Out of Chicken stock, one case
Quick chicken stock substitute
7 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Bouillon cubes + water
1 cube + 1 cup water
The quickest chicken stock substitutes are Bouillon Cubes + Water (1 cube + 1 cup water), Water + Seasonings (1 cup water + salt + garlic powder + onion powder), and Chicken Broth (1:1). Each can be ready in under 5 minutes.
- Best for —
- emergency cooking
One casethe full chicken stock card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of chicken stock |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bouillon cubes + wateremergency cooking | 1 cube + 1 cup water |
| 2 | Water + seasoningsemergency situations | 1 cup water + 1 tsp salt + ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder + ¼ tsp thyme |
| 3 | Chicken brothwhen you have chicken broth available | Same amount |
| 4 | Water + soy sauce + herbswhen you need umami flavor | 1 cup water + 1 tbsp soy sauce + ½ tsp dried thyme + ½ tsp dried rosemary |
| 5 | Vegetable broth + umami boostersvegetarian dishes | 1 cup vegetable broth + 1 tsp soy sauce + ½ tsp nutritional yeast |
| 6 | Miso paste + waterAsian dishes | 1 tbsp miso + 1 cup water |
| 7 | Chicken stock concentrate + waterwhen you need concentrated flavor | 1 tsp concentrate + 1 cup water |
Bouillon cubes + water
very similar · similar texture
Chicken bouillon cubes are the fastest substitute for chicken stock. Simply dissolve 1 cube in 1 cup hot water and you're ready to cook. This is the most convenient option for quick cooking.
- Best for
- emergency cooking, quick meals, when you need instant flavor, soups, gravies, sauces
- Prep time
- 1 minute
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.
Water + seasonings
basic · similar texture
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 and can be ready instantly.
- Best for
- emergency situations, when you have no other options, very simple recipes, when you want to control salt content, quick cooking
- Prep time
- 2 minutes
This is the most basic substitute. Add more seasonings to taste and consider adding a splash of soy sauce for umami. Mix all ingredients in hot water.
Chicken broth
very similar · similar texture
Chicken broth is the closest substitute to chicken stock and can be used immediately. It has similar flavor and works well in most recipes that call for chicken stock.
- Best for
- when you have chicken broth available, quick substitution, soups, stews, sauces, rice dishes
- Prep time
- 0 minutes
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.
Water + soy sauce + herbs
enhanced savory · similar texture
Water enhanced with soy sauce and herbs provides quick umami flavor. This combination adds savory depth to your dish in minutes.
- Best for
- when you need umami flavor, quick cooking, Asian-inspired dishes, when you want to avoid salt, emergency substitution
- Prep time
- 2 minutes
Mix all ingredients in hot water. The soy sauce adds umami depth, while the herbs provide aromatic flavor. Adjust soy sauce to taste.
Vegetable broth + umami boosters
enhanced savory · similar texture
Vegetable broth enhanced with umami boosters provides quick savory flavor. This combination works well for vegetarian cooking and adds depth to your dish.
- Best for
- vegetarian dishes, vegan cooking, quick substitution, when you want plant-based flavor, soups, sauces
- Prep time
- 2 minutes
Mix all ingredients in hot water. The soy sauce and nutritional yeast add savory depth that mimics chicken flavor. Adjust to taste.
Miso paste + water
fermented umami · similar texture
Miso paste provides quick umami flavor that works well as a chicken stock substitute. It's particularly good for Asian-inspired dishes and can be ready instantly.
- Best for
- Asian dishes, vegetarian cooking, quick substitution, when you want fermented flavor, soups, stir-fries
- Prep time
- 1 minute
Mix miso paste with hot water until dissolved. Use white miso for milder flavor, red miso for stronger taste. Mix well to avoid lumps.
Chicken stock concentrate + water
very similar · similar texture
Chicken stock concentrate provides quick, intense chicken flavor. It's convenient and gives you control over the strength of the stock in minutes.
- Best for
- when you need concentrated flavor, quick preparation, controlling flavor intensity, professional cooking, soups, sauces
- Prep time
- 1 minute
Mix concentrate with hot water until dissolved. Start with less concentrate and add more to taste. This gives you precise control over the final flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Quick chicken stock substitutes are good for emergency cooking situations and last-minute recipe adjustments. The best quick substitutes work because they provide concentrated flavor and can be prepared in minutes. The choice of substitute often depends on what you have available and how much time you have.
Tips for substituting chicken stock
8 tips- Always dissolve bouillon cubes or concentrate completely in hot water before using
- For best results, warm your substitute stock before adding to hot dishes
- Taste and adjust seasoning after substitution, as different substitutes have varying salt levels
- Keep bouillon cubes or stock concentrate on hand for quick cooking
- For rich dishes, consider adding a splash of white wine to enhance depth
- Store quick substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage
- When using water + seasonings, mix all ingredients in hot water for better flavor
- Consider using vegetable scraps and peels to make quick vegetable stock
Notes on chicken stock
- Keep bouillon cubes or stock concentrate on hand for quick cooking
- Use chicken drippings or pan juices to enhance any substitute stock
- Combine multiple quick substitutes (like bouillon cubes + miso paste) for more complex flavor
- Consider using demi-glace or stock concentrate for professional results
- For quick meals, keep vegetable bouillon cubes or miso paste on hand
- Freeze homemade stock in ice cube trays for convenient portion control
Questions
8 questionsWhat's the quickest substitute for chicken stock?
Bouillon cubes dissolved in water are the quickest substitute for chicken stock. Simply dissolve 1 cube in 1 cup hot water and you're ready to cook. This takes less than 1 minute.
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 quick substitute for chicken stock?
The best quick substitute depends on what you have available. Bouillon cubes are the most convenient, chicken broth works well if you have it, and water + seasonings works in emergencies.
How do I make quick chicken stock?
To make quick chicken stock, dissolve 1 bouillon cube in 1 cup hot water. Alternatively, mix 1 cup water with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. Both methods take less than 5 minutes.
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. It has similar flavor and can be used immediately without any preparation.
What's the difference between quick and homemade chicken stock?
Quick chicken stock is made with bouillon cubes or seasonings and takes minutes, while homemade chicken stock is made by simmering chicken bones and vegetables for hours. Homemade stock has more depth and flavor.
Can I use miso paste instead of chicken stock?
Yes, miso paste is a good quick substitute for chicken stock. Mix 1 tablespoon miso with 1 cup water and use in most recipes. It adds unique fermented flavor and umami depth.
How long do quick chicken stock substitutes last?
Quick chicken stock substitutes made with bouillon cubes or seasonings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage. Always store in airtight containers.