Ever found yourself halfway through a delicate French recipe, only to realize you’re out of chervil?
That subtle, anise-like herb is a key player in dishes like béarnaise sauce, salads, and soups, but don’t let its absence derail your culinary plans.
Chervil’s mild, slightly sweet flavor can be replicated with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re improvising with pantry staples or experimenting with new flavors, these substitutes will keep your dishes on track—no last-minute grocery runs required.
Chervil, often called “gourmet parsley,” is prized for its delicate taste and versatility. But whether you’re avoiding a trip to the store, exploring new flavors, or simply out of chervil, these swaps will deliver the same elegance and depth.
From fresh herbs to creative blends, here’s how to keep your French-inspired dishes tasting divine.

7 Easy Substitutes for Chervil
Chervil’s charm lies in its mild, slightly sweet flavor with hints of anise and parsley. These substitutes mimic its delicate profile while adding their own flair. Perfect for sauces, salads, or garnishes, here’s how to pivot without missing a beat:
1. Tarragon: The Anise-Like Stand-In
Tarragon is the closest match to chervil, thanks to its similar anise-like flavor. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but be mindful—tarragon is stronger, so start with less and adjust to taste.
This substitute works beautifully in béarnaise sauce or herb butter. I once used tarragon in a last-minute salad dressing, and the result was a hit. For a milder flavor, mix tarragon with parsley.
Pro tip: Add a pinch of sugar to balance tarragon’s intensity.
Need more tarragon ideas? Try these tarragon substitutes.
2. Parsley + Fennel Fronds: The Fresh Combo
Parsley brings the mild, grassy notes, while fennel fronds add a hint of anise. Mix 2 parts parsley with 1 part fennel fronds for a chervil-like blend.
This combo is perfect for garnishing soups or salads. My friend, a chef, swears by this mix for her herb-crusted salmon. For extra depth, add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Fun twist: Use this blend in compound butter for a gourmet touch.
Explore more in our parsley substitutes.
3. Dill: The Delicate Alternative
Dill has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works well as a chervil substitute. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but note that dill is more aromatic, so adjust to taste.
This substitute shines in creamy sauces or potato salads. I used dill in a last-minute quiche, and the result was surprisingly close to chervil. For a balanced flavor, mix dill with parsley.
Pro tip: Add a pinch of lemon zest to brighten the dish.
Love dill swaps? Check out these dill substitutes.
4. Basil: The Sweet & Fragrant Swap
Basil is sweeter and more aromatic than chervil, but it’s a great stand-in for dishes that can handle a bolder flavor. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but start with less and adjust.
This substitute works well in salads or pasta dishes. My cousin used basil in a tomato salad, and the sweet, fragrant notes were a hit. For a milder flavor, mix basil with parsley.
Watch out: Basil can overpower delicate dishes, so use sparingly.
Discover more in our basil substitutes.
5. Chives: The Mild & Oniony Option
Chives have a mild, onion-like flavor that works well as a chervil substitute. Use them in a 1:1 ratio, but note that chives lack the anise notes, so pair them with fennel fronds if needed.
This swap is perfect for garnishing soups or omelets. My neighbor used chives in a last-minute potato dish, and the result was delicious. For extra depth, add a pinch of tarragon.
Pro tip: Use chives as a garnish to add a pop of color.
Explore more in our chives substitutes.
6. Cilantro: The Bold & Citrusy Twist
Cilantro has a bold, citrusy flavor that can work as a chervil substitute in certain dishes. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but note that cilantro is polarizing, so adjust to taste.
This substitute shines in Asian-inspired dishes or salsas. I used cilantro in a last-minute stir-fry, and the citrusy notes were a hit. For a milder flavor, mix cilantro with parsley.
Fun twist: Add a squeeze of lime juice to enhance the citrus notes.
Get creative with these cilantro substitutes.
7. Italian Parsley: The Simple Swap
Italian parsley has a mild, slightly peppery flavor that works well as a chervil substitute. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, but note that it lacks the anise notes, so pair it with fennel fronds if needed.
This swap is perfect for garnishing or adding to soups. My brother used Italian parsley in a last-minute pasta dish, and the result was simple yet delicious. For extra depth, add a pinch of tarragon.
Bonus: Use Italian parsley in herb butter for a versatile condiment.
Find more ideas in our parsley substitutes guide.

Kimberly Baxter is the proud owner of the food blog Eatdelights.com. A self-proclaimed foodie, Kimberly loves to cook and share her recipes with others. She has been blogging about food since 2010 and has amassed a following of loyal readers.
Her recipes are creative, delicious, and easy to follow. In addition to her blog, Kimberly also enjoys writing for other publications.