of chicken broth?
A 14.5 oz can contains approximately 1.8125 cups or about 1¾ cups of broth.
Is 1 can of chicken broth equal to 1 cup?
No, a standard 14.5 oz can contains nearly 2 cups (about 1¾ cups) of broth, not 1 cup.
What is 4 cans of chicken broth equivalent to?
Four 14.5 oz cans equals about 7-7.25 cups of broth, which is roughly equivalent to two 32 oz containers.
How many ounces is a can of Campbell’s chicken broth?
Campbell’s Condensed Chicken Broth comes in a 10.5 oz can.
Final Thoughts
Knowing your chicken broth can sizes might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your cooking success. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a special occasion, having the right amount of broth on hand ensures your recipes turn out just right.
I always keep a few different sizes in my pantry – some small 14.5 oz cans for everyday cooking and a larger 32 oz container for when I’m making big batches of soup or stew. This way, I’m prepared for any recipe that comes my way!
Happy cooking!
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A classic combination of flavors of plump chicken, tender veggies and just the right herbs and spices with less sodium.
- 40% less sodium than our regular chicken broth (contains 510mg sodium per serving compared with 850mg in our regular chicken broth)
- Fat free
- 100% natural
- Non-BPA (BPA-NI) lining
Ingredients CHICKEN BROTH, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF THE FOLLOWING: SALT, NATURAL FLAVORS, SUGAR, YEAST EXTRACT, VEGETABLE STOCK (CONCENTRATES OF ONION, CELERY ROOT AND CARROT).
Shelf Life | 27 months |
Storage Temperature | 45F min – 110F max |
Storage | Shelf stable, cover and refrigerate unused portion after opening. |
Preparation | Ready to eat. Heat and serve. |
Pack/Size | 12/48oz |
Case Weight (lbs) | 40.58 |
Cube feet | 0.93 |
Case Dimensions (L x W x H) | 7.25″x17.25″x7.13″ |
Cases/Pallet | 48 |
Cases per Layer (TI) | 8 |
Layers per Pallet (HI) | 6 |