We’ve all been there – you’re craving a warm, comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly evening only to discover you’re completely out of chicken broth. Don’t panic! Before you bundle up for an emergency grocery store run, check your kitchen. You probably have several ingredients that can save your soup (and your sanity).
As someone who’s forgotten to stock up on chicken broth more times than I’d like to admit, I’ve experimented with plenty of alternatives over the years. Today, I’m sharing my favorite chicken broth substitutes that’ll keep your chicken noodle soup tasting amazing.
Why Chicken Broth Matters in Chicken Noodle Soup
Before diving into substitutes, let’s understand why chicken broth is so important. Chicken broth forms the foundation of chicken noodle soup, providing:
- Essential moisture and liquid base
- Deep savory flavor that complements the chicken pieces
- Aromatics from vegetables, herbs, and seasonings
- That classic comforting taste we all love
Without broth, your soup would be bland and dry. But when you’re in a pinch, these substitutes can save the day!
9 Easy Substitutes for Chicken Broth in Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Chicken Stock
Best Overall Substitute
Chicken stock is the closest substitute to chicken broth. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they’re slightly different.
Stock is made by simmering bones, while broth is made with meat, vegetables, and seasonings. Stock tends to be thicker because bones release gelatin during cooking, giving it a richer mouthfeel.
How to substitute: Use chicken stock in a 1:1 ratio (1 cup stock for 1 cup broth).
2. Chicken Bouillon Cubes or Granules
Best for Convenience
Those little cubes or granules hiding in your pantry are lifesavers! They’re basically dehydrated chicken broth and can be dissolved in hot water.
How to substitute: Dissolve 1 bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon of granules) in 1 cup of hot water. Remember that bouillon tends to be saltier than regular broth, so start with less seasoning in your soup and adjust later.
3. Vegetable Broth
Best Vegetarian Option
Vegetable broth makes an excellent substitute that keeps your soup vegetarian-friendly. It has a similar flavor profile with the same aromatics like carrots, celery, and onions.
How to substitute: Use vegetable broth in a 1:1 ratio. You might want to add a bit more herbs and seasoning since veggie broth can be milder than chicken broth.
4. Water + Seasonings
Simplest Substitute
When all else fails, plain water works! It won’t provide the same depth of flavor, but it’ll give your soup the necessary liquid.
How to substitute: Replace chicken broth with water in equal amounts, but be sure to add extra seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, or herbs to compensate for the missing flavor.
5. Butter + Water
For a richer flavor than plain water, try mixing butter with water. The fat helps carry flavors better and adds a silky texture.
How to substitute: Mix 1 tablespoon of butter (preferably salted) into 1 cup of hot water. Use this mixture as a 1:1 replacement for chicken broth.
6. White Wine
A splash of white wine can add complexity and acidity to your soup. This works best when the recipe calls for a small amount of broth.
How to substitute: Use white wine for up to 1/2 cup of the required chicken broth. Don’t use too much, or your soup will taste like, well… wine.
7. Miso Paste
Miso paste dissolved in hot water creates a savory, umami-rich liquid that works wonderfully in soups.
How to substitute: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of light miso paste in 1 cup of hot water. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking to preserve its flavors and beneficial properties.
8. Chicken Base or Broth Concentrate
These concentrated flavor bombs come in jars or packets and can be diluted with water. They’re great to keep on hand because they take up little space and have a long shelf life.
How to substitute: Follow the package instructions for dilution, then use as a 1:1 substitute for chicken broth.
9. Ramen Flavor Packets
Don’t throw away those ramen seasoning packets! They’re packed with flavor (and yes, MSG and salt) that can work as a broth substitute.
How to substitute: Dissolve one packet in hot water according to taste. Start with less water than you think you need—you can always dilute it more if it’s too strong.
Tips for Making Your Soup More Flavorful Without Chicken Broth
If you’re using a substitute that might lack some of the rich flavor of chicken broth, here are some tips to amp up the taste:
- Use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless to add more flavor to the soup
- Check your dried herbs to make sure they’re fresh and haven’t lost their potency
- Let your soup simmer longer to develop deeper flavors
- Don’t skimp on salt – it doesn’t just make food taste salty, it enhances all the other flavors
- Add extra aromatics like garlic, onions, or herbs to compensate for the missing broth flavor
- Cook vegetables thoroughly to release their flavors into the liquid
Which Substitute Works Best for Different Soup Styles?
Not all substitutes work equally well in every situation. Here’s a quick guide:
| Soup Style | Best Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Classic brothy chicken noodle | Chicken stock, bouillon, vegetable broth |
| Creamy chicken noodle | Butter + water, chicken base |
| Asian-inspired chicken noodle | Miso paste, ramen packets |
| Hearty chicken noodle | Beef broth, mushroom broth |
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken to Add Flavor?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for making flavorful chicken noodle soup even without chicken broth. Here’s how:
- Remove the meat from the bones and set aside
- Simmer the leftover carcass with vegetables to create a quick stock
- Remove the bones and add the shredded chicken back in
This method infuses flavor into your substitute liquid, giving you that homemade taste without the traditional chicken broth.
Common Questions About Chicken Broth Substitutes
Q: Will my soup taste the same with these substitutes?
A: Not exactly the same, but still delicious! Each substitute brings its own unique flavor profile, which can actually make for an interesting twist on traditional chicken noodle soup.
Q: Can I make my own chicken broth substitute from scratch?
A: Yes! Simmer vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in water with herbs and seasonings for about 30 minutes for a quick homemade vegetable broth.
Q: How long can I store homemade substitutes?
A: Most homemade broth substitutes can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Running out of chicken broth doesn’t mean you have to abandon your chicken noodle soup craving. With these simple substitutes, you can still enjoy a delicious, comforting bowl of soup without an extra trip to the store.
My personal favorite is the bouillon cube method because I always keep them in my pantry for emergencies. But I’ve used the butter and water trick many times with great success too!
Remember, cooking is all about adaptability and creativity. Sometimes the best kitchen discoveries happen when we’re forced to improvise!
Happy cooking!
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.
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.