Chicken Broth Substitute (8 Great Alternatives)

Chicken broth is a widespread ingredient in many recipes. This is because it provides salt and flavor to your dish and also has several health benefits. However, some people may be Vegan or Vegetarian? Not only that, but some people just simply do not prefer the taste of chicken broth. Luckily, there are plenty of ways around using chicken broth in your meals.

Chicken Broth Substitute

Some substitutes for chicken broth include vegetable broth, beef broth, chicken bouillon cubes, cream of chicken soup, or even just plain water. If you want to change the flavor, you can use wine, any type of milk, or bean liquid.

What can I use if I do not have chicken broth?

Chicken broth is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but it is not necessary if you do not like it or have access to it. So there is no need to fear based on how many broth substitutes are out there. Almost every recipe you look at will most likely have a decent substitute for chicken broth. Broth substitutes are a great way to create a meal to best fit your taste buds.

Can I use water instead of chicken stock?

Plain old water will do just fine as a chicken broth substitute in most soups or brine recipes instead of store-bought broth. However, chicken broth will provide the salty base for most of the recipes it is used in, so remember you will have to add your own salt and spices to make up for the natural flavor of chicken broth or stock. Bouillon cubes are mixed into boiling water and are one of the best substitutes for chicken broth.

Can I use Beef Broth instead of Chicken Broth?

Beef broth is an acceptable chicken broth substitute. Taste-wise it will be very close. Adding white wine to Beef broth will bring the flavor closer to chicken broth. However, keep in mind the color will be much darker. Keep this in mind if your recipe calls for your dish to be lighter in color. As long as this is not a problem, use it away.

Can I use Turkey Broth instead of Chicken Broth?

Turkey broth is another excellent chicken broth substitute. This is one of the few other recipe options that no one would notice a difference in taste. Due to its similar taste and color, turkey broth is one of the best substitutes available.

Can I use milk instead of chicken broth?

Depending on what you are cooking, milk can be a great chicken broth substitute. Specifically for sauces and recipes like mac and cheese and other kinds of pasta, milk will add a natural creaminess and better texture to your dish. But, again, just remember you will have to do your own salting and seasonings to get a similar flavor to the broth.

Can I substitute chicken stock for chicken broth in a recipe?

Because chicken stock and broth are both made from boiling chicken, they are usually interchangeable in most recipes. They will both have the salty basic taste that can help boost the flavor of any dish. Some people prefer chicken stock as the best substitute for chicken broth because of its richer flavor. Chicken stock is a guaranteed broth substitute.

What is a vegetarian substitute for chicken broth?

Aside from using plain old water, you can spice things up literally by using vegetable broth. Vegetable broth is made only from veggies and is an excellent substitute for chicken broth because it has the same flavor profile, color, and basic texture. So whether your recipe calls for deglazing a pan or thinning out stew or soup, you can count on vegetable broth to do all that chick broth would do.

Is bouillon the same as stock concentrate?

While nothing can top the flavor of homemade chicken broth, the taste of bouillon does a great job mimicking the salty goodness of chicken broth. Bouillon is a great broth substitute, but the main drawback is going to be the ingredients. When looking at a can of store-bought chicken broth compared to bullion, you will see chicken as the main ingredient in broth, whereas bouillon will be salt.

Can cream of chicken soup substitute for chicken broth?

Depending on what you are cooking, cream of chicken soup can be an excellent broth substitute. If it is a soup or sauce, you can bring some extra creaminess to your dish. Especially something like a casserole with a bit of white wine. Just be careful because of the extra creaminess. Your casserole will burn easier. Low and slow maybe be the best approach here.

What is the difference between Chicken Stock and Chicken Broth?

Stock is made mainly from simmering bones, while broth is more from the meat. This process is what gives a stock a slightly richer taste and texture than broth. However, both are almost always interchangeable in most dishes. It literally boils down to what you prefer or have on hand.

What's the best tasting Chicken Broth?

Many will tell you nothing can ever top homemade chicken broth, but if you are buying store-bought broth, this is what the surveys say are some of the best.

