16 Chicken Stock Substitutes – Stock Up on Alternatives

Looking for a way to add depth and flavor to your dishes without using chicken stock? You’re in luck! In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of Chicken Stock Substitutes that you can use to enhance your cooking.

Whether you’re a vegan, looking for a heartier flavor, or wanting to try something new, there’s a substitute out there for you. Let’s stock up on alternatives and get creative in the kitchen!

Top 16 Chicken Stock Alternatives

The versatility of chicken stock! While it’s a staple in many recipes, there are times when you might need a substitute. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, or simply want to mix things up, here are 16 chicken stock substitutes to stock up on:

1. Vegetable Broth: A natural substitute, vegetable broth is a great option for soups, stews, and sauces.

2. Beef Broth: Add a richer flavor to your dishes with beef broth, perfect for heartier recipes.

3. Mushroom Broth: Earthy and savory, mushroom broth is ideal for soups, stews, and risottos.

4. Chicken-Flavored Broth Mix: A convenient alternative, these mixes can be used in a pinch.

5. Turkey Broth: Similar to chicken broth, turkey broth is a great substitute in many recipes.

6. Fish Broth: Add a seafood twist to your dishes with fish broth, perfect for seafood soups and stews.

7. Lentil Broth: A plant-based option, lentil broth is great for soups, stews, and curries.

8. Dashi Broth: A Japanese cooking staple, dashi broth is made with seaweed and dried fish for a rich, umami flavor.

9. Coconut Water: A low-sodium, electrolyte-rich option, coconut water is perfect for soups, stews, and curries.

10. Water with Herbs: Infuse water with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a flavorful substitute.

11. Wine or Beer: Add depth to your dishes with a small amount of wine or beer, perfect for braises and stews.

12. Bouillon Cubes: Convenient and easy to use, bouillon cubes can be a quick substitute in a pinch.

13. Stock Concentrate: Similar to bouillon cubes, stock concentrate is a convenient alternative.

14. Miso Paste: Add a savory, umami flavor to your dishes with miso paste, perfect for soups and sauces.

15. Vegan Chicken Broth: Made with plant-based ingredients, vegan chicken broth is a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

16. Homemade Broth: The ultimate substitute, making your own broth from scratch allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.

Here are the 16 chicken stock substitutes in a table:

Substitute	Description	Use in
1. Vegetable Broth	Natural substitute, neutral flavor	Soups, stews, sauces
2. Beef Broth	Richer flavor, heartier recipes	Stews, braises, soups
3. Mushroom Broth	Earthy, savory flavor	Soups, stews, risottos
4. Chicken-Flavored Broth Mix	Convenient alternative	Soups, stews, sauces
5. Turkey Broth	Similar to chicken broth, slightly lighter	Soups, stews, sauces
6. Fish Broth	Seafood twist, umami flavor	Seafood soups, stews
7. Lentil Broth	Plant-based, mild flavor	Soups, stews, curries
8. Dashi Broth	Japanese cooking staple, umami flavor	Soups, stews, sauces
9. Coconut Water	Low-sodium, electrolyte-rich	Soups, stews, curries
10. Water with Herbs	Infused with herbs, flavorful	Soups, stews, sauces
11. Wine or Beer	Adds depth, umami flavor	Braises, stews, sauces
12. Bouillon Cubes	Convenient, easy to use	Soups, stews, sauces
13. Stock Concentrate	Convenient, customizable	Soups, stews, sauces
14. Miso Paste	Savory, umami flavor	Soups, sauces, marinades
15. Vegan Chicken Broth	Plant-based, vegan-friendly	Soups, stews, sauces
16. Homemade Broth	Customizable, rich flavor	Soups, stews, sauces

Note: The “Use in” column suggests common recipe types where each substitute can be used, but feel free to experiment and find your own uses!

These 16 chicken stock substitutes offer a range of options for every recipe and dietary need. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free alternative, there’s a substitute on this list for you. Happy cooking!

Meat-Based Alternatives

1. Beef Broth

Recipe: Beef Broth Recipe

• 2 lbs beef bones
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the beef bones in the oven for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, sauté the chopped vegetables in a little oil until softened.
4. Add the roasted bones, water, and seasonings to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour.
6. Strain and discard the solids.

2. Turkey Broth

Recipe: Turkey Broth Recipe

• 2 lbs turkey bones
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the turkey bones in the oven for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, sauté the chopped vegetables in a little oil until softened.
4. Add the roasted bones, water, and seasonings to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour.
6. Strain and discard the solids.

