What is a Good Substitute for Chicken Bouillon? 8 Tasty Alternatives You Already Have

Ever been in the middle of cooking your favorite soup or stew only to realize you’re out of chicken bouillon? I’ve been there more times than I care to admit! It’s such a small ingredient but adds that perfect savory flavor that’s hard to replace. But don’t worry – your dinner isn’t ruined!

As someone who cooks a lot, I’ve had to get creative with substitutes over the years. After plenty of kitchen experiments (some more successful than others!), I’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect chicken bouillon substitute when you’re in a pinch.

Understanding Chicken Bouillon’s Role in Cooking

Before diving into substitutes, let’s understand what chicken bouillon actually does in your recipes. Chicken bouillon, whether in cubes, granules, or paste form, is essentially dehydrated chicken broth with added salt and seasonings. It serves as a flavor enhancer, adding that distinctive savory chicken flavor and umami notes to your dishes.

The convenient, concentrated form makes it a pantry staple, but its high sodium content and artificial additives have many cooks looking for healthier alternatives.

The Best Chicken Bouillon Substitutes

1. Chicken Broth or Stock

The verdict: This is hands-down the best and most versatile substitute for chicken bouillon.

Chicken broth and stock are the liquid forms of what bouillon is in dehydrated form. While broth is lighter in flavor (made by simmering meat), stock is richer and more gelatinous (made by simmering bones).

How to substitute: For a recipe that calls for one bouillon cube dissolved in one cup of water, simply use one cup of chicken broth or stock instead. Remember to adjust other seasonings since you won’t need as much salt.

2. Vegetable Broth

For vegetarians or when you simply don’t have chicken products on hand, vegetable broth works wonderfully. While it lacks the direct chicken flavor, it still provides a savory base and umami notes.

How to substitute: Use in equal amounts as you would chicken broth. To make it taste more like chicken bouillon, consider adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.

3. White Wine

Yep. that bottle of dry white wine in your fridge can help save your recipe!

How to substitute: Replace a quarter of the liquid called for with white wine. For example, if a recipe calls for one bouillon cube and one cup of water, use 1/4 cup white wine and 3/4 cup water instead. The resulting flavor will be lighter but still delicious. Just remember to let the alcohol cook off.

4. Mushroom Broth or Powder

Mushroom broth (sometimes labeled “umami broth”) adds incredible depth and richness to dishes. Its earthy flavor works well in many cuisines and provides that satisfying umami character we love in chicken bouillon.

How to substitute: Use it in equal amounts as chicken broth, but start with a bit less as mushroom flavor can be quite intense.

5. Nutritional Yeast

This might sound strange if you’ve never used it, but nutritional yeast has a cheesy, nutty flavor that provides surprising umami notes. While it doesn’t taste exactly like chicken, it’s an excellent addition to vegetarian dishes.

How to substitute: Start with 1 teaspoon per cup of liquid. It works best when combined with other ingredients like soy sauce or miso paste.

6. Soy Sauce or Tamari

A splash of soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) adds both saltiness and umami to dishes.

How to substitute: Use sparingly! Soy sauce is very potent, so start with just a small amount (like 1/2 teaspoon per cup of water) and taste as you go.

7. Miso Paste

This fermented soybean paste is packed with umami flavor. It adds a savory and slightly sweet taste that can really elevate your dishes.

How to substitute: Dissolve a small amount (start with 1 teaspoon) in warm water before adding to your recipe.

8. Homemade Bouillon Powder

For complete control over ingredients and flavor, consider making your own bouillon powder! This is actually easier than it sounds.

DIY Homemade Bouillon Powder Recipe

I discovered this amazing homemade bouillon powder recipe that tastes surprisingly like chicken bouillon but is completely vegetarian. The secret ingredient? Nutritional yeast!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup salt (I use sea salt or pink Himalayan)
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Instructions:

1. Simply place all ingredients in a blender or food processor
2. Pulse a few times until well combined and powdery
3. Store in an airtight container for up to a year

If you’re feeling lazy (like me sometimes!), you can just stir everything together or shake it in a jar. The texture won’t be as powdery and the flavor won’t be as concentrated, but it still works great!

How to use it: Mix 1 teaspoon of the blended powder with 1 cup of hot water to create a chicken broth substitute. If you’ve just stirred the ingredients together rather than blending them, use 1 tablespoon instead.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Substitute

When selecting which chicken bouillon substitute to use, keep these factors in mind:

• Dietary restrictions: Are you vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free?
• Sodium content: Are you watching your salt intake?
• Flavor profile: What kind of flavor are you trying to achieve?
• Availability: What ingredients do you already have on hand?
• Intended use: What dish are you preparing?

Creative Ways to Use Your Bouillon Substitutes

These substitutes aren’t just for emergencies – they’re versatile additions to your cooking arsenal:

1. Season vegetables: Add incredible flavor to roasted or steamed veggies
2. Enhance rice and grains: Use broth instead of water when cooking rice or quinoa
3. Make quick dips: Stir some bouillon powder into sour cream for a quick dip
4. Season popcorn: Homemade bouillon powder makes an amazing popcorn seasoning!
5. Boost pasta dishes: Add to the water when boiling pasta or mix into sauces

FAQ About Chicken Bouillon Substitutes

What’s the difference between chicken broth and chicken stock?

Broth is made by simmering meat, while stock is made by simmering bones. Stock is generally richer and has a more gelatinous texture due to the collagen released from the bones.

Can I use bouillon cubes that are expired?

While technically safe to consume, expired bouillon cubes may have lost some of their flavor potency.

Is chicken bouillon vegetarian or vegan?

No, traditional chicken bouillon contains chicken and is neither vegetarian nor vegan. However, the homemade recipe I shared above is vegetarian!

Can I use bone broth as a substitute?

Absolutely! Bone broth makes an excellent substitute and is particularly good in soups and stews.

What if I literally have nothing on this list?

Plain water with added seasonings like salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and herbs can work in a pinch. It won’t have the same depth, but it’ll still add flavor to your dish.

My Final Thoughts

Running out of chicken bouillon isn’t the end of the world! With these substitutes, you can still create delicious, flavorful dishes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

My personal favorite is the homemade bouillon powder because it lasts for ages, has no weird ingredients, and I can customize the flavor exactly how I like it. But in a real pinch, chicken broth or even a splash of soy sauce with some herbs can save the day.

Next time you’re in the middle of cooking and realize you’re out of chicken bouillon, don’t panic! Just reach for one of these substitutes, and your dish will still turn out amazing. Happy cooking!

What’s your go-to substitute when you run out of chicken bouillon? I’d love to hear your kitchen hacks in the comments!