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Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of chicken stock?

Chicken bouillon + water, Bone broth and Vegetable stock are the easiest swaps. Below: 5 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Chicken bouillon + water. Use the same amount. 1 tsp or 1 cube per cup water.

Adjust: Dissolve completely. Taste before adding more salt.

  1. Chicken bouillon + water

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    1 tsp or 1 cube per cup water.

    Flavor
    Similar, saltier.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Dissolve completely. Taste before adding more salt.
    Best for
    Any recipe

  2. Bone broth

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Richer, more collagen.

    Flavor
    Richer.
    Texture
    Slightly thicker.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Direct swap. Superior result.
    Best for
    Any recipe

  3. Vegetable stock

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Different but neutral.

    Flavor
    Different — less poultry.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Direct swap but flavor will differ.
    Best for
    Any recipe

  4. Water + extra seasonings

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Last resort. Use if truly no stock.

    Flavor
    Missing umami.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Add salt, bay leaf, peppercorns.
    Best for
    Boiling pasta, Blanching

  5. Dashi

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Japanese stock from kelp/bonito.

    Flavor
    Distinct umami.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Not ideal for Western dishes.
    Best for
    Asian cooking

Common questions

What is the best substitute for chicken stock?

Chicken bouillon + water is the closest swap. Use the same amount. 1 tsp or 1 cube per cup water.

How much should I use instead of chicken stock?

It depends on the swap. Chicken bouillon + water: Use the same amount. Bone broth: Use the same amount. Vegetable stock: Use the same amount.

Recipes that use chicken stock

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

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