  • Osso, Good signature bone broth. (Top Pick)
  • Swanson bone broth. (Top Pick)
  • Progresso unsalted broth.
  • Kitchen basics unsalted broth.
  • Porter Road broth.
  • Pacific Organic low sodium broth.

These are just a few options that tested high for taste and consistency. However, Osso’s Signature Broth and Swanson’s Bone Broth tied for number one. This should make your next trip to the grocery store easier.

Does Boiling Chicken Broth Kill Bacteria?

Boiling chicken is an effective way to kill bacteria as well as make homemade chicken broth. Boiling or simmering chicken will kill all salmonella and E.coli bacteria. This is also an excellent way to cook tender, juicy chicken and have a nice broth. After that, you can store for up to a week for another recipe. Just be sure you cool your broth right away. If it sits for an extended period at one hundred and thirty degrees or less, bacteria can start to regrow.

Do you use Chicken Broth or Stock for soup?

Many agree that stock may be better for soup due to its richness and the fact it is technically healthier. Stock is made from boiling or simmering bones to be darker and leaner and may have a more robust flavor. While a broth will be a chef’s best friend for adding quick flavor to many dishes, a stock may be better for soup and stews.

Can vegetarians eat chicken broth or bouillon?

This is really going to depend on the person. Bouillon and broth both come from animal products and are considered meat-based, so most vegetarians and vegans will pass on this. Whether your broth is homemade or store-bought cubes, strict dieters will not consume these meat-based products. Again, consider vegetable broths as great chicken broth substitutes.

Can Botulism Grow in Chicken Broth?

Botulism and other harmful bacteria can develop in expired or unrefrigerated broth. As long as you boil your broth for several minutes, all harmful and unwelcomed guests will be killed off. Do not leave your broth out overnight. It is recommended to cool broth fast and get in the fridge or freezer. In the refrigerator, your broth should be safe to use for seven to ten days. Stored in the freezer, it can last several months.

What does Bad Chicken Broth look like?

Bad chicken broth may appear cloudy or have large amounts of sediment sunken to the bottom. Bad broth may not be easy to identify by sight but is easy to identify by smell. If there is one thing most people agree on, it is that good broth smells fantastic. However, that beautiful aroma will be replaced by a sour smell if your broth has gone bad.

Great Chicken Broth Substitute accompaniments

If you use a chicken broth substitute, you will defiantly need salt and pepper. There are also several ingredients and seasoning that usually go along with similar recipes that use chicken broth. Check your recipe, but here are several alternatives to consider when substituting chicken broth.

  • Herbs such as parsley, dill, sage and thyme, and bay leaves.
  • Fresh chopped garlic and onion.
  • Celery.
  • Red or green pepper.
  • Old Bay seasoning.
  • White wine.
  • Butter for thickening.
  • Garlic powder.
  • Onion powder.
  • Smoked paprika.

These are more for soup, stew, sauce, or casserole ideas but always work well together and will not clash with any other broth-related recipes. So after picking out a good chicken broth substitute, feel free to raid the pantry for some of these accouterments to help save your dinner.

General Tips for making your own broth

No matter the broth, it is recommended that you cook things at a decent simmer or boil. The best part of stock and broths is they can be made from anything leftover. For example, pieces of fat and bones from a steak, uneaten vegetables as well as stalks and stems too tough to consume, and even that leftover chicken carcass after eating a baked chicken from Costco.
These are all things you add to boiling or simmering water to get the most out of your ingredients and add extra raw flavor to future dishes. Making your own broths and stocks is easy enough for even the most armature cooks but can elevate your food to the level of accomplished chefs.

Conclusion

To sum up, there is no shortage of excellent chicken broth substitutions available to you whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or simply want to mix up the flavor of whatever dish you are making. Of course, if you are going to use chicken broth, homemade chicken broth is recommended, but some great brands are available at your local grocery store.
Hopefully, this information will help you next time you are in the kitchen and realize you forgot an ingredient or if you get word a dinner guest has a special diet. In addition, using these substitutions will guarantee you will still complete a perfectly cohesive dish you and your family will love.

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