• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About

Gusto Meadow

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Side Dishes
  • Substitutes
  • Comparisons
  • Taste Guides
  • Shelf Life
  • Dinner
  • About
×
Home - Cooking - Substitutes

Latest Updated: Feb 28, 2026 by Andrew Gray

5 Substitutes for Chicken Stock Concentrate

If you're out of Chicken Stock Concentrate, reach for Homemade Chicken Stock, Gravy Granules, Stock Cubes, Vegetable Stock, and Bone Broth.

Homemade Chicken StockHomemade chicken stock is made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs.

For cooking, Gravy Granules also works well - adjust the amount to taste since it may be slightly stronger or milder.

Stuck with a recipe calling for chicken stock concentrate and your pantry's coming up empty?

But here's the scoop: lots of kitchen staples can step in as a swap, and you might not even notice the switch.

Think about it, who hasn't improvised a little in the kitchen and ended up with something amazing?

This is your chance to pull a culinary rabbit out of your hat.

what is chicken stock concentrate Save for Later!

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Chicken Stock Concentrate Substitutes
    • 1 - Homemade Chicken Stock
    • 2 - Gravy Granules
    • 3 - Stock Cubes
    • 4 - Vegetable Stock
    • 5 - Bone Broth
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken Stock Concentrate Substitutes

Here's a detailed comparison of the 5 best substitutes for chicken stock concentrate, along with their key characteristics and proper ratios:

SubstituteKey CharacteristicsProper Ratio
Homemade Chicken StockHomemade chicken stock is made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs. It has a rich flavor.Use an equal amount of homemade chicken stock as you would with chicken stock concentrate.
Gravy GranulesGravy granules are a convenient alternative that can provide a savory flavor to dishes.Follow the instructions on the package to determine the appropriate amount for your recipe.
Stock CubesStock cubes are concentrated blocks of stock. They are easy to use and add flavor to dishes.Use one stock cube dissolved in hot water per the package instructions for your recipe.
Vegetable StockVegetable stock is a flavorful substitute for chicken stock concentrate, suitable for vegetarians.Use an equal amount of vegetable stock as you would with chicken stock concentrate.
Bone BrothBone broth is made by simmering bones and vegetables, resulting in a nourishing and flavorful liquid.Use an equal amount of bone broth as you would with chicken stock concentrate.

Now, let's discuss each substitute in more detail:

1 - Homemade Chicken Stock

homemade chicken stock Save for Later!

Chicken stock is very simple to make.

You can even do it without a recipe - throw together whatever you have available in your fridge.

Vegetables, herbs, spices, bones, and meat are all excellent for this.

Those work well if you do have leftover pork bones or ribs on hand.

You can also use chicken feet or necks, but you shouldn't waste other parts of the bird.

Lastly, if you don't have any bones to spare, feel free to substitute with vegetable scraps - carrot peeling and top greens are great.

Using homemade stock is particularly worthwhile if you are using it in a recipe that calls for many other ingredients.

Homemade stock will save you money since you can perfectly control the seasoning and flavor.

2 - Gravy Granules

gravy granules Save for Later!

If you're looking for a more natural additive, you can get gravy granules.

Gravy granules are thick and rich in taste.

These granules may be made from vegetable extracts or meat extracts of chicken, beef, lamb, or pork.

Because they are thickened with wheat flour, gravy granules are also gluten-free.

This is why it's an excellent choice for those who are vegan or gluten-free.

If you use this product, be aware that it is usually very high in salt and should not be substituted unless necessary.

3 - Stock Cubes

stock cubes Save for Later!

Another excellent option for the chicken stock is to use stock cubes.

The major benefit to using stock cubes is that they are very easy to use.

All you have to do is add one to your recipe - no need for measuring.

This can save you a lot of time in the kitchen when cooking since it's much easier than measuring out and adding different ingredients.

On top of using stock cubes in place of chicken stock, it is also possible to substitute them for beef and vegetable broths.

