What can I substitute for chicken stock?
Running low on chicken stock? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About chicken stock
Chicken stock is a savoury liquid made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and aromatics in water for an extended period. It forms the backbone of countless soups, sauces, risottos, and braises, contributing body, depth, and a rich umami flavour. Unlike chicken broth, true stock is made primarily from bones and contains dissolved collagen, giving it a slightly gelatinous quality when chilled.
Best substitute
chicken broth
Chicken broth is made from meat rather than bones and is lighter in body, but it delivers nearly identical flavour in most recipes. It lacks the gelatin content of stock, so sauces may be slightly thinner, but it is an excellent direct swap in virtually all applications.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of chicken stock
soupssaucesrisottobraisingdeglazingNot suitable for: recipes requiring gelatin set
Alternative
vegetable stock
Vegetable stock provides a similar savoury liquid base and works well in most recipes where chicken flavour is not the star. It is naturally lighter and may lack the depth of a good chicken stock, but it is ideal for vegetarian adaptations.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup of chicken stock
soupsrisottobraisingsaucesvegetarian cookingNot suitable for: dishes relying on chicken flavour
What is chicken stock called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | chicken stock |
| FR | bouillon de poulet |
| United Kingdom | chicken stock |
| United States | chicken broth or chicken stock |
Common names for chicken stock
chicken brothchicken bouillonpoultry stockhomemade chicken stock