15 Incredible Ways to Add Flavor to Chicken Broth

Ever opened a container of chicken broth and thought, “Meh, this needs something”? You’re not alone! As someone who’s made countless pots of soup, I’ve learned that chicken broth is like a blank canvas—it’s just waiting for you to add those special touches that transform it from basic to brilliant.

Whether you’re working with homemade or store-bought broth, there are tons of simple ingredients hiding in your pantry that can take your chicken broth from bland to grand. Today, I’m gonna share my favorite flavor-boosting tricks that’ll make your soups, stews, and sauces absolutely pop with deliciousness!

Why Chicken Broth Needs a Flavor Boost

Let’s be real—store-bought chicken broth can be… underwhelming. Even homemade broth sometimes needs a little extra somethin’-somethin’. The good news? You don’t need to be a professional chef to enhance your broth. With a few simple additions, you can create a rich flavorful base for virtually any dish.

15 Game-Changing Ingredients to Add to Your Chicken Broth

1. Fish Sauce: The Secret Umami Bomb

Fish sauce might sound scary but it’s actually a secret weapon in many professional kitchens. This fermented condiment adds an incredible depth of umami flavor without making your broth taste fishy.

How to use it Add a splash (start with 1-2 teaspoons) after the broth is finished cooking. The less fermented varieties have a milder flavor, so they’re perfect for beginners.

2. Fresh Ginger: The Aromatic Game-Changer

Ginger brings a warm, slightly spicy, and citrusy punch to chicken broth. It’s especially amazing if you’re making Asian-inspired soups.

Pro tip: Don’t bother peeling ginger with a knife—use the back of a spoon instead! It’s way easier. For extra flavor, try charring the ginger over an open flame before adding it to your broth.

3. Miso Paste: Instant Umami Depth

Miso paste has a deeply savory flavor with notes of toasted sweetness that can instantly transform your broth. Different varieties offer different intensities:

• White miso: Mild (fermented 2-8 weeks)
• Red miso: Strong (fermented for over a year)

Best practice: Mix miso paste with a small amount of warm broth first, then whisk it into the main pot to prevent clumping.

4. Parmesan Rinds: Don’t Throw Those Away!

Stop throwing away your Parmesan rinds! These flavor-packed leftovers are umami gold mines that can add richness and subtle creaminess to your broth.

Storage tip: Keep a stash of rinds in your freezer in an airtight container—they’ll last up to a year!

5. Dried Mushrooms: Concentrated Earthy Goodness

Dried mushrooms, especially shiitakes, pack a powerful umami punch that can elevate any chicken broth. They’re super convenient and have a longer shelf life than fresh mushrooms.

How to use: Give them a quick rinse, then drop them straight into your broth. After cooking, you can dice them up and use them in your soup for added texture.

6. Fresh Herbs: Beyond Basic Bay Leaves

Fresh herbs can transform your broth, but don’t be stingy! Try creating a bouquet garni (tied herb bundle) with:

• Parsley
• Thyme
• Bay leaf
• Marjoram (adds sweet, earthy notes)
• Tarragon (adds citrus and licorice notes)

For delicate herbs like dill and cilantro, add them at the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavors.

7. Alliums: The Flavor Foundation

Onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, and chives—these aromatic vegetables are the backbone of flavorful broths worldwide.

Chef’s technique: For maximum flavor, sauté your alliums in a bit of fat until translucent before adding the liquid and other ingredients.

8. Fennel: Surprising Anise Notes

Fennel adds a distinct anise and licorice flavor that works beautifully in chicken broth. The entire plant is edible and useful:

• Bulb: Sauté for the best flavor release
• Fronds (leaves): Chop and add directly to the broth
• Seeds: Toast or grind for more intense flavor

9. Lemongrass: Bright Citrus Notes

If you’re making Asian-inspired broths, lemongrass is a must! This aromatic herb adds a bright, citrusy, slightly floral note that’s absolutely gorgeous in chicken broth.

Preparation tips: Trim the base and top, peel away the outer layers, then either:

• Cut into batons and gently crush
• Thinly slice into rings
• Grate with a microplane for quicker infusion

10. Kombu: Japanese Flavor Secret

Kombu, a type of dried seaweed, is the foundation of Japanese dashi and can work wonders in chicken broth too! It adds a salty, savory depth that’s hard to achieve with other ingredients.

