Have you ever been in the middle of cooking dinner only to realize you’re completely out of chicken stock? I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit! It’s one of those kitchen emergencies that can feel like a total recipe disaster but I’m here to tell you there’s no need to panic or make an emergency grocery store run.
As someone who cooks regularly but often forgets to restock my pantry basics (oops!), I’ve gotten pretty good at improvising when I don’t have chicken stock on hand. The good news is that your kitchen probably already contains several ingredients that can save your recipe.
Why Chicken Stock Matters in Cooking
Before jumping into substitutes, let’s quickly understand why chicken stock is such a popular ingredient
- Rich, savory flavor: Adds depth and umami to dishes
- Body and mouthfeel: Provides silky texture thanks to gelatin
- Aroma: Creates that inviting, homey smell
- Versatility: Works in countless recipes from soups to gravies
- Nutrition: Contains minerals extracted from bones
When choosing a replacement, we want something that can provide as many of these qualities as possible. Let’s explore your options!
7 Best Substitutes for Chicken Stock
1. Vegetable Broth
This is probably the most obvious swap and works as a direct 1:1 replacement. Vegetable broth has a similar flavor profile to chicken broth, with many of the same aromatics like carrots, celery, and onions.
Best for: Almost any recipe calling for chicken stock
How to use: Simple 1:1 substitution
Pro tip: Low-sodium versions give you better control over the final seasoning
2. Water + Flavor Boosters
Plain water works in a pinch, but it needs help in the flavor department.
Best for: Recipes where chicken stock isn’t the main flavor component
How to use: For each cup of chicken stock, use 1 cup water plus one of these flavor enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon bouillon cube or powder
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon miso paste
- A few dried mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- A splash of white wine or vinegar
- A pinch of dried herbs and spices
Pro tip: Start with small amounts and adjust to taste
3. Mushroom Broth
For a vegetarian substitute with amazing umami flavor, mushrooms are your best friend!
Best for: Vegetarian dishes, gravies, stuffing, pot pies
How to use: Simmer a handful of dried or fresh shiitake mushrooms in water for 20-30 minutes
Pro tip: Add hearty herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the earthy flavor
4. Tomato-Based Liquid
Tomatoes provide natural umami that can stand in for chicken stock.
Best for: Soups, stews, and dishes with compatible flavors
How to use: Replace stock with half water and half diced fresh tomatoes, homemade tomato sauce, or dried tomato soaking liquid
Pro tip: For extra richness, blend the tomatoes into the liquid
5. Wine + Water
Wine adds acidity and complexity that can elevate a dish even without stock.
Best for: Deglazing pans, risottos, braises, and sauces
How to use: Replace stock with water and ¼ to ½ cup wine
- White wine works for lighter dishes
- Red wine complements meaty, rich dishes
Pro tip: Cook off the alcohol by simmering for a few minutes
6. Tea
This might sound weird, but tea can provide subtle flavor to replace broth!
Best for: Poached fish, Asian-inspired dishes
How to use: Steep tea in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then use as broth
- White tea for delicate dishes
- Genmaicha (toasted rice tea) for heartier applications
Pro tip: Avoid strongly flavored teas unless they complement your dish
7. Quick Homemade Stock
If you have a bit more time (1-2 hours), you can make a quick stock.
Best for: When you want the real deal but don’t have store-bought
How to use: Simmer chicken wings, bones, or scraps with vegetables, herbs, and spices
Pro tip: Freeze leftover homemade stock in ice cube trays for future emergencies
Creative Alternatives You Might Not Have Considered
Beyond the standard substitutes, here are some unique options that can work surprisingly well:
Citrus Juice + Water
Best for: Seafood dishes, beans, polenta
How to use: Mix citrus juice and water in a 1:2 ratio
Pro tip: The acid also helps deglaze pans
Jam or Dried Fruit + Water
Best for: “Meatier” dishes and stews
How to use: Replace broth with water and 2-3 tablespoons of jam or finely chopped dried fruit
Pro tip: Apricots and cherries work well with hearty dishes; plums or figs complement earthy flavors
Coconut Milk
Best for: Asian-inspired dishes
How to use: Simmer with ginger, lemongrass, lime leaves, and garlic
Pro tip: Use the creaminess to your advantage in soups and braises
Clam Juice
Best for: Seafood recipes, chowders
How to use: Direct substitution, but watch the salt
Pro tip: The briny flavor enhances shellfish dishes
Garlic Stock
Best for: Adding depth to almost any savory dish
How to use: Simmer two whole heads of garlic in water until buttery smooth
Pro tip: The long simmer transforms sharp garlic into something mellow and rich
Tips for Using Chicken Stock Substitutes
- Layer flavors: Don’t be afraid to combine different substitutes for more complex flavor
- Sauté aromatics first: Onions, garlic, celery, and carrots build a flavor foundation
- Adjust seasoning gradually: Many substitutes have different salt levels than stock
- Simmer longer: Extra cooking time helps flavors meld
- Finish with fat: A pat of butter or splash of cream adds richness
- Reduce the liquid: Concentrating flavors can help compensate for missing stock
Sample Substitution Ratios
Here’s a quick reference guide for common substitutions:
| Instead of 1 cup chicken stock | Use this |
|---|---|
| Vegetable broth | 1 cup |
| Water + bouillon | 1 cup water + 1 tsp bouillon |
| Water + white wine | 3/4 cup water + 1/4 cup wine |
| Mushroom soaking liquid | 1 cup |
| Water + soy sauce | 1 cup water + 1 tsp soy sauce |
When to Not Substitute
While these substitutes work well in most cases, there are times when chicken stock is really essential:
- Clear brothy soups where stock is the main ingredient
- Traditional French recipes that rely on stock for classic flavor
- Recipes where the gelatinous quality of stock is critical for texture
In these cases, it might be worth making a quick stock or postponing your cooking plans.
