Missing chicken bouillon for your favorite recipes? No worries! This article presents excellent alternatives to help you out in such situations.

Some of the top chicken bouillon substitutes include chicken broth, vegetable broth, chicken stock, Italian seasoning mix, beef stock, bone broth, stock concentrate, bouillon powder, dry white wine, herbs, soy sauce, tomato paste, marmite, miso paste, and water. 

Chicken bouillon is typically prepared by simmering chicken stock, vegetables, and salt. It is a versatile ingredient for enhancing the flavor of various dishes like pasta, soups, curries, casseroles, and sauces. Chicken bouillon also offers a good nutritional value, providing essential nutrients and minerals. 

In this post, you will discover a range of chicken bouillon substitutes, both plant-based and meat-based. Let’s explore them briefly. 

16 Top Alternatives to Chicken Bouillon

Check out this list of excellent chicken bouillon substitutes that you can consider!

1. Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is a straightforward and easily accessible replacement for chicken bouillon. You can either make it at home or purchase canned versions at your local store.

It offers rich flavors and is more flavorful than chicken bouillon. Substitute one cube of chicken bouillon with 1 cup of chicken stock. While it may be high in sodium, low-sodium or salt-free options are readily available. Additionally, chicken broth is packed with chicken and herb flavors.

Use it in soups, casseroles, rice dishes, and various recipes. Furthermore, chicken broth provides essential nutrients and minerals, making it a nutritious choice.

2. Chicken Stock

If chicken broth is unavailable, consider using chicken stock. Like chicken broth, chicken stock offers rich chicken flavors.

It maintains the original dish’s taste and essence, as it is prepared with chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs. This combination contributes to its richness in flavors and nutrients. The substitution ratio is typically 1:1.

3. Italian Seasoning Mix

When looking through your pantry, you may come across Italian seasoning mix as a great substitute to enhance the flavors of a dish easily and effectively.

This mix typically contains herbs and spices like basil, rosemary, garlic powder, marjoram, thyme, and sage. Since Italian seasoning already contains salt, it’s advisable to taste before adding more salt.

You can easily find Italian seasoning mix in local stores or online. By adding all the ingredients, you can significantly improve the taste and flavors of your recipe.

4. Beef Stock

If you’re looking for a meat-flavored substitute for chicken bouillon, beef stock is an excellent alternative. Beef broth is known for enhancing the flavors of noodle soups, sauces, and meat stews.

Using beef broth not only improves the taste of the dish but also provides the body with essential vitamins and minerals. For substitution, use an equal amount of beef stock as you would chicken bouillon.

5. Vegetable Stock

Vegetable broth is a nutritious alternative to chicken bouillon, perfect for vegans. You can easily make vegetable stock at home, offering a similar flavor profile to chicken bouillon.

Vegetable stock has a thinner texture and imparts a savory taste to your dish. It contains less sodium, making it a healthy substitution choice. You can use various vegetables like garlic, green beans, carrots, and celery to prepare the stock, packing your dish with essential minerals and vitamins.

6. Bone Broth

Bone broth is a rich and flavorful substitute for chicken bouillon, which enhances the taste of any recipe. For enhanced flavors, you can add herbs and vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots while preparing the broth.

You can incorporate bone broth in various dishes to infuse richness. For substitution, use equal amounts of bone broth as to what is suggested for chicken bouillon. Adjust the salt according to your taste preferences.

7. Stock Concentrate 

Stock concentrate is a convenient substitute for chicken bouillon that can be easily found in local markets. It provides a concentrated flavor when mixed with hot water, offering a robust alternative.

You can lessen the amount of water for a more intense flavor. The concentrated stock has a more potent consistency than chicken bouillon. To substitute, replace one chicken bouillon cube with a cup of hot water and one tablespoon of concentrated stock.

8. Chicken Bouillon Cubes

If you’re out of chicken bouillon powder, chicken bouillon cubes are a great alternative. These cubes offer a dehydrated chicken stock with vegetables, providing a convenient substitution.

Chicken bouillon cubes blend easily with water, delivering a comparable taste profile. Follow a 1:1 ratio when substituting cubes for powder. Prior to adding extra salt, taste the seasoning to ensure the desired flavor intensity.

9. Vegetable Bouillon Cubes

Vegetable bouillon cubes offer a vegetable-infused twist to traditional stock cubes, making them a sought-after substitute for chicken bouillon. They can be found in both powder and cube forms, with equal effectiveness.