3. Fish Broth

Recipe: Fish Broth Recipe

• 2 lbs fish bones
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the fish bones in the oven for 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, sauté the chopped vegetables in a little oil until softened.
4. Add the roasted bones, water, and seasonings to the pot.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour.
6. Strain and discard the solids.

Plant-Based Options

4. Vegetable Broth

Recipe: Vegetable Broth Recipe

• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped vegetables in a little oil until softened.
2. Add the water and seasonings to the pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Strain and discard the solids.

5. Lentil Broth

Recipe: Lentil Broth Recipe

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils and pick out any debris.
2. In a large pot, sauté the chopped vegetables in a little oil until softened.
3. Add the lentils, water, and seasonings to the pot.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Strain and discard the solids.

6. Vegan Chicken Broth

Recipe: Vegan Chicken Broth Recipe

• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the vegetable broth, tomato paste, thyme, basil, and seasonings.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain and discard the solids.

Convenient Swaps

7. Chicken-Flavored Broth Mix

Instructions:

1. Follow the package instructions for mixing the broth mix with hot water.

8. Bouillon Cubes

Instructions:

1. Follow the package instructions for dissolving the bouillon cubes in hot water.

9. Stock Concentrate

Instructions:

1. Follow the package instructions for mixing the stock concentrate with hot water.

Umami-Rich Flavors

10. Mushroom Broth

Recipe: Mushroom Broth Recipe

• 2 cups mixed mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake, button)
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped mushrooms and vegetables in a little oil until softened.
2. Add the water and seasonings to the pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Strain and discard the solids.

11. Dashi Broth

Recipe: Dashi Broth Recipe

• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons Kombu seaweed
• 2 tablespoons Katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the water, Kombu seaweed, and Katsuobushi.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain and discard the solids.

12. Miso Paste

Recipe: Miso Paste Recipe

• 2 tablespoons miso paste
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste and water until smooth.

Low-Sodium Solutions

13. Coconut Water

Instructions:

1. Use coconut water as a 1:1 substitute in recipes.

Customizable Choices

14. Water with Herbs

Recipe: Water with Herbs Recipe

• 2 cups water
• Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, thyme, rosemary)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the water and fresh herbs.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain and discard the solids.

15. Wine or Beer

Recipe: Wine or Beer Broth Recipe

• 2 cups wine or beer
• 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the wine or beer, water, and seasonings.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain and discard the solids.

16. Homemade Broth

Recipe: Homemade Broth Recipe

• 2 cups water
• Your choice of ingredients (e.g., vegetables, meat, bones)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the water and your chosen ingredients.
2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. Strain and discard the solids.

FAQs

Q: What is the best chicken stock substitute for soups and stews? 

A: Vegetable broth or mushroom broth are excellent options for soups and stews, as they add a rich, savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Q: Can I use chicken broth substitutes in recipes that require a clear broth? 

A: Yes, you can use chicken broth substitutes in recipes that require a clear broth. However, keep in mind that some substitutes, like mushroom broth, may not be as clear as chicken broth.

Q: Are chicken broth substitutes suitable for vegetarians and vegans? 

A: Yes, many chicken broth substitutes are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Look for options made from plant-based ingredients, such as vegetable broth, mushroom broth, or vegan broth.

Q: Can I make my own chicken broth substitute at home? 

A: Yes, you can make your own chicken broth substitute at home by simmering vegetables, herbs, and spices in water. This allows you to customize the flavor to your liking and control the sodium content.

Q: How do I store chicken broth substitutes? A: Store-bought chicken broth substitutes typically have a long shelf life and can be stored in a cool, dry place. Homemade substitutes should be refrigerated or frozen to prevent spoilage.

Q: Can I use chicken broth substitutes in recipes that require a strong flavor? 

A: Yes, some chicken broth substitutes, like beef broth or lamb broth, are suitable for recipes that require a strong flavor. However, be cautious when using strong-flavored substitutes, as they can overpower other ingredients.

Q: Are chicken broth substitutes gluten-free? 

A: Many chicken broth substitutes are gluten-free, but it’s essential to check the ingredient list or label to ensure that the product meets your dietary requirements.

Q: Can I use chicken broth substitutes in slow cooker recipes? 

A: Yes, chicken broth substitutes are perfect for slow cooker recipes, as they can simmer for hours and add depth to your dishes.

Q: How do I choose the best chicken broth substitute for my recipe? 

A: Consider the flavor profile you want to achieve, the dietary restrictions of your guests, and the type of dish you’re making. Experiment with different substitutes to find the one that works best for you.