My Personal Experience
I’ll be honest, I’ve had both successes and failures with substituting chicken stock. One time I tried making risotto with just water and it was… well, let’s just say it was edible but not memorable. But when I tried again with water + white wine + a tiny bit of miso paste? Almost couldn’t tell the difference!
The most important thing I’ve learned is to taste as you go. Your palate is the best guide to whether your substitute is working or if you need to add more flavor.
Final Thoughts
Running out of chicken stock isn’t the cooking disaster it might seem. With these substitutes and a little creativity, you can still create delicious, flavorful dishes that your family will love.
Do you have a favorite chicken stock substitute I didn’t mention? I’d love to hear about it in the comments! And next time you’re at the store, maybe grab an extra carton of stock… or don’t, and just bookmark this article instead!
Happy cooking, friends!
These swaps actually taste good, promise.
Published OnFebruary 2, 2022
Photo by Mark Weinberg
As someone who doesn’t eat most canned (or cubed) stocks and broths—they can be overly salty—and usually is too lazy to make them from scratch, I find myself often cooking without stocks and broth. Or sometimes, I’ve run out of homemade chicken broth or store-bought vegetable broth and don’t have time to re-stock before I begin cooking.
You’re probably wondering how in the world that’s possible, since so many recipes use broth and stock. Instead of flavorless food, though, I use simple combinations of water, fresh ingredients, and various add-ins (from kombu and bonito to coffee and beer) to produce flavorful broth substitutes whenever a recipe calls for vegetables, beef, or chicken stock. I get to be more in control of the end result of the dish this way. Paul Bertolli knows what I’m talking about.
So whether you are in a state of forgotten-ingredient-panic or just want to cook creatively, take a look at this list of chicken broth substitutes and see how you can save dinner with a few easy swaps.
And remember: Always add fresh herbs and spices to taste. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different ingredients together (think: citrus + scraps, mushrooms + tea, tomatoes + wine) for a more layered taste. And even when you do use prepared broth or stock, add these ingredients for an extra punch of flavor.
The Best Chicken Broth Substitutes
For a vegetarian substitute for chicken broth, a handful of dried or fresh shiitake mushrooms will quickly transform a plain pot of water into an umami bath. After boiling for 20 to 30 minutes, this earthy liquid can replace broth and stock in a pot pie, vegetarian gravy, and Thanksgiving stuffing. Or enjoy a cup of it in place of coffee to mix up your morning or afternoon caffeine routine. You could also add some hearty herbs like rosemary or thyme to bring out the flavor of the earthy mushrooms.
Freshly squeezed or from a bottle, the perkiness of citrus juice plays well with savory meals. Simply replace the broth with citrus juice and water in a 1 to 2 ratio. Then use to cook beans, creamy polenta, lots of seafood dishes, and this Rice and Smothered Cabbage Soup. Or add a splash of sweetness to fish-focused dishes, like risotto-style shrimp and grits and a spicy Jalapeno Corn Soup with Seared Scallops. Lemon is the most versatile but try grapefruit, lime, or lemon too. Plus, the acid in the citrus also acts as a natural deglazer to remove any stuck-on caramelized brown bits at the bottom of a pan.
9 Easy Chicken Broth Substitutes
FAQ
What is a good substitute for chicken stock?
Substitute Stock with Plain Water – Water is the ideal substitute for stock and will extract all the main flavours in your soup without adding its own. Aug 15, 2024. What is the same as chicken stock?
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
Like when cooking rice or pasta. It’s not the best for soups and stews, where you need robust and distinct chicken flavor. Replacement: mix 1 tablespoon of melted butter with hot water and use as a 1:1 substitute for chicken broth – 1 cup for 1 cup. 10. White Wine Running low on chicken broth but have a bottle of white wine lying around?
Can I use chicken stock if I don’t have chicken stock?
Chicken stock is a common ingredient used in many recipes to add depth and flavor to dishes. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have any chicken stock on hand or you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan alternative, there are several substitutes you can use. Let’s explore some options: 1.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?
Vegetable broth is an easy substitute for chicken broth—it has a very similar flavor and color and can be used as a one-to-one substitute. Can I use water instead of chicken stock? Yes, water can be used as a substitute for chicken stock in most recipes, but it may affect the final flavor. What do I use if I don’t have stock?
Can I use water as a substitute for chicken stock?
Yes, water can be used as a substitute for chicken stock in most recipes, but it may affect the final flavor. What do I use if I don’t have stock? Substitute Stock with Plain Water – Water is the ideal substitute for stock and will extract all the main flavours in your soup without adding its own.
Can you use vegetable stock as a substitute for chicken stock?
Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute for chicken stock in many recipes. To maintain the savory flavor, add a tablespoon of soy sauce or miso paste in every cup of vegetable stock. Vegetable stock is usable as an alternative stock in many recipes and can help you convert your recipe to a vegetarian one.
What can you use if you don’t have chicken stock?
Can I use water if I don’t have chicken stock?