Condensed chicken broth is a staple ingredient in many recipes. From soups and stews to gravies and sauces that little can adds a big punch of flavor. But what if you’re all set to cook and realize you’re out of condensed chicken broth? Don’t worry you can substitute with ingredients you likely have on hand.
In this article, I’ll explain what condensed chicken broth is, why it’s used in recipes, and provide 7 easy substitutes to use when you’ve run out. With a few tweaks, you can still make your favorite comforting dishes without condensed chicken broth.
What is Condensed Chicken Broth and Why is it Used?
Condensed chicken broth is chicken broth that has been cooked down to remove excess water. This concentration process leaves the broth with an intense chicken flavor.
You can quickly add flavor, moisture, and salt to dishes with condensed chicken broth. It’s a handy quick-fix ingredient for
- Making gravies and pan sauces
- Adding flavor to soups, stews, casseroles
- Deglazing pans
- Moistening stuffings and dressings
- Adding a savory note to rice, grains, and veggie sides
A little goes a long way since it’s so concentrated. Recipes usually call for about a 10 oz can of condensed chicken broth.
7 Easy Substitutes for Condensed Chicken Broth
Don’t stress if you’re out of condensed chicken broth. Try one of these easy swaps:
1. Homemade Condensed Chicken Broth
Making your own condensed chicken broth is simple, Just combine equal parts chicken broth and water in a saucepan, Simmer until reduced by half Add salt to taste
This will closely mimic the flavor of canned condensed broth. For every 10 oz can called for, use:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
Simmer until reduced to about 1 cup.
2. Chicken Stock
Chicken stock is the basis of condensed chicken broth. Using regular chicken stock is an easy 1:1 substitute in most recipes.
However, chicken stock won’t have as much flavor or be as salty. You may want to add a bit of extra salt. Also reduce the other liquids in the recipe slightly.
3. Chicken Bouillon Cubes
When mixed with hot water, bouillon cubes or granules work great in place of condensed broth. They provide an intense, concentrated chicken flavor.
Dissolve 1 bouillon cube in 1 cup hot water per can of condensed broth needed. You may need to adjust salt.
4. Vegetable or Turkey Broth
Swapping condensed chicken broth for vegetable or turkey broth works well. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but still provides a savory brothy note. Use an equal amount of veggie or turkey broth.
5. White Wine
For small amounts of condensed chicken broth (1/2 cup or less), dry white wine adds plenty of flavor. The acidity brightens up pan sauces, gravies, and deglazing liquid.
Replace 1/2 cup or less of condensed chicken broth with an equal amount of white wine.
6. Salted Butter and Water
When you just need a little condensed chicken broth, mix 1 cup water with 1 Tbsp butter per cup of broth. It won’t mimic the chicken flavor, but adds body. Salt to taste.
7. Chicken Soup Base or Bouillon Paste
Chicken base and bouillon paste dissolve in hot water to form an instant concentrated broth. They work just like bouillon cubes.
Use about 1 tsp chicken base or 1/2 tsp bouillon paste per 1 cup water to equal a 10 oz can of condensed chicken broth.
Tips for Substituting Condensed Chicken Broth
When using a substitute, keep these tips in mind:
- If the sub isn’t as salty, add more salt to taste
- Reduce other liquids in the recipe slightly since substitutes won’t be as condensed
- Boost flavor with extra herbs, garlic, onion, or lemon juice
- For richer dishes, add a pat of butter or cream
- For pan sauces, let the sauce reduce more to intensify flavors
With a few minor tweaks, you can still make your favorite comforting meals even when you’re out of condensed chicken broth. Try one of these easy ingredient swaps next time your recipe calls for condensed chicken broth.
How to Make it
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it fully melt and begin to foam. This allows the water in the butter to cook off which will create a smoother consistency.
Gradually sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 3-5 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. It will become the consistency of wet sand.
Remove from heat. Add 1/3 of the chicken broth, whisk well. Whisk in 1/3 more, until combined. Finally, whisk in the rest. Temper the milk by microwaving it for 45 seconds, slowly add it to the saucepan and whisk to combine.
Add the seasonings. Add to medium-high heat to thicken it back up.
Whisk continuously as it increases in temperature and reaches near-boiling point. It will become very thick. Remove from heat immediately once it’s thickened. It will thicken even more as it sits.
PRO TIP: Run the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to make it super smooth, just like a can of condensed soup.
This strainer is also a perfect tool for making homemade chicken stock, or to run oil through if you want to reuse it after making a batch of fried chicken or french fries. It’s a great investment in the kitchen.
Using as a Substitute for Condensed Soup
- This recipe can be used instead of Cream of Chicken soup from a can.
- 1 batch= two (10. 5 oz. ) soup cans, each one about 1 1/4 cups
- I recommend storing these in freezable soup containers.
9 Easy Chicken Broth Substitutes
FAQ
What is the difference between chicken broth and condensed chicken broth?
Condensed Chicken Broth vs Chicken Broth: We can say that the main difference in condensed chicken broth vs chicken broth is the water quantity.
What is a substitute for Campbell’s condensed chicken soup?
InstructionsIn a small saucepan whisk together milk and cornstarch. Add butter, bouillon, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and parsley. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Once boiling, simmer for 30 more seconds to thicken. Use in recipes to replace one (10. 75 oz) can of cream of (anything) soup.
What can I do if I don’t have chicken broth for a recipe?
If you run out of chicken broth for a hearty chicken noodle soup recipe, vegetable broth works just as well. Do be mindful of your substitutions, though. Vegetable broth is an easy trade-in any recipe, however, something like seafood broth may not be compatible with all flavors. May 18, 2023.
What is a substitute for condensed soup?
directionsMelt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in flour; keep stirring until smooth and bubbly. Take it off the heat and slowly add the milk and chicken broth, stirring to keep the mixture smooth. Return to heat. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Use in casseroles in place of condensed cream soups.