This recipe for homemade bouillon powder is very simple, tastes great, and is better for you than store-bought versions. Even though it’s not meat, it tastes just like chicken bouillon powder and can be used in place of chicken broth. It’s so good! You are going to want to add this amazing spice blend to EVERYTHING!.
Chicken bouillon is a staple in many home kitchens. The concentrated flavorful cubes or granules add a savory chicken flavor and richness to soups stews, rice dishes, sauces, and more. However, there are times when you may need or want a substitute. I’m going to walk you through the best chicken bouillon substitutes and how to use them.
Why Find A Chicken Bouillon Substitute?
There are a few reasons you may need an alternative to chicken bouillon
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Dietary restrictions – Chicken bouillon contains chicken stock, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians/vegans. A plant-based substitute allows them to mimic the flavor.
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Health concerns – Bouillon often contains large amounts of sodium A lower sodium or sodium-free alternative may be required.
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No more bouillon! We’ve all been there! What to do when you don’t have any on hand
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Seeking new flavors – While chicken bouillon has its place, experimenting with different seasoning flavors can liven up recipes.
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Avoiding additives – Many store-bought bouillons contain MSG, preservatives, etc. When you make your own, you can control the quality of the ingredients.
So whether it’s for dietary, health, convenience or flavor reasons, having chicken bouillon substitute options is useful!
What To Look For In An Alternative
When selecting a substitute, consider these factors:
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Flavor profile – The sub should provide a savory, chicken-like flavor. Umami flavor is key.
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Saltiness – Bouillon cubes are quite salty. The sub should mimic this seasoning effect.
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Texture – Granules dissolve into liquid. Powdered substitutes work best to recreate this.
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Use – Factor in how you’ll use it. Soups? Sauces? Cooking? The sub needs to suit.
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Dietary needs – Ensure your sub works for any dietary restrictions.
Keeping this criteria in mind will lead you to the best substitute for your needs!
The Best Chicken Bouillon Substitutes
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is hands-down the best and easiest 1:1 substitute. Simply use the broth in place of bouillon cubed dissolved in water. The broth replicates both the savory chicken flavor and the saltiness. Make sure to reduce any additional salt in the recipe.
Chicken broth works wonderfully in most applications. The only bad thing about it is that it doesn’t come in granulated, concentrated form like bouillon does. So if a recipe only calls for a small amount of bouillon, it might not work. But for larger amounts, it’s a winner!.
Vegetable Broth
Veggie broth can be used instead of bouillon in vegan and vegetarian dishes. Choose varieties that are low in salt, and add herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, sage, and poultry seasoning to make them taste better. This helps replicate the complexity of chicken bouillon.
Mushroom Broth
With its deep, earthy umami flavor, mushroom broth is fantastic for adding richness. Use it alone or combine with veggie broth. Dried mushroom powder also works. Porcini, shiitake and morel powders are very flavorful.
Nutritional Yeast
Don’t let the name turn you off – nutritional yeast provides savory cheese and umami flavors that mimic chicken bouillon. Whisk a bit into veggie broth or use alongside soy sauce/tamari and miso paste for an umami flavor boost.
Soy Sauce & Tamari
A small splash of soy sauce or tamari brings saltiness and umami to dishes. Be cautious not to overdo it as both pack a bold punch. Start with just a teaspoon or two.
Miso Paste
This fermented soybean paste has an umami, slightly sweet taste that enhances brothy dishes. Dissolve it first in warm water before adding to prevent clumping.
Herb & Spice Blends
DIY or store-bought seasoning blends make quick chicken bouillon substitutes. Blends with onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric, parsley, thyme, etc. mimic bouillon notes. Adjust amounts to taste.
Homemade Bouillon Powder
For total control over flavor and ingredients, homemade bouillon powder is ideal. DIY versions often use nutritional yeast, dried veggies and seasoning. Dehydrate broth into powder form.
As you can see, the options abound! Let your recipe and dietary needs guide you.
Tips For Using Chicken Bouillon Substitutes
Here are some quick tips to ensure you use your bouillon substitutes successfully:
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When using broth, replace the broth for bouillon in a 1:1 ratio. Reduce other salt in the recipe.
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For powders like nutritional yeast, start with 1 tsp per 1 cup liquid. Adjust to taste.
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Add umami flavors like mushrooms, soy sauce, miso paste in small amounts at first.
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For veggie broth, bolster flavor with savory herbs and spices.
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Mix and match substitutes like broths, pastes, powders and herbs for a layered effect.
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Make big batches of homemade bouillon powder. It stores for months and saves time.
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For homemade broth powder, grind in a blender or food processor into a fine powder.
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When stirring up homemade broth powder, use a fork to break up clumps.
Following these tips will have you cooking up flavorful dishes with your bouillon substitutes in no time!
Answering Your Chicken Bouillon Substitute FAQs
What’s the difference between chicken broth and stock?
Chicken broth is made by simmering meat, while stock simmers bones. Stock is richer due to the collagen in bones. But both make excellent substitutes!
Can I use expired bouillon cubes?
Technically yes, but flavor fades over time. Expect a more muted taste from older cubes versus fresher ones.
How much chicken broth equals one bouillon cube?
Generally speaking, one bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup water equals 1 cup chicken broth.
Is chicken bouillon gluten-free?
Some contain gluten while others are gluten-free. Check labels to confirm if this is a concern.
Can vegetarians/vegans use chicken bouillon?
No, traditional bouillon contains chicken stock and is not vegetarian/vegan. Use one of the suggested meatless substitutes instead.
Is bone broth a good chicken bouillon substitute?
Absolutely! Bone broth boasts high collagen content for extra body, richness and nutrients. It adds wonderful flavor.
How long does homemade bouillon powder last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade bouillon powder lasts for 6-12 months.
As you can see, there are many simple and delicious ways to mimic chicken bouillon flavor when you need an alternative. Whether for dietary reasons, convenience or just trying something new, experiment with these savory substitutions in your cooking. Ditch the boring bouillon and amplify flavors with better-for-you substitutes instead!
References
Reasons To Love This Recipe
This is definitely one of my most used seasoning blends. I love this stuff! Here are a few reasons why….
- Very simple to make—just a few minutes to mix everything together!
- It tastes like chicken bouillon: It tastes a lot like chicken bouillon powder, so it’s a great replacement.
- Made with real ingredients: store-bought bouillon powder has a lot of bad ingredients in it. This is a much healthier version made from real ingredients. Making your own allows you to control the quality!.
- It is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian. It tastes like chicken bouillon, but there is no chicken in it. Technically, it is a vegetable bouillon powder, but it tastes a lot like chicken bouillon powder.
- One of my favorite spice blends to keep on hand is this one. It adds incredible flavor to so many dishes. See the “Ways To Use It” section for some ideas. This can also be used instead of chicken bouillon or chicken broth.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this bouillon powder…
- Nutritional yeast: This is the magic ingredient that gives the chili a chicken bouillon-like taste and texture.
- Salt: I use either Himalayan pink salt or sea salt.
- Adding herbs and spices like ground turmeric, dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, and onion powder makes it taste better.
Detailed ingredient list and directions located in the recipe card below.
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast (nicknamed “nooch”) is a deactivated form of the yeast strain known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This is the same strain as baker’s or brewer’s yeast. However, the key difference is that nutritional yeast is an inactive form and they are not interchangeable!.
Don’t let the name turn you off! Nutritional yeast has a unique savory flavor which is sometimes described as a nutty, cheesy, umami flavor. I don’t find it that great straight out of the package but it is magical once mixed with salt and other spices.