How to make chicken stock with bouillon cubes

Q: How to make chicken stock with cubes?

If youre in a hurry, or just dont have the time to make your own stock, you can also use store-bought chicken stock cubes. Add water to a saucepan and bring the water to a boil. After boils, crush the bouillon cube and add it to water. Stir the mixture until the cube is completely dissolved.

You can substitute bouillon cubes or granules in most recipes that call for broth or stock. The recommended equivalent measure is to dissolve 1 bouillon cube (or 1 teaspoon of bouillon granules) in 8 ounces of boiling water for every 1 cup of broth.

Bouillon, like many canned chicken broths, can be high in sodium (one cube of Wyler's chicken bouillon has about 880 milligrams of sodium). To reduce the sodium, add 1 cube for every 1 1/2 cups boiling water. Wyler's and other brands also have lower-sodium bouillon containing 560 milligrams of sodium per cube and sodium-free bouillon.

ah, two other small (yet large) things.. one, using a ladle is one of the harder ways to defat a broth, the EASIEST way is to simply chill the broth then just lift off the now solid shmaltz.. which brings us to the other thing... DONT TOSS THE SHMALTZ!!! (chicken fat) thats the most awesomest thing youve got going here! Use it too saute something instead ;)

1 reply

shambuda2000john.noybn

Reply 8 years ago

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I appreciate the input. Thanks for reading!

john.noybn

8 years ago on Introduction

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This is a good 'ible.. for chicken BROTH cubes. On the other hand, if you do all this, (adding some carrots, onions, celery to broth would be nice...) and then REDUCE the stock on high flame until you lose at least two thirds of the volume, you will reduce the water content of the cubes, making them much more like BULLION and less like canned stock, ie they will be much more strongly flavored without adding a lot of liquid so you can enrich your food without turning everything into soup. Just a thought. I would make my own 'ible and probably should, but i dont have a camera at the moment, le sigh. One day.

A good chicken broth substitute is chosen based on the ingredients you have available and what you plan on making with it! Here are several substitutes that will work in place of chicken broth if find yourself needing an alternative!

A number of chicken broth substitutes that will work any time you’re in a bind!

The base for a variety of soups, stews, and sauces, chicken broth is a staple that many cooks love to keep in their home. Just because we love to keep it in our home, doesn’t mean we always have it though!

Running out of chicken broth isn’t the only reason to reach for a substitute. You may find yourself cooking dinner for someone who is vegetarian or maybe you have been reaching for more plant-based options yourself.

Jump to:

1. Chicken Stock
2. Chicken Bouillon Cubes
3. Chicken Bouillon Granules
4. Chicken Broth Paste
5. Ramen Noodle packets
6. Vegetable Broth
7. Beef Broth
8. White Wine
9. Butter and Water
10. Plain Old Water
11. Aquafaba
12. Coconut Milk
13. Dashi
14. DIY Homemade Chicken Broth
15. DIY Homemade Chicken Stock
Choosing the Right Substitute
📋 Recipe

Not to worry, for how versatile chicken broth is, there are as many equally versatile substitutions.

So, whether you are looking for the closest flavor match, a vegetarian option, or even a free substitute one of these 15 options is sure to provide you with a quick and easy substitute for any dish.

1. Chicken Stock

You may be wondering what the difference is between chicken stock and chicken broth. While chicken broth is made from simmering chicken in water to create a water-based liquid that has the natural flavors of the chicken.

Chicken stock is also made from boiling chicken in water; however, it also includes the addition of vegetables, seasonings, and sometimes chicken bones. This creates a richer flavor and often a slightly thicker consistency.

This is an easy 1:1 swap that can be used in any recipe, but I find it works best for soups or stews due to its richer flavor and consistency.

2. Chicken Bouillon Cubes

Those funny little cubes of yellow that are wrapped in foil that you may have seen in your mom or grandmother’s house growing up – these are gold! Chicken Bouillon cubes are basically dehydrated chicken broth.

To use as chicken broth, drop 1 cube into 1 cup of hot water and allow it to dissolve. Give it a quick stir and then use it as a 1:1 replacement for chicken broth in any recipe.

If you don’t like taking up a lot of room in the pantry or fridge with cartons of chicken broth, a small jar of bouillon cubes or granules is great to keep on hand.

3. Chicken Bouillon Granules

Chicken bouillon granules are the same dehydrated seasoning that is in the cubes, just in a broken-down form. This makes them easier and quicker for dissolving into broth.

Mix 1 teaspoon of granules with 1 cup of warm water to equal 1 cup of chicken broth. Use as a 1:1 replacement in any recipe.

4. Chicken Broth Paste

Chicken broth paste is similar to cubes and granules, but some find it to be a fresher option. The paste is a condensed version of chicken broth that comes in a small jar and is refrigerated after opening.

Chicken broth paste is often stronger than chicken bouillon. Start with mixing ½ teaspoon of paste with 1 cup of warm water. You may also want to consult the label as each brand may be different.

