5 Best Chicken Broth Substitutes for Chili

Quick tip: Adds a deeper, meatier flavor that complements chili's profile without altering texture.

Beef broth shares a similar savory umami base with chicken broth but with a richer, more robust flavor that enhances chili’s hearty nature. The gelatin and amino acids in beef broth help maintain mouthfeel and body.

For best results, use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and avoid overpowering the chili’s spices. Simmer briefly to meld flavors without reducing too much.

Compared to chicken broth, beef broth intensifies the meaty depth and adds a slightly darker color, enriching the overall sensory experience of the chili.

Quick tip: Provides a lighter, plant-based base that supports chili flavors without overpowering them.

A mild vegetable broth offers a savory liquid base with subtle sweetness and umami from vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. This works well in chili by maintaining moisture and flavor balance while keeping the dish vegan.

Choose a low-herb, low-spice vegetable broth to avoid clashing with chili’s spices. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

This substitute results in a lighter, less meaty chili with a fresher, earthier profile compared to chicken broth.

Quick tip: Adds an earthy umami depth that complements chili’s savory and spicy notes.

Mushroom broth is rich in natural glutamates, which enhance umami flavors similar to meat-based broths. This makes it a good plant-based alternative that adds complexity to chili.

Use a clean, well-strained mushroom broth to avoid gritty texture. Adjust salt and spice levels since mushroom broth can be slightly more intense.

The final chili will have a deeper, earthier flavor with a subtle woodsy undertone, differing from the lighter taste of chicken broth.

Quick tip: Simulates broth flavor by adding umami and acidity but requires careful balancing.

Combining water with soy sauce and tomato paste mimics the savory, salty, and acidic components of chicken broth. Soy sauce provides glutamates for umami, while tomato paste adds body and tang.

Mix thoroughly and taste before adding to chili. Adjust soy sauce to avoid excessive saltiness and tomato paste for acidity. This is a useful option when broth is unavailable.

This mixture produces a less complex broth substitute, with a sharper and more pronounced tomato and soy flavor compared to the mellow chicken broth.

Quick tip: Offers a richer, more gelatinous texture and deeper flavor but can be heavier.

Bone broth contains collagen and minerals extracted from bones, resulting in a thicker mouthfeel and intense savory flavor. This can enhance the body and richness of chili.

Use a well-strained, low-sodium bone broth to prevent overpowering saltiness. Because of its thickness, reduce other fats slightly to maintain balance.

Compared to regular chicken broth, bone broth creates a heartier chili with a more gelatinous texture and pronounced depth, which some may find too heavy.