Have you ever been halfway through preparing a delicious recipe only to discover you’re missing a key ingredient? That’s happened to me more times than I’d like to admit, especially with condensed chicken broth It’s one of those kitchen staples that you don’t think about until you need it!
Whether you’re making a creamy soup, a rich gravy, or a flavorful sauce, condensed chicken broth adds that perfect savory touch. But what if you’ve run out or can’t find it at your local store? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with these easy substitutes that’ll save your recipe without sacrificing flavor
What Exactly Is Condensed Chicken Broth?
Before we dive into substitutes, let’s understand what we’re replacing. Condensed chicken broth is basically regular chicken broth that’s been cooked down to remove excess water. This process creates a more concentrated, intense chicken flavor in a smaller volume.
Many recipes call for condensed chicken broth because
- It adds rich flavor without watering down your dish
- It works great as a base for gravies and sauces
- It’s perfect for adding moisture and savoriness to stuffings and casseroles
- It helps deglaze pans to capture all those delicious flavors
A standard can of condensed chicken broth is typically around 10 ounces, and a little goes a long way because of its concentrated nature.
7 Best Substitutes for Condensed Chicken Broth
1. Make Your Own Condensed Chicken Broth
This is probably the closest substitute you can get to the real thing!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup regular chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
How to make it:
- Combine the chicken broth and water in a saucepan
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat
- Let it reduce by half (to about 1 cup)
- Add salt to taste if needed
This homemade version will mimic the flavor profile of canned condensed broth nearly perfectly. Plus, you can control the sodium level!
2. Regular Chicken Stock or Broth
If you’re in a hurry, regular chicken stock or broth can work as a 1:1 substitute in most recipes.
Remember that stock won’t be as concentrated in flavor or as salty as condensed broth. You might want to:
- Add a bit extra salt to taste
- Reduce other liquids in your recipe slightly
- Let the dish simmer a bit longer to reduce and concentrate flavors
3. Chicken Bouillon Cubes or Granules
Bouillon is basically dehydrated broth, making it a super convenient pantry staple.
For each can (about 10 oz) of condensed chicken broth needed:
- Dissolve 1 bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon granules) in 1 cup of hot water
- Adjust salt as needed since bouillon tends to be quite salty
The great thing about bouillon is that it has a long shelf life and takes up minimal space in your pantry. I always keep some on hand for emergencies!
4. Chicken Base or Bouillon Paste
Chicken base (sometimes called soup base) and bouillon paste are similar to bouillon cubes but come in a concentrated paste form. They dissolve easily and provide good chicken flavor.
To substitute for a 10-oz can of condensed broth:
- Use about 1 teaspoon chicken base or 1/2 teaspoon bouillon paste
- Mix with 1 cup water
- Adjust seasonings as needed
5. Alternative Broths: Vegetable or Turkey
If you don’t need the specific chicken flavor, vegetable or turkey broth can be used as substitutes. They’ll still provide that savory, brothy note without dramatically changing your dish.
Use these at a 1:1 ratio for condensed chicken broth. You may want to add a bit of extra seasoning to compensate for any flavor differences.
6. White Wine (For Small Amounts)
For recipes that call for just a small amount of condensed chicken broth (1/2 cup or less), dry white wine can be a flavorful alternative, especially in pan sauces or when deglazing.
The acidity in wine brightens flavors in a different but complementary way. Just remember this substitute works best in small quantities and in recipes where a slight wine flavor would be welcome.
7. Butter and Water Combination
In a real pinch, you can create a simple substitute with ingredients you probably have on hand:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt to taste
This won’t have the chicken flavor, but it adds body and richness to your dish. It works best in recipes where the chicken flavor isn’t the star, but rather where the broth is just adding moisture and a bit of savoriness.
Tips for Using Substitutes Successfully
When using any of these substitutes, keep these tips in mind:
-
Adjust salt carefully – Many of the substitutes (especially bouillon) are already salty. Taste as you go!
-
Boost flavor if needed – If your substitute seems a bit bland, try adding:
- A pinch of poultry seasoning
- A dash of garlic or onion powder
- A splash of lemon juice
- A bit of dried herbs
-
Reduce other liquids – Since condensed broth is, well, condensed, you might need to reduce other liquids in your recipe slightly when using regular broth.
-
For richer dishes – Add a pat of butter or a splash of cream to enhance the mouthfeel if your substitute lacks richness.
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Let sauces reduce more – For pan sauces and gravies, let them simmer a bit longer to intensify flavors when using a substitute.
Making a Creamy Condensed Chicken Soup Substitute
If your recipe specifically calls for condensed cream of chicken soup (which is different from condensed broth), here’s a quick substitute:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 3-5 minutes until it resembles wet sand
- Remove from heat and gradually whisk in broth
- Add warmed milk and seasonings
- Return to heat and whisk until thickened
This makes about 1 cup of condensed cream of chicken soup substitute, equivalent to one 10.5 oz can.
