Out of chicken stock?

Chicken Stock substitutes

Chicken Stock is Rich, gelatinous liquid made from simmering chicken bones and vegetables, used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces.

Use this

Chicken Broth

Use the same amount as the chicken stock you are replacing

Close matchBest for soups

The best substitutes for chicken stock are chicken broth, vegetable stock, or a mixture of water and bouillon cubes.

At a glance

Every chicken stock substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Chicken Stock substitutes compared
#	Substitute	Instead of chicken stock, use	Result
1	Chicken Broth	Same amount	Close match
2	Vegetable Stock	Same amount	Different taste
3	Bouillon Cube + Water	1 cube + 1 cup water	Close match
4	Water + Soy Sauce	1 cup water + 1 tbsp soy sauce	Different taste
5	Miso Paste + Water	1 tbsp miso + 1 cup water	Different taste
6	Beef Stock	Same amount	Different taste

Every chicken stock substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

1. Chicken Broth
Close match
Use the same amount
Similar liquid made from chicken meat and bones, often more flavorful
What changes
Best for
soups, stews, sauces, rice
Similar flavor, may be more flavorful but less gelatinous
2. Vegetable Stock
Different taste
Use the same amount
Vegetable-based liquid with similar depth and umami
What changes
Best for
vegetarian soups, stews, sauces, rice dishes
No meat flavor, may need additional seasoning
3. Bouillon Cube + Water
Close match
1 cube + 1 cup water
Concentrated flavor, very convenient substitute
What changes
Best for
quick soups, convenience cooking, emergency substitutes
High in sodium, adjust salt in recipes
4. Water + Soy Sauce
Different taste
1 cup water + 1 tbsp soy sauce
Simple umami-rich alternative
What changes
Best for
quick substitutes, Asian-inspired dishes, when you need umami
Simple and quick, adds umami depth
5. Miso Paste + Water
Different taste
1 tbsp miso + 1 cup water
Fermented umami flavor with depth
What changes
Best for
Asian-inspired dishes, when you want fermented flavor, vegetarian recipes
Adds fermented umami depth, vegetarian-friendly
6. Beef Stock
Different taste
Use the same amount
Richer, more intense meaty flavor
What changes
Best for
heartier soups, stews, gravies, braised dishes
More intense and meaty than chicken stock

Tips for substituting chicken stock

Chicken stock adds depth and richness to dishes
It's commonly used in soups, stews, and sauces
Can be used to deglaze pans and add flavor to vegetables
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage
Can be reduced to concentrate flavor for gravies and sauces
Pairs well with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves
The gelatin in chicken stock helps create a richer mouthfeel

Questions about chicken stock substitutes

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

Chicken stock is made from bones only and is more gelatinous, while chicken broth is made from meat and bones. Stock has more body and gelatin, while broth has more flavor.

Can I use chicken broth instead of chicken stock?

Yes, chicken broth is a good substitute for chicken stock. It has similar flavor and can be used in most recipes that call for chicken stock.

Can I make chicken stock at home?

Yes, simmer chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs in water for 4-6 hours. The longer cooking time extracts more gelatin and flavor from the bones.

Why is chicken stock more gelatinous than chicken broth?

Chicken stock is made from bones only, which contain more collagen. When simmered for a long time, this collagen breaks down into gelatin, giving stock its characteristic body and mouthfeel.

Need a different ingredient?

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At a glance

Every chicken stock substitute

1. Chicken Broth

2. Vegetable Stock

3. Bouillon Cube + Water

4. Water + Soy Sauce

5. Miso Paste + Water

6. Beef Stock