🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Complete Guide to Chicken Stock Substitutes: 15+ Best Alternatives

Find the best substitutes for chicken stock in any recipe. Learn proper ratios, cooking techniques, and tips for perfect results with chicken broth, vegetable stock, bouillon cubes, and more.

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Quick Answer

The best chicken stock substitutes are Chicken Broth (1:1), Vegetable Stock + Umami Boosters (1:1 + soy sauce), and Bouillon Cubes + Water (1 cube + 1 cup water). Each works well depending on your dietary needs and recipe requirements.

Best Substitutes

Chicken Broth

1:1

Chicken broth is the closest substitute to chicken stock. It has similar flavor and can be used in most recipes that call for chicken stock. The main difference is that broth is made with meat and bones, while stock is made with bones only.

Best for:

soupsstewssaucesrice dishesbraisinggravies

Chicken broth has a slightly different flavor profile than stock but works in virtually all applications. It's more readily available in most stores.

Vegetable Stock + Umami Boosters

1 cup vegetable stock + 1-2 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeast

Vegetable stock enhanced with umami boosters provides excellent depth for vegetarian and vegan dishes. The soy sauce and nutritional yeast add savory notes that mimic chicken flavor.

Best for:

vegetarian dishesvegan cookingsoupsrisottoswhen avoiding meatlight stews

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

Bouillon Cubes + Water

1 cube + 1 cup water

Chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in water provide concentrated chicken flavor. This is the most convenient substitute and works well in most recipes.

Best for:

quick cookingemergency substitutionwhen you need concentrated flavorsoupsgravies

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

1 tbsp miso + 1 cup water

Miso paste provides excellent umami flavor that works well as a chicken stock substitute. It's particularly good for Asian-inspired dishes and vegetarian cooking.

Best for:

Asian dishesvegetarian cookingsoupsstir-frieswhen you want fermented flavor

Miso paste adds a unique fermented flavor. Use white miso for milder flavor, red miso for stronger taste.

Beef Stock

1:1

Beef stock can substitute for chicken stock in many recipes, though it will impart a different flavor profile. It's particularly good for hearty dishes.

Best for:

heartier soupsstewsgraviesbraised disheswhen you want richer flavor

Beef stock has a stronger, more intense flavor than chicken stock. It works well in hearty dishes but may overpower delicate recipes.

Water + Seasonings

1 cup water + 1 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp onion powder + 1/4 tsp thyme

A simple combination of water and seasonings can work in a pinch. While not as flavorful as real stock, it provides a base for your dish.

Best for:

emergency situationswhen you have no other optionsvery simple recipeswhen you want to control salt content

This is the most basic substitute. Add more seasonings to taste and consider adding a splash of soy sauce for umami.

Chicken Stock Concentrate + Water

1 tsp concentrate + 1 cup water

Chicken stock concentrate provides intense chicken flavor perfect for many recipes. It's convenient and gives you control over the strength of the stock.

Best for:

when you need concentrated flavorquick preparationcontrolling flavor intensityprofessional cooking

Start with less concentrate and add more to taste. This gives you precise control over the final flavor.

Mushroom Stock

1:1

Mushroom stock provides excellent umami flavor that works well as a chicken stock substitute, especially in vegetarian cooking.

Best for:

vegetarian dishesmushroom-based recipesrisottossoupswhen you want earthy flavor

Mushroom stock has a strong earthy flavor. It works especially well in mushroom-based dishes and vegetarian cooking.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For best results, warm your substitute stock before adding to hot dishes
  • 💡Add umami boosters like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or nutritional yeast to enhance flavor
  • 💡If using a lighter substitute like vegetable stock, consider reducing it slightly to concentrate flavor
  • 💡Taste and adjust seasoning after substitution, as different stocks have varying salt levels
  • 💡For rich dishes, consider adding a splash of white wine to enhance depth
  • 💡Store homemade stock substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage
  • 💡When using bouillon cubes, dissolve them completely in hot water before adding to your recipe
  • 💡For vegetarian dishes, enhance vegetable stock with miso paste or nutritional yeast for better flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for chicken stock?

Chicken broth is the best all-around substitute for chicken stock. It has similar flavor and can be used in most recipes. For vegetarian options, use vegetable stock enhanced with umami boosters like soy sauce or nutritional yeast.

Can I use chicken broth instead of chicken stock?

Yes, 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, but they're very similar in flavor and application.

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. For most recipes, they can be used interchangeably.

Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken 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 stock applications.

How do I make my own chicken stock?

To make your own chicken stock, simmer chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs for 4-6 hours. This gives you control over the flavor and salt content, and it's more economical than buying store-bought stock.

Can I use water instead of chicken stock?

While water can work in a pinch, it won't provide the depth and flavor that makes dishes special. At minimum, add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs to enhance the water.

What's the best vegetarian substitute for chicken stock?

The best vegetarian substitute is vegetable stock enhanced with umami boosters like soy sauce, nutritional yeast, or miso paste. This combination provides the savory depth that chicken stock offers.

Can I use bouillon cubes instead of chicken stock?

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

Summary

Find the best substitutes for chicken stock in any recipe. Learn proper ratios, cooking techniques, and tips for perfect results with chicken broth, vegetable stock, bouillon cubes, and more.