Need a chicken broth substitute for a favorite recipe? We've got solutions for you if you find that your pantry is bare.
Need a Chicken Broth Substitute? We’ve Got Easy Fixes.
Updated on May 18, 2023
You know the feeling: You’re midway through prepping a quick dinner and you glance at the recipe only to find you’ve forgotten to stock up on chicken broth. Whether the recipe calls for a few tablespoons or a quart, it’s inconvenient to have to run to the store or think of a new meal plan halfway through cooking. But you don’t have to! A chicken broth substitute is easy to create at home. We’ll show you your options.
When you have the wrong flavor of broth
What if you’re making a quick soup and find that you’re out of chicken broth? Don’t worry. For many recipes, you can easily swap out one broth for another. It’s just a simple one-to-one ratio for making these trades.
If you’re out of chicken broth for a hearty chicken noodle soup recipe, vegetable broth, in particular, is an easy substitute. Do be mindful of your substitutions, though. Vegetable broth is an easy trade-in any recipe, however, something like seafood broth may not be compatible with all flavors.
When you don’t have any broth
If you don’t have any broth at the ready, you have a few options.
Make your own broth
If you’ve got the time, a homemade vegetable broth or chicken broth is a real treat. Plus, by making this broth from scratch you can really control the flavor and sodium. To make sure that you’re ready to make your own broth at any time, keep food scraps—think onion skins, carrot peels, celery greens and chicken carcasses—in the freezer. You can use these to make a quick broth of your own. Next, find out the difference between bouillon versus broth.
Substitute broth with bullion
Of course, making your own broth at a moment’s notice isn’t always an option. In this case, it’s really handy to keep bullion cubes in your pantry. These can be dissolved to create a makeshift broth anytime. Also, consider a chicken base like Better Than Bullion. This concentrated broth base can be whisked into water to make a broth or just added by the spoonful to add extra flavor to a meal. For just a few dollars, a jar of either of these is a worthwhile investment—and they’ll prevent any last-minute grocery runs in the future.
When the recipe only calls for a small amount of broth
Often times recipes call for a small amount of broth to deglaze a pan. Deglazing is when you use a liquid to lift all those flavorful bits off the bottom of your pan. If you’re out of broth in this instance, you don’t need to worry at all. You can deglaze a pan with wine or even a bit of water.
When using water as a chicken broth substitute, be sure to add a little extra seasoning to your food to compensate for the lack of additional flavor.
Try these broth-based soups
Mexi-Stroni SoupIf you're a fan of classic minestrone but love bold Mexican flavors, this soup's for you! It's pumped up with spices, veggies and pasta for a filling bowl of fun. —Darlene Island, Lakewood, Washington
Hearty Vegetable SoupThis hearty vegetable soup is packed with flavorful veggies and garbanzo beans in a tomato-based broth. This crowd-pleaser is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Turkey Dumpling SoupSimmering up a big pot of this soup is one of my favorite holiday traditions. This is a variation on a recipe my mom made while I was growing up. My husband and children can't get enough of the tender dumplings. —Debbie Wolf, Mission Viejo, California
Southwest-Style Wedding SoupI turned leftover ground chicken into meatballs and dreamed up this cozy southwestern soup. Now my Italian family asks for it over traditional wedding soup. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Turkey Noodle SoupTurn your holiday leftovers into a comforting meal with this turkey noodle soup recipe. Save that turkey carcass to create the robust roasted turkey broth!
White Bean and Sausage SoupWhite bean and sausage soup blends Mediterranean flavors, creamy beans, veggies and fresh herbs for an Italian-style bowl that's nutritious, filling and comforting.
Pork Edamame SoupMy husband grew up in a traditional Asian household and gives this soup high marks for authentic taste. I think the Asian hot chili sauce is what makes the dish, but any type of hot sauce would give it a delicious kick! —Kari Sue, Bend, Oregon
Italian Sausage and Zucchini SoupEveryone in my family likes this soup recipe. Sometimes I add mini farfalle because my grandchildren say the noodles look like tiny butterflies. This recipe also works in a slow cooker. —Nancy Murphy, Mount Dora, Florida
Best Lasagna SoupAll the traditional flavors of lasagna come together in this heartwarming bowl of comfort. —Sheryl Olenick, Demarest, New Jersey
Chicken Barley SoupChicken barley soup is such an easy comfort food, you'll want it on rotation for all of soup season.
Super Fast Mexican SoupWe take this spicy soup to rodeos on cool nights or sip it by a campfire. For toppings, try onions, avocado, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream and salsa. —Gloria Huse, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Texas Black Bean SoupThis hearty meatless stew made with convenient canned items is perfect for spicing up a family gathering on a cool day. It tastes as if it's made with love and yet it requires so little time and attention. —Pamela Scott, Garland, Texas.
Chicken Noodle SoupYou don’t need a whole chicken to make homemade chicken noodle soup. Here's how to make it with bone-in chicken, chewy egg noodles and an aromatics-infused broth.
Land of Enchantment PosoleMy family named this spicy soup after our state moniker, “New Mexico, Land of Enchantment.” We usually make it around Christmas when we have lots of family over…and we never have leftovers.
—Suzanne Caldwell
Artesia, New Mexico
Italian-Style Lentil SoupA nutritious, inexpensive source of protein, lentils are low-fat, lens-shaped seeds that are delicious in salads, sides and soups, like our Italian-style lentil soup that's cozy, comforting and packed with nutrients.
