What Can I Substitute For Chicken Broth?

We’ve all had the experience of coming across an intriguing dish and wanting to test it out. We take note of the components and strictly adhere to the processes. But around halfway through, we realize we’ve made a tremendous error. We were stuck because an essential component of the formula was missing.

This also occurs while preparing a recipe that calls for chicken broth. Forget about the stockpile you stored throughout the holidays; we seldom maintain such an item in our cupboard outside of those times. Then there’s the difficulty of cooking for folks who can’t eat it for various reasons. Should we therefore abandon this new journey we’ve embarked on?

Not at all, since every component in the cupboard, even the chicken broth, is interchangeable. And now we’ll discuss the several replacements that will provide a taste profile comparable to this delectable combo. But first, let’s ask the standard questions. So, just what is chicken broth? And why is it called for in recipes?

Chicken BrothNutrition Facts

What is Chicken Broth?

Chicken broth is not as difficult to make as many people believe, and it is created by cooking chicken with aromatics such as onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Chicken broth is not to be confused with chicken stock, which is mostly made out of liquid simmering from chicken bones and feet. Also, chicken broth has a stronger taste, which is why it is widely used in many recipes.

You can make chicken broth at home by mixing the ingredients and boiling it on the stovetop. However, it is usually more practical to buy it in a can or pack from the grocery store. Chicken broth is associated with a strong fowl taste, followed by a combination of umami and sweetness from the meat and aromatics.

Chicken Broth in Recipes

Chicken broth’s key contributions to recipes are umami and liquid consistency. The flavor profile’s balance of salty and sweet helps the meal to shine in overall taste. Because it is a pure liquid, it may be used as a flavor foundation in many dishes that need the taste of chicken without adding it.

Chicken broth may be taken alone as a solo ingredient, or it can be combined with vegetables to form a delicious soup or sauce. You may also use chicken broth as a flavor basis in sauces or add it to savory baked dishes. It’s also a wonderfully adaptable ingredient, lending its savory chicken flavor to pies, rice dishes, eggs, meat recipes, and a variety of other meals.

Take a look at the list of recipes that employ chicken broth below to get a sense of what it accomplishes in the kitchen.

• Egg-Drop soup
• Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
• Stir-frys
• Tortilla soup
• Chicken ramen
• Pasta
• Miso soup
• One-Pot Chicken and Orzo
• Chicken Biryani
• Creamy Chicken-Tomato skillet
• Vegetable soup
• Chicken Alfredo soup
• Chicken Salad
• Cassoulet
• Egg noodles
• Chicken Pho
• Gumbo
• Mexican-style Angel Hair Nest
• Stuffing
• Congee
• Spanish Paella
• Green Chile-Chicken stew
• Tuscan white bean soup
• Sauces
• Casseroles
• Parmesan Chicken and Rice
• Khao soi
• Pot pies
• Potato soup
• Piccata
• Jambalaya
• Baked ziti

Chicken Broth Substitutes

While chicken broth is beneficial in many recipes, you may need to forego it. Maybe you ran out of stock or you’re cooking for vegans and can’t use it in your dish. It may seem that making the recipe without chicken stock is difficult, but it isn’t once you know how to substitute it. And here are some substitutions with comparable tasty outcomes.

Chicken Stock

While chicken broth is largely fluid and made from of chicken flesh and aromatics, chicken stock is made up of bones, feet, vegetables, and spices. As a result, you’ll receive a comparable fowl taste that’s near to the original. The biggest disadvantage of chicken stock is that it is thinner than chicken broth. However, once the liquid base is properly adjusted, the difference is negligible.

Even so, you may use chicken stock without thickening and obtain good results. It also works in any recipes that call for chicken broth and may be replaced in equal proportions. If you have chicken feet and bones in the freezer, you can create chicken stock in your home. All you need to do is add your favorite spices and veggies, boil for a few minutes, and you’re ready to go.

Bouillon Cubes

We may have come across recipes that call for chicken bouillon cubes, which are concentrated chicken taste in the shape of salt-like cubes. These cubes are then either dissolved in water before use or simply added to the dish and boiled through. And the item may be swapped with chicken broth, particularly if the taste is important.

Chicken bouillon cubes may be used in recipes that call for chicken broth. To replace, dissolve one bouillon cube in one cup of boiling water to make one cup of chicken broth alternative. If you desire additional taste, increase the concentration of the substitution by half by increasing the cube amount.

Aquafaba

Chicken is not for everyone, and most people avoid it because they follow a vegan diet. As a result, you’ll need a substitution that not only matches your preferences but also adds a deep amount of umami to your meal. Aquafaba can accomplish all of these and more depending on your recipe. It’s a liquid made from canned garbanzo beans that’s rich in umami and may be used in lieu of chicken broth in savory vegan dishes.

Because it is made from chickpeas, aquafaba may be starchy. So, dilute it with equal proportions water to make a good chicken broth alternative. Aquafaba may be used for chicken broth in any recipes that ask for it, using half aquafaba + half water for one part chicken broth.

Beef Broth

Swapping one broth for another may seem to be a stretch, but the main need here is umami. And beef broth is high in this element, making it an excellent replacement for chicken broth. It is made in the same fashion, with the exception that the meat being beef rather than chicken. And it has a richer taste profile and a thicker consistency, but it still does the job.

If you are concerned that the flavor may overshadow your meal, dilute half of the beef broth with half of the water to achieve one part chicken broth. However, if you’re more concerned about adding umami to your dish, you may use it in equal parts. Beef broth may be used in any recipe that calls for chicken broth, however it may result in a tiny taste difference if the dish relies heavily on the poultry flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use white wine instead of chicken broth?

Yes, but only when modest volumes of chicken broth are required. Dry white wine works best, but only use it in recipes that call for half a cup of chicken broth. The taste of the wine may be noticeable, but the umami will still be provided.

How do I make chicken broth from water?

Water and butter may be combined to produce a basic yet handy chicken broth alternative. To make a cup alternative for chicken broth, use one cup of water and one tablespoon of butter.

What’s a vegetarian substitute for chicken broth?

In addition to aquafaba or chickpea liquid, you may use vegetarian stock for chicken broth. However, liquid drained from canned beans, vegan salted butter or olive oil, and water are all viable options. Coconut milk is also a good substitute for chicken broth, particularly in curry, but be aware of its strong taste.

Conclusion

Chicken broth is delicious and versatile, which is why many people consider it vital. With perfect alternatives like these, though, this notion becomes more of a fiction. Any of these substitutes may have the same flavorful impact as chicken broth in your cookery. And with these alternatives, you’ll never run out of this delectable poultry-based delicacy again.