I know how busy you are, and I don’t want to keep you longer than is absolutely necessary. So here’s what I’ve got for you: 10 substitutes for chicken broth tricks or treats. Check it out.
Why Use a Chicken Broth Substitute?
Chicken broth is a staple in many kitchens, but it can be expensive, and some people are concerned about using chicken broth due to the presence of gluten or other allergens.
Here are some reasons why you might want to use a chicken broth substitute:
To save money
Chicken broth is often one of the more expensive ingredients on your grocery list, especially if you buy organic varieties with no additives. You can often make your own at home by simmering bones (from chickens or other animals) in water for several hours. Or you can purchase low-sodium canned chicken broth from the store.
To avoid gluten
Gluten is a protein found in wheat that causes problems for some people, including those with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). So if you’re avoiding wheat products, you’ll also want to avoid chicken broth made from wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients like barley or oats.
To be healthier
Chicken broth is high in sodium, so if you’re trying to reduce your intake of this mineral, you may want to consider substituting it with homemade vegetable stock instead. You can also buy reduced-sodium versions of store-bought stocks like Better Than Bouillon, which may be a good choice for those on sodium-restricted diets.
To avoid additives
Chicken broth is often made with salt or other preservatives, and you might not want to use it if you’re trying to limit your intake of these substances, as well as iodine, MSG, and other additives. You may also be concerned about using MSG in your cooking.
To avoid grains
If you have allergies or other food sensitivities to grains, you may prefer to avoid using chicken broth made with wheat or corn.
The Benefits Of Using A Chicken Broth Substitute
Chicken broth is a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason. The liquid makes for a great base for soups, stews, sauces, and even casseroles. It can also be used as stock when making homemade gravy or other dishes that require it.
The health benefits of using a chicken broth substitute include:
1. Lower Your Sodium Intake.
Most store-bought chicken broths contain more than 1,000 milligrams of sodium per serving, while homemade versions usually have between 200 and 400 milligrams per serving.
2. Reducing Your Cholesterol Levels And Blood Pressure.
High levels of cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke if left untreated, while high blood pressure puts strain on your heart and can lead to kidney failure over time. Reducing both through diet and exercise is essential for anyone with these conditions.
3. Helps You Lose Weight
Reducing hunger pangs between meals, and leads to fewer calories consumed overall.
4. Decreasing inflammation in the body
By lowering total cholesterol levels and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
5. Helping prevent age-related diseases.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, chicken broth substitute can help to fight degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer.
6. Protecting dental health by strengthening tooth enamel
This is especially important for older people who may be more prone to dental issues.
5. Reducing the appearance of blemishes and fine lines on your skin.
The collagen found in chicken broth substitutes helps with skin elasticity and hydration.
6. Provides vitamins and minerals
Chicken bones contain calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus — all-important nutrients that support bone health and overall wellness. Chicken broth also provides vitamin C and B vitamins (B6), which support brain function, energy levels, and immunity.
10 Great Ideas For Replacing chicken broth.
Chicken broth is a staple in many kitchens, but what do you do when you find yourself without it?
Here are 10 easy ways to substitute for chicken broth:
1. Vegetable Broth
Broth made from vegetables has an earthy flavor and can add some depth to your dish without the need for animal products. Vegetable broth is also a great way to sneak more veggies into your diet!
2. Fish Broth
The fish broth has a similar depth of flavor as chicken broth, but it’s much lighter on the palate and easier to digest. Fish broth also contains collagen, which helps build skin elasticity and healthy hair — plus it’s rich in protein!
3. Beef Broth
Beef broth is similar to the chicken broth in terms of flavor and consistency, but beef broth tends to be richer than chicken or fish broth because it’s made from bones instead of meat scraps. Beef broth can also be used as an alternative if you’re avoiding dairy products like cow’s milk — simply substitute with almond milk or soy milk instead!
4. Turkey Broth
Turkey broth is light in color and has a mild flavor that won’t overpower your dish like other broths might do; however, it can still add some depth to your dish. If you have a turkey carcass that has bones, use those instead of meat scraps. You can also make turkey broth from scratch by simmering roast turkey bones in water or boxed broth until the bones are very soft.
5. Salted Butter and Water
Salted butter is a great way to add flavor without the added fats and sodium found in other broths. It’s also a great alternative for those who have food allergies or intolerances to dairy, fish, and meat.
