Skip to content

Out of Chicken stock, one case

Chicken broth vs chicken stock

4 options, ranked, with the exact amount

Use thisBest of 4 options

Use Chicken broth

Same amount as the chicken stock

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for chicken stock in most recipes using a 1:1 ratio. Chicken broth is made with meat and bones, while chicken stock is made with bones only. Stock is more gelatinous, while broth has more flavor. Both work well in most applications.

Best for —
soups

One casethe full chicken stock card

Every option, one card

Ranked
Chicken stock substitutes compared
SubstituteInstead of chicken stock
Chicken brothsoupsSame amount
Vegetable stock + umami boostersvegetarian dishes1 cup vegetable stock + 1-2 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeast
Bouillon cubes + waterquick cooking1 cube + 1 cup water
Miso paste + waterAsian dishes1 tbsp miso + 1 cup water
What changes4 options

Chicken broth

more flavorful

Chicken broth can be used instead of chicken stock in most recipes. The main difference is that broth is made with meat and bones, while stock is made with bones only. Broth has more flavor but less gelatin.

Best for
soups, stews, sauces, rice dishes, braising, gravies
Texture
less gelatinous

Chicken broth has more flavor but less gelatin than chicken stock. It works well in most recipes but may not provide the same body and mouthfeel as stock.

Vegetable stock + umami boosters

enhanced savory · similar texture

Vegetable stock enhanced with umami boosters can substitute for both chicken broth and chicken stock. It provides savory depth without animal products.

Best for
vegetarian dishes, vegan cooking, soups, risottos, when avoiding meat, light stews

Vegetable stock alone is too light for most chicken applications. Always enhance with umami boosters for best results.

Bouillon cubes + water

very similar · similar texture

Chicken bouillon cubes can substitute for both chicken broth and chicken stock. They provide concentrated chicken flavor and are very convenient to use.

Best for
quick cooking, emergency substitution, when you need concentrated flavor, soups, gravies

Dissolve 1 bouillon cube in 1 cup hot water. Adjust salt in your recipe as bouillon cubes are salty. Look for low-sodium options if needed.

Miso paste + water

fermented umami · similar texture

Miso paste can substitute for both chicken broth and chicken stock. It provides excellent umami flavor and is particularly good for Asian-inspired dishes.

Best for
Asian dishes, vegetarian cooking, soups, stir-fries, when you want fermented flavor

Miso paste adds a unique fermented flavor. Use white miso for milder flavor, red miso for stronger taste. Mix well to dissolve completely.

The other way roundOut of chicken broth

Chicken stock for chicken broth

cleaner, less meaty

Chicken stock can be used instead of chicken broth in most recipes. Stock is more gelatinous and has a cleaner flavor, while broth has more meaty flavor.

Amount
Same amount
Best for
soups, stews, sauces, rice dishes, braising, gravies
Texture
more gelatinous

Chicken stock has more gelatin and a cleaner flavor than chicken broth. It works well in most recipes but may not provide the same meaty flavor as broth.

How it behaves in this recipe

In this recipeChicken stock

Chicken broth and chicken stock are very similar and can often be used interchangeably in recipes. The main differences are in their preparation methods and resulting characteristics. Broth is made with meat and bones and has more flavor, while stock is made with bones only and is more gelatinous. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right substitute for your specific recipe needs.

Tips for substituting chicken stock

8 tips
  1. For best results, warm your substitute stock before adding to hot dishes
  2. If using chicken broth instead of stock, consider adding a small amount of gelatin for body
  3. If using chicken stock instead of broth, consider adding a splash of soy sauce for more flavor
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning after substitution, as different stocks have varying salt levels
  5. For rich dishes, consider adding a splash of white wine to enhance depth
  6. Store homemade stock or broth in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage
  7. When making homemade stock, use a variety of vegetables for better flavor
  8. Consider using vegetable scraps and peels to make stock more economical

Notes on chicken stock

Also on file6 notes
  1. Make your own chicken broth or stock by simmering chicken with vegetables for 2-6 hours
  2. Use chicken drippings or pan juices to enhance any substitute stock
  3. Combine multiple substitutes (like vegetable stock + mushroom stock) for more complex flavor
  4. Consider using demi-glace or stock concentrate for professional results
  5. For quick meals, keep bouillon cubes or stock concentrate on hand
  6. Freeze homemade stock or broth in ice cube trays for convenient portion control

Questions

8 questions

Can I use chicken broth instead of chicken stock?

Yes, chicken broth can be used instead of chicken stock in most recipes using a 1:1 ratio. The main difference is that broth is made with meat and bones, while stock is made with bones only. Broth has more flavor but less gelatin.

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

Chicken broth is made with meat and bones and has more flavor, while chicken stock is made with bones only and is more gelatinous. Stock has more body and gelatin, while broth has more meaty flavor. For most recipes, they can be used interchangeably.

Can I use chicken stock instead of chicken broth?

Yes, chicken stock can be used instead of chicken broth in most recipes using a 1:1 ratio. Stock is more gelatinous and has a cleaner flavor, while broth has more meaty flavor. Both work well in most applications.

Which is better for soups: chicken broth or chicken stock?

Both work well for soups, but chicken stock provides more body and mouthfeel due to its gelatin content. Chicken broth has more flavor but may need to be reduced slightly to concentrate the taste.

Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth or stock?

Yes, but enhance it with umami boosters like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or nutritional yeast for better flavor. Vegetable stock alone will be too light for most chicken applications.

How do I make my own chicken broth or stock?

To make chicken broth, simmer chicken meat and bones with vegetables for 2-3 hours. To make chicken stock, simmer chicken bones with vegetables for 4-6 hours. Stock will be more gelatinous due to the longer cooking time.

Can I use bouillon cubes instead of chicken broth or stock?

Yes, bouillon cubes are a good substitute for both chicken broth and chicken stock. Dissolve 1 cube in 1 cup hot water and adjust the salt in your recipe accordingly, as bouillon cubes are quite salty.

What's the best substitute for chicken broth or stock?

The best substitute depends on your needs. Chicken broth and stock can be used interchangeably. For vegetarian options, use vegetable stock enhanced with umami boosters. For convenience, use bouillon cubes or stock concentrate.

All 6 chicken stock substitutes All ingredients