Out of Vegetable broth, one case
Can you substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth?
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chicken broth
Same amount as the vegetable broth
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth in most recipes (1:1 ratio), but the flavor will be different. Vegetable broth is lighter and more neutral, while chicken broth is richer and more savory.
- Best for —
- When you want richer flavor
One casethe full vegetable broth card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of vegetable broth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken brothWhen you want richer flavor | Same amount |
| 2 | Vegetable brothVegetarian/vegan dishes | Same amount |
| 3 | Water + seasoningsEmergency substitute | 1 cup water + ½ tsp salt + herbs per 1 cup broth |
| 4 | Bouillon cubesQuick cooking | 1 cup water + 1 bouillon cube per 1 cup broth |
Chicken broth
rich, savory, meaty · similar texture
Rich, savory broth made from chicken bones and vegetables
- Best for
- When you want richer flavor, Meat-based dishes, Hearty soups, Risotto
Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans. Much richer and more flavorful than vegetable broth.
Vegetable broth
light, neutral, vegetable · similar texture
Light, neutral broth made from vegetables and herbs
- Best for
- Vegetarian/vegan dishes, When you want lighter flavor, Delicate dishes, All-purpose cooking
Suitable for all diets. Lighter and more neutral than chicken broth.
Water + seasonings
mild, customizable · similar texture
Basic substitute that works for both
- Best for
- Emergency substitute, When you want to control flavor, Simple dishes, When you don't have broth
Most basic substitute. Add herbs and spices to taste.
Bouillon cubes
concentrated, salty
Convenient substitute for both types
- Best for
- Quick cooking, When you need instant flavor, Emergency substitutions, Large batch cooking
- Texture
- similar when dissolved
Check labels for vegetarian/vegan options. Very convenient but may be high in sodium.
How it behaves in this recipe
The choice between vegetable broth and chicken broth depends on dietary restrictions, flavor preferences, and the specific dish being prepared. Both can often be used interchangeably with some flavor adjustments.
Tips for substituting vegetable broth
10 tips- Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth in most recipes, but the flavor will be lighter
- Chicken broth can replace vegetable broth, but it's not suitable for vegetarians/vegans
- For vegetarian/vegan recipes, always use vegetable broth or water with seasonings
- For richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth
- For lighter flavor, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
- For risotto, chicken broth provides better flavor than vegetable broth
- For soups, both work well but chicken broth adds more depth
- For sauces, choose based on the flavor profile you want
- For grains, both work well for cooking rice, quinoa, etc.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning when switching between the two
Notes on vegetable broth
- Use a combination of both broths for balanced flavor
- Add umami ingredients to vegetable broth for richer taste
- Use mushroom broth as a middle ground between the two
- Add herbs and spices to enhance either broth type
Questions
8 questionsCan I substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth in most recipes. Use a 1:1 ratio. The flavor will be lighter and more neutral, but it will work in most dishes.
Can I substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth?
Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth, but it's not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Chicken broth will add richer, more savory flavor to your dishes.
What's the difference between vegetable broth and chicken broth?
Vegetable broth is made from vegetables and herbs, while chicken broth is made from chicken bones and vegetables. Chicken broth is richer and more savory, while vegetable broth is lighter and more neutral.
Will my recipe taste different if I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, your recipe will taste different. Vegetable broth is lighter and more neutral, while chicken broth is richer and more savory. The overall flavor will be different but still delicious.
Can I use chicken broth in vegetarian recipes?
No, chicken broth is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan recipes. Use vegetable broth, water with seasonings, or other plant-based alternatives instead.
Which is better for soup - vegetable broth or chicken broth?
Chicken broth is generally better for soup as it adds more depth and richness. However, vegetable broth works well for vegetarian/vegan soups and lighter flavor profiles.
Can I mix vegetable broth and chicken broth?
Yes, you can mix vegetable broth and chicken broth for a balanced flavor. This works well when you want some richness but not as much as pure chicken broth.
How do I make vegetable broth taste more like chicken broth?
Add umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, soy sauce, or nutritional yeast to vegetable broth to make it taste more savory and rich like chicken broth.