They add a ton of flavor to your favorite dishes, but sometimes you need a substitute for chicken bouillon cubes. Here's the info to keep in your back pocket.
Here’s a Chicken Bouillon Substitute for When You Run Out
Updated on May 18, 2023
Whether you use it for chicken noodle soup or to add flavor to a veggie side dish, chicken bouillon cubes are a convenient seasoning to have on hand. But, since they’re so small, it can be easy to forget about them when you run out. Here are some chicken bouillon substitutes to turn to when your jar is empty.
The Best Chicken Bouillon Substitute
The best substitute for chicken bouillon is definitely chicken broth. It doesn’t matter if it’s store-bought or homemade (although our homemade chicken broth recipe is my favorite) using chicken broth will give your recipe the homey, poultry-rich flavor that you’re looking for from bouillon cubes.
Simply replace the amount of other liquid in your recipe with chicken broth. For example, if the recipe calls for one bouillon cube and one cup of water, replace the bouillon cube and water with one cup of chicken broth. By the way, here are some chicken broth substitutes for when you run out.
Other Chicken Bouillon Substitutes
Sometimes, you even don’t have chicken broth on hand (don’t worry, we’ve all been there). In those instances, you have two choices. Get to know the difference between bouillon and broth.
The first is is to replace a quarter of the liquid with dry white wine. So, for a recipe calls for one bouillon cube and one cup of water, replace the bouillon cube and 1/4 cup of water with a 1/4 cup of white wine. The resulting flavor will be a bit lighter than if you used a bouillon cube, but will still be delicious. Just be sure to let the alcohol cook-off. Here are some more ways you can cook with wine.
The second option is good ol’ water. While water won’t be as flavorful as using a bouillon cube, it’ll still get the job done. You can boost the flavor by increasing the seasonings already called for in the recipe, or add about a tablespoon of poultry seasonings.
What’s a Low-Sodium Chicken Bouillon Option?
There are a few low-sodium bouillon options available for that chicken flavor. Be sure to read the nutrition label carefully so you know what you are buying.
A teaspoon of regular bouillon granules (equivalent to a bouillon cube) contains about 900 mg of sodium. In comparison, a teaspoon of Wyler’s reduced-sodium bouillon has about 600 mg of sodium. Herb-ox is another national brand and offers a sodium-free bouillon.
These 15 low-sodium foods can also help cut your sodium intake.
Use Your Substitutes in These Recipes
Chicken & Dumpling Casserole
This classic, savory casserole is one of my husband's favorites. He loves the fluffy dumplings with plenty of gravy. The basil adds just the right flavor and makes the whole house smell so good while this dish bakes. —Sue Mackey, Jackson, Wisconsin
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
Wondering how long does chicken broth last in the fridge? Let's find out!
Rice DressingThis rice dressing is the perfect marriage of tasty dressing flavors and broth-infused rice. It's simple to make, plus it's tasty enough to just eat with a spoon, no main course needed.
Chicken Biscuit CasseroleChicken biscuit casserole is rich and satisfying with a broccoli cheddar base and a buttery biscuit topping. The recipe comes together in about an hour and is a great way to use up leftover chicken.
Creole Skillet DinnerWhile living in Canada, I sampled this colorful dish at a neighbor's. The following Christmas, I served it instead of my traditional turkey, and I received numerous compliments on it. I frequently substitute shrimp or sausage for the chicken ... or add all three. —Bonnie Brann, Pasco, Washington
Red Bean Vegetable SoupCajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this brothy soup. The easy recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with beans and fresh veggies. —Ronnie Lappe, Brownwood, Texas
Quick Golden Squash SoupThis delectable soup feels like fall! Its golden color and rich, satisfying flavor have made it a favorite of mine—which is really amazing because I was convinced I didn't like squash until I tried this recipe. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa
Sausage Sauerkraut SoupSausage sauerkraut soup is the hands-off, flavorful slow cooker soup you didn't know you were missing. Serve it with a hunk of bread and a fresh green salad for a perfect meal.
Creamy Asparagus ChowderAlthough this soup is best when made with fresh asparagus, you can use frozen or canned. I like to blanch and freeze asparagus in portions just right for this recipe so I can make our favorite chowder all year. —Shirley Beachum, Shelby, Michigan
Leek Soup with Brie ToastsIf you're looking for something special to fix on a holiday, look no further. This velvety soup is accented with tarragon, and the toasted bread topped with melted Brie cheese is the crowning touch. —Marie Hattrup, Sparks, Nevada
Seafood GumboThe key to a successful seafood gumbo is threefold: a dark roux, the Cajun "holy trinity" and fresh seafood. You can use any combination of shellfish or fish to make this rich and hearty gumbo recipe.
Chicken Stew with GnocchiMy chicken stew makes the house smell wonderful as it gently bubbles in the slow cooker. One whiff and my family heads to the kitchen to see if it's ready. —Marge Drake, Juniata, Nebraska
Corn Chowder with DumplingsThis is a spiced-up version of my favorite corn chowder. The first time I added dumplings, my husband declared them awesome! —Shannon Kohn, Simpsonville, South Carolina
Red Curry Carrot SoupWith its mix of delicious colors, textures and flavors, this easy soup is something special. The meatballs make it hearty enough to serve as a light entree. —Dilnaz Heckman, Buckley, Washington
Baked Potato SoupThis baked potato soup recipe tastes just like a loaded baked potato but in soup form! Bowls of the cozy soup are served with sprinkles of cheddar cheese and smoky bacon.
Potato Leek SoupEven though our potato leek soup is a lighter version of the French classic, the recipe packs tons of flavor.
Wild Rice and Mushroom SoupRich and comforting, wild rice and mushroom soup is a great go-to for a hearty weekday lunch or dinner. If you're a vegetarian—or you're cooking for one—just swap in vegetable stock for the beef broth.