How to use: Soak it in cold water for 20 minutes first, then add it to your simmering broth.

11. Turmeric: Vibrant Color and Flavor

Fresh turmeric root adds a warm, earthy, slightly peppery flavor to chicken broth, plus a gorgeous golden color!

Word of caution: Turmeric has a powerful flavor, so start small (about 1 teaspoon) and adjust to your taste. It also stains everything it touches, so be careful handling it!

12. Unique Spices: Beyond Black Pepper

Don’t limit yourself to basic spices! Try these global flavor enhancers:

• Cinnamon sticks
• Star anise
• Sesame seeds
• Cardamom pods
• Cloves
• Fennel seeds
• Coriander seeds

Vietnamese pho ga (chicken pho) often uses a combination of these spices to create its signature aroma.

13. Soy Sauce: Umami in a Bottle

Soy sauce adds instant depth and saltiness to chicken broth. Different varieties offer different flavor profiles:

• Joseon ganjang (Korean): Great for soups
• Lao chou (Chinese dark soy): Adds deep color and flavor
• Tamari: Gluten-free alternative with rich flavor

Best practice: Add soy sauce after the broth has finished simmering, adjusting to taste.

14. Whole Canned Chicken

For a quick flavor boost, try adding a whole canned chicken to your store-bought broth! This gives you the convenience of boxed stock with some of the richness of homemade.

Time-saving benefit: Both canned chicken and boxed broth are shelf-stable, so you can keep them on hand for quick soup emergencies.

15. A Splash of White Wine or Vinegar

Acidity can brighten and balance the flavors in chicken broth. Try adding:

• Dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• White wine vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar

Just 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar or a splash of wine can make a world of difference!

Quick Fixes for Store-Bought Broth

If you’re starting with store-bought broth and need a flavor boost ASAP, try these quick fixes:

1. Add bouillon cubes: Even Ina Garten does this! She adds 2 bouillon cubes to 5 cups of chicken stock for her chicken pot pie.

2. Simmer with mirepoix: A simple mixture of diced onions, carrots, and celery can add tremendous flavor in just 15-20 minutes.

3. Reduce it: Simmering store-bought broth until it reduces by half concentrates the flavors without adding any new ingredients.

4. Add chicken bones, skin, or fat: These parts contain tons of flavor and can be simmered with store-bought broth for a more homemade taste.

The Secret to Great Chicken Broth: Layer Your Flavors

The real magic happens when you combine several of these ingredients. For example:

• Start with sautéed mirepoix
• Add some Parmesan rinds
• Throw in a bundle of fresh herbs
• Finish with a splash of acid

Each addition builds on the last, creating a complex, multi-dimensional flavor profile that’ll make your dishes sing!

My Go-To Flavor Combos

I’ve experimented with many combinations over the years, and these are my favorites:

For Asian-inspired broths:

• Ginger + lemongrass + star anise + fish sauce

For classic, rich broths:

• Mirepoix + Parmesan rinds + fresh thyme + white wine

For earthy, deep broths:

• Dried mushrooms + miso paste + soy sauce + garlic

Wrapping Up

Transforming chicken broth from bland to brilliant isn’t rocket science—it just takes a little creativity and a willingness to experiment! These 15 flavor boosters are just the beginning. Once you start playing with different ingredients, you’ll discover your own signature combinations that’ll make your soups and stews the talk of the dinner table.

Remember, the best cooking comes from not being afraid to try new things. So grab that chicken broth, raid your pantry, and let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!

What’s your favorite way to add flavor to chicken broth? I’d love to hear your secret ingredients in the comments below!

To improve chicken broth, add flavor by incorporating umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, miso, or tomato paste, and aromatics such as onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and ginger. You can also introduce herbs like bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary, or spices like peppercorns, star anise, or coriander.

To improve the flavor of chicken broth on a liquid diet, simmer it with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, or woody herbs such as thyme and bay leaves, to add depth and complexity. You can also add small amounts of finely diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion to the simmer.