For dishes needing a chicken flavor base, vegetable bouillon works well, especially in roasted vegetable recipes. The addition of herbs, spices, white wine, or soy sauce can further enhance the flavors when using vegetable bouillon cubes.

10. Dry White Wine

Surprisingly, dry white wine can serve as an excellent substitute for chicken bouillon, adding richness to your dishes. It can be used in soups, salads, and stews, offering a unique flavor profile.

Replacing one cup of chicken bouillon with half a cup of dry white wine can elevate the overall taste of the dish. Dry white wine can also help to lighten sauces or deglaze pans, imparting a less salty flavor compared to chicken bouillon. 

White wine can be used as an alternative in recipes that call for alcohol, but it’s best not to serve those dishes to children.

### 11. Bouillon Granules

Bouillon granules are another form of chicken bouillon made from dehydrated chicken stock, vegetables, and fat. These granules are available at grocery stores and offer a similar flavor profile to chicken bouillon. Enhance the taste by incorporating herbs and spices.

### 12. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a suitable substitute for chicken bouillon, made from fermented soya beans, roasted grains, and brine. Opt for light soy sauce over dark soy sauce, as dark soy sauce can add extra salt, potentially affecting the recipe. Begin with small amounts of soy sauce to avoid overly salty dishes.

### 13. Marmite

Marmite serves as a vegetarian alternative to chicken bouillon, adding a savory flavor to dishes. Start with a small quantity as it has a robust taste and increase as needed.

### 14. Miso Paste

Miso paste, a staple in Japanese cuisine, contains fermented soya beans and can replace chicken bouillon, enhancing the flavor and aroma of the dish. It is a great substitute for vegetarians.

### 15. Tomato Paste

Tomato paste offers a vegetarian alternative to chicken bouillon, delivering a tangy tomato taste with hints of sweetness. It can be used to thicken dishes and add flavor incrementally to achieve the desired taste.

### 16. Water

Water can be used as a simple substitute for chicken bouillon when other alternatives are not available. It can be used to adjust the consistency of soups, sauces, and stews, especially in recipes needing a limited amount of chicken bouillon. Add seasonings like cumin, pepper, salt, herbs, or melted butter for enhanced flavors. Use water in a 1:1 ratio to substitute for chicken bouillon in recipes.

### Short Recap of Best Substitute for Chicken Bouillon

#### Best Chicken Bouillon Substitutes in Terms of Flavors
– Chicken Stock
– Chicken Broth
– Bouillon Granules
– Beef Stock
– Concentrated Stock

#### Best Chicken Bouillon Substitutes in Terms of Texture
– Vegetable Broth
– White Wine
– Water
– Chicken Broth

#### Best Chicken Bouillon Substitutes in Terms of Availability
– Water
– Tomato Paste
– Soy Sauce
– Chicken Broth
– Vegetable StockThe ingredients listed as chicken bouillon substitutes include chicken broth, vegetable broth, chicken stock, Italian seasoning mix, beef stock, bone broth, stock concentrate, bouillon powder, dry white wine, herbs, soy sauce, tomato paste, marmite, miso paste, and water.

## Conclusion

You can use any of the mentioned substitutes for chicken bouillon. For vegetarians, vegetable stock is a suitable alternative. Water is a readily available substitute, and adding herbs and spices can enhance its flavor. Hopefully, all your questions are resolved, and I’ll see you next time. Take care until then!

### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– **What are the best chicken bouillon substitutes?**
Some top chicken bouillon substitutes are listed as chicken broth, vegetable broth, chicken stock, Italian seasoning mix, beef stock, bone broth, stock concentrate, bouillon powder, dry white wine, herbs, soy sauce, tomato paste, marmite, miso paste, and water.

– **Can we use water as a chicken bouillon substitute?**
Yes, water can be used as a substitute for chicken bouillon, especially in recipes needing a small amount of bouillon to achieve the desired consistency.

– **What are the most straightforward available substitutes for chicken bouillon?**
Water, tomato paste, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and chicken broth are considered some of the simplest alternatives to chicken bouillon.

– **Can we use honey as a chicken bouillon substitute?**
No, honey is not recommended as a substitute for chicken bouillon due to their similar flavor profiles.

– **Is it okay to use chicken broth instead of chicken bouillon?**
Yes, chicken broth can be a suitable replacement for chicken bouillon as both share similar flavors and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.