The flavor is richly savory without being too overpowering.

However, keep in mind that these are often high in sodium - so try to use sparingly if you're on a salt-restricted diet.

4 - Vegetable Stock

vegetable stock Save for Later!

Using vegetable stock in place of chicken stock has its benefits.

It is cholesterol-free, low in calories and fat, and easily substituted in many different recipes.

Vegetable stock is the best alternative to chicken stock if you are on a vegetarian or vegan diet.

This option will cut out all animal products from your meal.

Since vegetable stock doesn't overpower the flavor of your dish, you won't have to worry about it affecting the taste.

To make this yourself, chop up some vegetables and boil them in water.

You can add onion, garlic, carrots, peppers - whatever you have available.

Vegetable stock is a little bland on its own.

If you use this in chicken stock, add some seasoning and spices before serving.

This will give it an extra kick too.

5 - Bone Broth

bone broth Save for Later!

Another excellent alternative to chicken stock is bone broth.

Bone broth may seem like a new trend, but it has been used as an ancient remedy for thousands of years.

The main ingredients in bone broth are water and animal bones (usually beef or chicken).

This means that you can use whatever bones will not be wasted, including marrow bones and oxtail bones.

The benefit of using bone broth is collagen and gelatin, which both help with skin health.

It also contains numerous amino acids, such as glycine and arginine, necessary for tissue repair and growth.

Bone broth can even help your immune system stay strong.

Bone broth is a fantastic alternative to chicken stock if you are vegetarian or vegan since it is entirely free of meat products.

Bone broth can be used in almost any recipe that calls for chicken stock, so don't be afraid to give this a try.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Chicken Stock Concentrate?

Homemade Chicken StockHomemade chicken stock is made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Chicken Stock Concentrate.

Can I use a different ingredient instead?

Absolutely. Homemade Chicken Stock is the closest swap.

Gravy Granules also works in a pinch. Match the original amount and tweak from there.

Can this substitute be used in baking as well as cooking?

Some work in both, but baking is less forgiving.

Substitutes that alter fat content, sweetness, or moisture can shift the structure of baked goods.

Test with a small batch first.

Does freezing affect how well the substitute performs?

Frozen substitutes sometimes change texture after thawing. This matters more in raw applications like salads than in cooked dishes where texture is softened by heat anyway.

Explore more: This post is part of our Ingredient Substitutes Guide.
Andrew Gray

More Substitutes

  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Fish Sauce
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Tuscan Kale
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Locatelli Cheese
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Stilton Cheese

Primary Sidebar

Andrew Gray - GustoMeadow founder

Hi, I'm Andrew

Food Writer & Recipe Developer

Restaurant industry veteran sharing real recipes, honest substitutes, and tips that actually work in a home kitchen.

Our Story →

Related Posts

  • Tangy Delights: What Do Olives Taste Like?
  • What Do Earthworms Taste Like? Reveal the Flavor
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Tagliatelle
  • The Flavor: What Do Black Currants Taste Like?
  • 5 BEST Substitutes for Blue Cheese
  • What to Serve with Broccoli? 7 BEST Side Dishes

Join 5,000+ Home Cooks

Fresh Recipes Weekly

Easy dinner ideas, smart substitutes, and kitchen tips — every Thursday morning.

Subscribe Free →

Dinner Picks

  • Casserole recipes roundup
    20 Baked Casserole Recipes That Reheat Perfectly
  • One pot dinner recipes
    20 One-Pot Dinners That Make Cooking a Breeze
  • Ground beef casserole recipes
    20 Ground Beef Casserole Recipes for Busy Nights
  • Award winning chili recipes
    20 Award-Winning Chili Recipes You Need to Try

Browse by Topic

  • Ingredient Substitutes340
  • Side Dishes186
  • Comparisons124
  • Taste Guides89
  • Shelf Life72

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Services
  • Disclosure

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2026 GustoMeadow