Asparagus SoupEach spring my husband takes our dogs and searches for wild asparagus. He's been so successful that I finally developed this asparagus soup recipe. We look forward to this special soup every year.—Betty Jones, Kohler, Wisconsin
Chicken and DumplingsThis homestyle chicken and dumpling soup recipe is just like mom's with its classic mirepoix base and doughy drop dumplings.
Thai Curry SoupPacked with vegetables and protein, this Thai curry soup is an easy, flavorful dish that takes just 30 minutes to prep and cook.
Sausage & Cannellini Bean SoupHere's my reproduction of a dish from a famous Chicago eatery. We think it rivals the original. I usually cook this at least once a week. It's a tasty way to keep my lunchbox full of healthy options. —Marilyn McGinnis, Peoria, Arizona
Vegetable Lentil SoupVegetarians and veggie-curious eaters will both love this vegetable lentil soup that's equal parts healthy and tasty.
Vegetable Beef SoupA bounty of fresh and frozen veggies, from carrots and potatoes to green beans and okra, and chunks of tender beef make this vegetable beef soup a hearty and delicious delight.
CioppinoIs cioppino a soup or a stew? It doesn't matter! This cioppino recipe teems with fish and shellfish swimming in an aromatic tomato broth that calls out for a hunky of crusty bread.
Thai Chicken Noodle SoupThe slowly simmered broth of this Thai chicken noodle soup is well worth the wait. Though once you add all your favorite toppings, it will be hard to slow down while you're enjoying this soup.
Chipotle Butternut Squash SoupMy hearty soup uses herbs and vegetables from the garden along with convenient pantry items, so it’s easy, fast and mostly fresh. Your family will devour it. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Beef Barley SoupThis hearty beef barley soup uses a simple blend of mirepoix, broth and steak to make a filling soup with basic ingredients.
Avgolemono SoupAvgolemono soup is a classic Greek lemon chicken soup. Fortunately, it's harder to pronounce than it is to make!
Carolina Shrimp SoupFresh shrimp from the Carolina coast is one of our favorite foods. We add kale, garlic, red peppers and black-eyed peas to complete this wholesome, filling soup. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
One-Pot Spinach Beef SoupMy idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the saltines. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida
Pasta Fagioli SoupFilled with fresh turkey sausage, beans and pasta, pasta fagioli soup is a powerhouse of nutrients and flavor.
Minestrone with TurkeyI remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Beef Lentil SoupThis beef lentil soup combines tender ground beef, nutritious lentils, and fresh vegetables in a hearty broth, making it a comforting one-pot meal all year long.
Maryland Crab SoupMaryland crab soup is packed with chunky crabmeat, vegetables and seasonings in a vegetable broth. Start preparing this recipe several hours before you want to eat, then let the slow cooker work its magic.
Andouille Sausage SoupI make a soup every football Sunday. I came up with this recipe because I wanted to use lots of vegetables to keep it healthy, but wanted it to be interesting. My wife suggested adding the andouille and now it's one of my favorite andouille sausage recipes. —Steven Thurner, Janesville, Wisconsin
Coconut Curry Vegetable SoupI've been a vegetarian since high school, so modifying recipes to fit my meatless requirements is a challenge I enjoy. This soup tastes rich and creamy and is packed with nutrients! —Carissa Sumner, Washington, DC
Hearty Vegetable Lentil SoupMy mother has diabetes, so I often prepare this dish for her. I wanted a hearty soup that hits the spot on cold autumn nights, so I paired the lentils with turkey bacon and a handful of spices. —Nicole Hopping, Pinole, California.
Sausage and Spinach Tortellini SoupThis recipe for sausage tortellini soup is delicious, filling and easy to execute.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle SoupNothing says "simple" like using a slow cooker to make Crockpot chicken noodle soup! Prep your ingredients, set the slow cooker and wait for magic to happen.
Coconut Curry SoupEnjoy a taste of Thai cuisine with this coconut curry soup that needs just 20 minutes of prep time. Packed with chicken, vegetables and bold spices, it's a comforting and delicious dish for busy weeknights.
Spicy Kielbasa SoupRed pepper flakes bring a little zip to this hearty soup that's full of good-for-you ingredients. Should you have any left over, this soup is fantastic reheated, after flavors have had time to blend. I like to serve steaming bowls with rye bread. —Carol Custer, Clifton Park, New York
Beef Barley Lentil SoupI serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon
So-Easy-Yet-Delicious Onion SoupTopped with a slice of cheesy toast hot from the broiler, homemade onion soup is guaranteed to please. Add a green side salad for a complete meal. —Hildy Schlegel, Addison, New York
Chicken Tortilla SoupThere's nothing quite like an easy soup recipe on a busy night. This flavor-packed chicken tortilla soup will warm up your kitchen (and then your belly) in just 30 minutes.
PozoleA traditional Mexican soup, pozole is usually enjoyed around the holidays, but it makes a comforting, slightly spicy, slightly smoky dish throughout the year, topped with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream.
Shrimp Pad Thai SoupPad thai is one of my favorite dishes, but it is often loaded with extra calories. This soup is a healthier option that has all the flavor of traditional versions. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington.
Meatball SoupMeatball soup is comforting, satisfying and, most of all, simple to make. Homemade meatballs are simmered in beef broth with kidney beans, vegetables and pasta for this mouthwatering meal.
Italian Shredded Pork StewNeed a warm meal for a chilly night? Throw together this slow-cooked stew that’s brightened with fresh sweet potatoes, kale and Italian seasoning. The shredded pork is so tender, you’re going to want to make this dish all season long. —Robin Jungers, Campbellsport, Wisconsin