Once you have mixed the paste with water you may use the broth as a 1:1 substitute.

5. Ramen Noodle packets

If you keep a few packets of chicken ramen noodles on hand for food storage or as a nostalgic dish when you’re reminiscing about your early 20s, then you’re in luck. The seasoning packet in the ramen noodles can be used to create a makeshift chicken broth.

These little packets punch quite a flavor punch (and a salty one at that) so take it slow. Add the packet to 1 cup of hot water and mix. If it is too strong, add more water slowly until you reach your desired taste.

Once you have your broth you can use it in equal parts for the chicken broth in your recipe.

6. Vegetable Broth

Vegetable broth is made in a similar fashion to chicken broth, except vegetables are boiled with water to create a flavorful base. It tends to be slightly less flavorful than chicken broth, but with a few extra seasonings it is a great substitute. Even if you are not vegetarian!

You can use equal parts vegetable broth in place of chicken broth in any recipe. Once you have added it, taste the dish and if needed add an extra sprinkle of salt or other spices.

7. Beef Broth

Beef broth is the same as chicken broth except it is made by simmering beef in water. Even though it is made the same as chicken broth, the taste is distinctly different.

However, it can be a good replacement in certain dishes.

For stews or soups that are naturally rich in flavor and have a heavy addition of vegetables and other spices, beef broth may be a good substitute for chicken broth.

Beef Bouillon or Granules

In a pinch, you could reconstitute beef bouillon cubes or granules and use them as a replacement for certain sauces or stews. You will want to use 1 ½ cups of water per cube or teaspoon to reduce the beef flavor.

However, depending on the recipe, you may do better to simply use water.

8. White Wine

White wine is a wonderful way to add some depth to the flavor of a dish. As a substitute for chicken broth, it will change the taste slightly and add a bit more acidity to the final dish.

This can be a nice addition to some lighter soups and sauces.

White wine is best used as a substitute when the recipe calls for a ½ cup or less of chicken broth. Anything more than this will overpower the recipe.

Replace chicken broth with an equal amount of white wine in recipes that call for ½ cup or less.

9. Butter and Water

When it comes down to it, chicken broth is just flavored water. Therefore, you can use a different flavored water in place of it.

One of the things chicken broth adds to a dish is a salty and savory base. You can mimic this by adding salted butter to water. It won’t provide the chicken flavor, but it will still offer a rich and savory base for many dishes.

Use 1 cup of water + 1 tablespoon of butter in place of 1 cup of chicken broth in any dish.

This is an easy option for those who want a vegetarian option that is still savory; however, it will not work for those who are vegan.

10. Plain Old Water

The simplest and cheapest substitute for chicken broth is water straight out the tap.

Water will obviously not provide the richness of flavor that chicken broth does. It does offer a simple base though that can absorb the flavors of the recipe.

For soups or sauces that you want to have more flavor, you can even add some chopped carrots, celery, and onion to simmer in the water before cooking with it. This creates a quick and simple vegetable broth.

Don’t be afraid to add some extra spices as well. Garlic powder/salt, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper are all great staples to enhance the flavor.

Use 1 cup of water in place of 1 cup of chicken broth in your recipes.

11. Aquafaba

If you are not familiar with aquafaba, it is the liquid that you drain from a can of chickpeas. If you normally just drain the liquid and wash it down the sink you may want to hold onto it next time.

The starch from the chickpeas is absorbed into the liquid making it a versatile ingredient as both a liquid and binding ingredient. It is especially popular as a substitute for eggs in vegan dishes.

When using aquafaba as a substitute for chicken broth, it will naturally thicken the recipe due to the starch. Therefore, it is best used in dishes that are meant to have a thicker consistency, such as stews or heavy sauces.

To balance the starchiness, combine the aquafaba with equal parts water before using it.

Once you have diluted the aquafaba you can use it as a 1:1 replacement for chicken broth.

12. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is not the obvious choice for replacing chicken broth. It can be a tasty choice in certain dishes, though.

The rich flavor and consistency of coconut milk is a delicious plant-based option for curry sauces, stews, or even a new take on an old comfort food like tomato soup.

Be mindful that coconut milk does have a distinct flavor. It will significantly change the flavor of the final dish, but if you want to be creative it can be a great option.

It is best to dilute the coconut milk before using it as a substitute. Mix ¾ cup of coconut milk with ¼ cup water.

You can then use it as a 1:1 replacement for chicken broth.

Due to the sweetness of coconut milk, you will probably want to add extra salt and seasonings as well.

13. Dashi

Another unique option for chicken broth is Dashi. Dashi is a broth that is commonly used in Asian cuisine.

It has an earthy flavor that resembles the savory umami flavor profile of many popular Asian dishes.

While you may not find it in your local grocery store, you should be able to find it at an Asian grocery store or even order it online. The flavor of Dashi is quite strong and pairs best with seafood dishes.

To use dashi in place of chicken broth begin by diluting in water first until you get the desired taste.

Rather than adding in a full 1:1 substitute, begin by adding it slowly and tasting as you go.

