Substitute for Chicken Broth

Perfect chicken broth alternatives for soups, cooking, and vegetarian dishes. Flavorful options for every diet.

Cooking Updated: September 27, 2025 vegetarian vegan

Quick Answer

The best substitutes for chicken broth are: Vegetable Broth, Mushroom Broth, Beef Broth. Each works differently depending on your recipe needs.

Chicken broth forms the flavorful base for countless soups, sauces, and dishes. Whether you’re vegetarian or simply out of chicken broth, these alternatives provide similar depth and functionality.

Chicken Broth’s Role in Cooking

Chicken broth provides umami, saltiness, and mild poultry flavor that enhances dishes without overwhelming them. It also adds moisture while building flavor layers.

Building Flavorful Alternatives

The key is replacing chicken broth’s umami and depth. Mushroom-based substitutes work best, while adding soy sauce or nutritional yeast to vegetable broths boosts savory qualities.

Substitute for Soy Sauce - Umami enhancers for broths and cooking
Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce - Complex savory flavor boosters
Substitute for Fish Sauce - Deep umami alternatives for broths
Substitute for Mirin - Sweet cooking wine for Asian-inspired broths

Educational Disclaimer: This information is for cooking purposes only.

All Substitutes at a Glance

Substitute	Ratio	Best For	Notes
Vegetable Broth	1:1 replacement	vegetarian dishes, light soups, rice cooking	Lighter flavor than chicken broth. Add herbs for more depth.
Mushroom Broth	1:1 replacement	umami-rich dishes, gravies, risotto	Provides meaty, earthy flavor closest to chicken broth richness.
Beef Broth	1:1 replacement	hearty stews, red meat dishes, rich gravies	Stronger, darker flavor. Use when robust taste is desired.
Water + Bouillon Cube	1 cube + 1 cup hot water = 1 cup broth	convenience cooking, camping, quick soups	High in sodium. Choose chicken, vegetable, or mushroom flavor.
White Wine + Water	1/4 cup wine + 3/4 cup water = 1 cup broth	deglazing, light sauces, sophisticated dishes	Adds acidity and complexity. Not suitable for all recipes.
Kombu Dashi	1:1 replacement	Asian cuisine, umami depth, clean flavor	Steep kombu seaweed in hot water. Naturally glutamate-rich.