Substitute for Chives
A mild onion-family herb used as a garnish on potatoes, eggs, soups, and cream-based dishes.
The Best Substitute
The Professor's top pick for replacing chives is Green Onion Tops (thinly sliced) at a ratio of 1 tablespoon sliced green onion tops = 1 tablespoon chives. This works well for all applications. Scroll down for complete details on every option, including what to use each one for and what to avoid.
Best Substitutes
Green Onion Tops (thinly sliced)
Flavor impact: Slightly stronger onion flavor. Sliced thin, they look and taste very similar to chives.
Dairy-free
The green tops of scallions are the closest match for chives in both flavor and appearance. Slice them as thin as you can for the best visual match.
The Bottom Line
If you are out of chives, the best all-around substitute is green onion tops (thinly sliced). Pay attention to the ratio, since substitutes rarely work at exactly 1:1. Consider what role chives plays in your recipe; whether it provides flavor, texture, acidity, or structure; and choose the substitute that best fills that specific role. When in doubt, start with less and adjust to taste.
Source: Culinary reference | Last verified: March 19, 2026 | Our methodology