If you are worried about overpowering your dish you can also begin with a water base and then add small amounts of dashi to taste.

14. DIY Homemade Chicken Broth

If you have time and are not in a rush to find a substitute, then consider making your own homemade chicken broth. This is a great way to use leftover chicken and even vegetables.

If you buy a rotisserie chicken, this is the perfect to get every last tasty piece from it!

Place leftover cooked chicken or the whole chicken carcass (meat and bones) in a large pot of slow cooker with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper or peppercorns. Cover the chicken in water.

If using the stovetop, bring water to a boil then cover with a lid and let simmer on low for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours (or more). If using the slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours.

When done cooking, remove the chicken and bones and place the liquid in an airtight container. You can keep this in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or use immediately.

15. DIY Homemade Chicken Stock

Stock should have a richer flavor than chicken broth, this is from the use of bones rather than relying on the chicken meat to flavor your soup base.

Up the flavor of your DIY chicken broth or stock by adding a chopped onion, 2-3 stalks of celery, and 1-2 carrots to the pot. Just chop the veggies, add to the cleaned chicken frame or bones & water, and let it simmer.

*Add more flavor by using additional veggies like parsnips, turnips, or leek. Then try bay leaves and fresh herbs to really make your stock or broth amazing!

Choosing the Right Substitute

Ultimately choosing the right chicken broth substitute comes down to your needs and the ingredients at your disposal. You may decide it’s worth taking a trip to the store, but a homemade chicken broth or stock truly has a wonderful flavor and I highly recommend trying it!

Cooking SubstitutesHerb & Spice SubstitutesBaking SubstitutesApple Cider VinegarBay LeafTapioca StarchSesame OilRosemary (Fresh & Dried)CornmealMarsala WineTurmericPotato StarchDijon MustardCelery SaltCoconut SugarHorseradishTarragonButtermilkRed Wine VinegarCardamomBrown SugarMasa HarinaPaprikaArrowroot PowderCream CheeseChili PowderCornflourCreme FraicheShorteningWorcestershire SauceVanilla ExtractFish SauceHoneyChicken BrothEggsAll of my substitutes for cooking, baking, and seasonings!

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5 from 6 reviews

Chicken Broth Substitute: Homemade Chicken Broth (+More Easy Swaps!)

Author | Angela

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 23kcal

Prep 10 minutes

Cooking 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

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Ingredients US CustomaryMetric

1x2x3x

▢3 lbs whole chicken
▢1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
▢½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or peppercorns)

Optional Additions

▢3-4 ribs celery (washed and rough chopped)
▢2 large carrots (washed and rough chopped)
▢1 large white or yellow onion (rough chopped)
▢1 large turnip (washed and quartered)
▢1-2 medium parsnips (washed and rough chopped)
▢2 large bay leaves
▢2-3 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

Prep your ingredients and make sure to remove the neck and giblets from the body cavity of your whole chicken.
Place the chicken and all ingredients into a stock pot and cover with enough water to cover the chicken carcass, roughly 12 cups.
3 lbs whole chicken, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 3-4 ribs celery, 2 large carrots, 1 large white or yellow onion, 1 large turnip, 1-2 medium parsnips, 2 large bay leaves, 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
Place the stock pot on high heat and cover, then bring to a boil. Once you have a rolling boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 1½ hours or longer.
Remove the broth from heat when done and allow to cool, remove chicken, discard the skin and bones, and shred meat for other recipes. Strain out all of the veggies and herbs (if used).
Use in your recipe or store in an airtight storage container and keep refrigerated for up to a week.

Notes

Yields approximately 12 cups of chicken broth (plus some tasty boiled chicken to shred and use in enchiladas, tacos, salads, casseroles, and much more).

Nutrition

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Chicken Broth Substitute, homemade chicken broth

Course Stock

Cuisine American

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

Can you make chicken stock from chicken bouillon?

Chicken Bouillon cubes are basically dehydrated chicken broth. To use as chicken broth, drop 1 cube into 1 cup of hot water and allow it to dissolve. Give it a quick stir and then use it as a 1:1 replacement for chicken broth in any recipe.

How do you make stock from bouillon cubes?

Bouillon for Broth To create the equivalent of 1 cup of broth, combine 1 cube or 1 teaspoon of granules with 1 cup of boiling water and mix until the bouillon dissolves. Scale the recipe up to make as much as you need using these ratios.

How to make chicken stock with cubes?

If you're in a hurry, or just don't have the time to make your own stock, you can also use store-bought chicken stock cubes. Add water to a saucepan and bring the water to a boil. After boils, crush the bouillon cube and add it to water. Stir the mixture until the cube is completely dissolved.

Can I use bouillon cubes instead of chicken broth?

Are those ingredients interchangeable? Yes, they are. Sometimes speedy recipes will call for broth or granules since they're quicker than bouillon cubes. However, one bouillon cube or 1 teaspoon of granules dissolved in 1 cup of boiling water may be substituted for 1 cup of broth in any recipe.