Out of White wine, one case
Can you substitute chicken broth for white wine?
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Chicken broth + lemon juice
Same amount as the white wine
Plus 1-2 tbsp lemon juice per cup
Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for white wine in a 1:1 ratio, but you'll need to add acid (like lemon juice) to mimic the acidity that white wine provides.
- Best for —
- sauces
One casethe full white wine card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of white wine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicken broth + lemon juicesauces | Same amountPlus 1-2 tbsp lemon juice per cup |
| 2 | Chicken broth + white wine vinegarwhen you want wine-like acidity | 3 parts broth to 1 part vinegar |
| 3 | Chicken broth + apple cider vinegarwhen you want fruity acidity | 3 parts broth to 1 part vinegar |
| 4 | Chicken broth + rice wine vinegarasian-inspired dishes | 3 parts broth to 1 part vinegar |
| 5 | Chicken broth + lime juicemexican-inspired dishes | Same amountPlus 1-2 tbsp lime juice per cup |
Chicken broth + lemon juice
rich with bright acidity · similar texture
Chicken broth provides depth and richness while lemon juice adds the acidity that white wine normally provides.
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, deglazing, risotto, pasta dishes, soups
Add lemon juice gradually to taste.
Chicken broth + white wine vinegar
rich with wine-like acidity · similar texture
Chicken broth provides depth while white wine vinegar adds the acidity that white wine normally provides.
- Best for
- when you want wine-like acidity, deglazing, sauces, marinades, when you want depth
Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
Chicken broth + apple cider vinegar
rich with fruity acidity · similar texture
Chicken broth provides depth while apple cider vinegar adds fruity acidity that complements many dishes.
- Best for
- when you want fruity acidity, fall-inspired dishes, pork dishes, when you want depth, sweet and sour balance
Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
Chicken broth + rice wine vinegar
rich with mild acidity · similar texture
Chicken broth provides depth while rice wine vinegar adds mild acidity that works well in delicate dishes.
- Best for
- asian-inspired dishes, when you want mild acidity, delicate sauces, when you want depth, light dishes
Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
Chicken broth + lime juice
rich with bright acidity · similar texture
Chicken broth provides depth while lime juice adds bright acidity that works well in many dishes.
- Best for
- mexican-inspired dishes, when you want bright acidity, seafood dishes, when you want depth, tropical dishes
Add lime juice gradually to taste.
How it behaves in this recipe
Chicken broth can substitute for white wine in terms of providing liquid and depth, but it lacks the acidity that white wine provides. Adding acid (like lemon juice or vinegar) is essential to mimic white wine's full flavor profile.
Tips for substituting white wine
6 tips- Always add acid to chicken broth to mimic white wine's acidity
- Start with less acid and add more gradually to taste
- For deglazing, use hot broth to release browned bits
- In marinades, the acid helps tenderize meat
- For sauces, reduce the broth to concentrate flavor
- Consider the dish's flavor profile when choosing your acid
Notes on white wine
- Use vegetable broth for vegetarian dishes
- Try beef broth for richer flavor
- Use fish stock for seafood dishes
- Consider using mushroom broth for umami flavor
- Use kombucha for fermented flavor without alcohol
Questions
5 questionsWhy do I need to add acid to chicken broth?
White wine provides acidity that balances flavors and tenderizes meat. Chicken broth alone lacks this acidity, so you need to add it.
How much acid should I add to chicken broth?
Start with 1 tablespoon of acid per cup of broth and adjust to taste. Different dishes may need more or less acidity.
Can I use just chicken broth without acid?
Broth alone will provide depth but lack the brightness that acidity brings. Adding acid is recommended for best results.
What's the difference between chicken broth and white wine?
Chicken broth provides depth and richness, while white wine provides acidity and alcohol content. You need both for the best results.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth will work similarly, but it won't have the same depth of flavor as chicken broth.