6. Dashi
Dashi is a Japanese soup stock made from seaweed and dried fish. This fish-free broth brings that same umami flavor of chicken broth without the animal ingredients. If you don’t want to buy it, you can make your own by steeping kombu (dried kelp) in water for a few hours and then simmering it over low heat with shiitake mushrooms, bonito flakes (dried and smoked skipjack tuna), sake, soy sauce, and sugar. Season with salt to taste.
7. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk has a rich, creamy texture and contains no dairy or animal products — so it’s the perfect broth substitute if you’re lactose-intolerant or vegan! You can buy canned coconut milk in many forms, even full-fat canned coconut milk. Just be sure to read the ingredient labels to make sure it doesn’t contain preservatives.
8. Cilantro-Lime Broth
Cilantro-lime broth is a great alternative to chicken broth, and it’s even better when made with fresh cilantro leaves. This broth has a unique flavor that can’t be matched with any other kind of broth.
9. Water
Water is non-dairy, vegetarian, and vegan. That’s right! Just add your ingredients to a pot of boiling water and let it simmer for a while!
10. Sherry or White Wine
Sherry or White wine has a deep flavor like no other broth — and it’s vegan-friendly. It can be used in place of beef broth in many recipes to give them that rich depth we all love so much.
8 Best Chicken Broth Homemade Recipes
Chicken broth is easy to make at home. You can even make it from scratch with a whole chicken. If you don’t have time to do this, look for low sodium chicken broth or stock in the store. It will still have plenty of flavors, but not as much salt as ordinary canned chicken broth or stock.
Here are some recipes that use chicken broth:
1. Chicken Noodle Soup
This classic comfort food is made with a homemade chicken broth
2. Pot Pie
Pot pies are made with a creamy sauce that’s thickened with flour
3. Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Alfredo sauce gets its name from this classic Italian dish that uses Parmesan cheese and butter along with cream and white wine as an ingredient – all ingredients that pair well with chicken broth.
4. Chicken Broth with Poached Eggs
Poaching an egg is easy, and it’s a wonderful way to use up leftover chicken broth. Just drop an egg in the broth and cook for five minutes.
5. Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
If you like curry, this dish is for you. It calls for 1 cup of chicken broth, along with heavy cream and coconut milk for flavor.
6. Corn Chowder
This creamy soup calls for 1 cup of chicken broth, in addition to cream, bacon, potatoes, and corn.
7. Mushroom Soup
Mushroom soup is made with diced potatoes and onion along with chicken broth, cream, and seasonings.
8. New England Clam Chowder
This comforting soup tastes great on a cold day, but it’s easy to make if you have frozen clams available. It calls for 1 cup of chicken broth and 5 cups of water. Heat the broth over medium heat until it’s boiling. Add the clams (and any other shellfish you want to add), cover the pot, and cook for 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Is chicken broth the same as stock?
No, they are different. The broth is made with meat and bones and has a more pronounced flavor than stock. Stock is also made with meat and bones but also with vegetables, herbs, and spices. The difference between broth and stock isn’t just the addition of vegetables; it’s also the time they’re cooked for. The broth is cooked for less time than stock so you’ll get more gelatin from it.
2. How do you make chicken broth?
To make chicken broth at home, start with a whole chicken and some water. Simmer the chicken in the water for several hours until the meat falls off the bones. Then strain out all of the solids and use them as an ingredient in another recipe (the leftover meat makes great chicken salad). The liquid remaining is your homemade chicken broth!
3. How Do I Make My Own Substitute For Chicken Broth?
Making your own substitute is not that difficult. You only need some water, salt, pepper, and anything else you want to add to the mix such as herbs or vegetables of your choice. If you want to make your own vegetable stock then all you need is water, onions, and celery with some other ingredients like garlic cloves or carrots depending on what recipe you are using.
4. Is There Anything Else I Can Use In Place Of Chicken Broth?
The broth isn’t the only liquid that can be substituted for chicken broth. Chicken stock, which is made by boiling pieces of raw chicken, is another option. Homemade beef stock can be used as well.
5. How Do I Store My Chicken Broth?
Store your homemade chicken broth in the refrigerator for up to five days after making it — but be sure to reheat it thoroughly before using it again. You can also freeze it for up to six months (after cooling completely).
In Conclusion
I think you can guess now if this is the right substitute for chicken broth. I think it is a good substitute. I recommend that you try it if you like to cook for yourself or if you have trouble finding chicken broth in your area.