Real-World Applications: The Pastitsio Story
One time I was making Pastitsio (a Greek pasta dish) and the recipe called for condensed chicken broth in the bechamel sauce. I couldn’t find it anywhere! After checking several cookbooks, I discovered many traditional recipes don’t include broth in the bechamel at all.
I ended up using two packets of low-salt chicken bouillon with about 10 ounces of hot water as my substitute. The dish turned out delicious, and my parents loved it – they just suggested adding more meat next time!
This experience taught me that sometimes recipes have unique twists, but there’s almost always a workaround when you’re missing an ingredient.
FAQs About Condensed Chicken Broth Substitutes
What’s the difference between chicken broth and condensed chicken broth?
The main difference is the water content. Condensed broth has had much of its water removed, resulting in a more concentrated flavor.
Can I use cream of chicken soup instead of condensed chicken broth?
Not directly. Cream of chicken soup contains dairy and thickeners that will change the texture of your dish. However, if your recipe can accommodate a creamier texture, it might work in some cases.
Is vegetable broth a good substitute for chicken broth in all recipes?
Vegetable broth works well in many recipes, but it won’t provide the same chicken flavor. It’s best in dishes where other strong flavors will compensate for the missing chicken taste.
How long does homemade condensed chicken broth last?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade condensed broth should last about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays for convenient portions!
Conclusion
Running out of condensed chicken broth doesn’t have to ruin your cooking plans. With these simple substitutes, you can save your recipe and maybe even discover a new favorite variation!
I’ve found that sometimes these kitchen emergencies lead to happy accidents – like discovering that a splash of white wine can actually make my pan sauce even better than the original recipe.
Do you have a favorite substitute for condensed chicken broth that I missed? Or maybe a cooking emergency story where you had to get creative? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Remember, cooking is as much about improvisation as it is about following recipes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and trust your taste buds!
4 Other Cream of Chicken Soup Substitutes To Try
A few recipes list cream of chicken soup mainly for thickening purposes and binding ingredients instead of adding chicken flavor to the dish. While making sure you use a substitute that can help you achieve the right creamy texture, you have to choose an ingredient that wont affect the balance of flavor.
With that in mind, here are easily accessible and affordable options that I highly recommend:
Beurre manié is a fancy French term for a simple mixture of equal parts flour and softened butter. Its a great way to thicken soups and sauces without the risk of lumps.
To use beurre manié as a substitute for cream of mushroom soup:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of softened butter with 2 tablespoons of flour until it forms a paste.
- Whisk this mixture into 1 cup of hot chicken or vegetable broth.
- Simmer until thickened, then add seasoning to taste.
This substitute works well in recipes where you want to control the thickness of your sauce or soup.
Best for: Beurre manié makes an excellent substitute for cream of chicken soup by adding creamy thickness without altering flavor, perfect for enhancing chicken pot pie or creamy chicken and rice dishes.
Sometimes, simplicity is key. Heavy cream can be a great substitute for cream of mushroom soup when youre looking for richness without the mushroom flavor.
To use heavy cream as a substitute, use a 1:1 ratio.
Best for: Heavy cream makes an excellent stand-in for cream of chicken soup by adding richness and smooth texture, ideal for recipes like creamy chicken pasta or chicken casseroles.
Sour cream can be a tangy, creamy substitute for cream of mushroom soup. It adds richness and a slight tang that can brighten up many dishes.
To use sour cream as a substitute:
- Mix 1 cup of sour cream with ¼ cup of chicken or vegetable broth to thin it out.
- If you need it thicker, whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs you like.
Best for: Sour cream makes a great alternative for cream of chicken soup by adding tangy richness and creamy texture, perfect for dishes like chicken enchiladas or creamy chicken casseroles.
What is Chicken Of Mushroom Soup?
Chicken of Mushroom Soup is a playful, yet delicious twist on the classic Chicken and Mushroom Soup. Making a homemade chicken soup recipe allows you to avoid preservatives and artificial ingredients typically found in store-bought options.
Its a comforting dish where chicken and mushrooms are combined in a flavorful broth, often with a creamy base. The name is a humorous play on “Cream of Mushroom Soup,” but this version includes tender pieces of chicken along with the earthy mushrooms.
The soup typically starts with sautéing onions, garlic, and mushrooms in butter, followed by adding chunks of chicken, broth, and seasonings. Some recipes also incorporate cream or milk to give the soup a rich, velvety texture. Its a hearty, warming dish perfect for cool weather or when youre craving something comforting.
If youre interested in trying or making this soup, think of it as a heartier version of Cream of Mushroom Soup with the added protein and flavor of chicken.