Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for chicken stock
Best swap for chicken stock: Chicken broth, 1:1; broth is slightly thinner and saltier.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Chicken Stock?
The best swap for Chicken Stock is Chicken Broth, 1:1; broth is slightly thinner and saltier. Another option is Vegetable Broth, 1:1; works in most recipes, lacks poultry depth. The table below also lists Vegetable Stock, Chicken Bouillon Dissolved In Water, Chicken Bone Broth, Homemade Stock From A Roast Chicken Carcass and 1 more, 7 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Chicken broth | 1:1; broth is slightly thinner and saltier |
| Vegetable broth | 1:1; works in most recipes, lacks poultry depth |
| Vegetable stock | 1:1; lighter flavor, vegetarian-friendly |
| Chicken bouillon dissolved in water | 1 cube or 1 tsp base per cup of water; saltier than stock, so taste before seasoning |
| Chicken bone broth | 1:1; richer and more gelatinous, which thickens a pan sauce slightly more |
| Homemade stock from a roast chicken carcass | 1:1; simmer the bones with an onion, a carrot and a bay leaf for two hours, then strain |
| Water with onion, bay leaf and a splash of soy sauce | the no-stock fallback; simmer 15 minutes, strain, and use 1:1 Diet and health: Contains gluten and soy. |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.