Let’s face it – we don’t always have time to simmer bones for hours to make homemade chicken broth from scratch. That’s where bouillon cubes come in! These little flavor bombs can transform plain water into rich, savory chicken broth in just minutes. Whether you’re making soup, cooking rice or need broth for a sauce bouillon cubes are a pantry staple that can save the day.
I’ve been using bouillon cubes for years in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share my tips for getting the most flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making chicken broth from bouillon cubes!
What Are Bouillon Cubes Anyway?
Before we jump into the how-to, let’s understand what we’re working with. Bouillon cubes are basically dehydrated broth or stock that’s been compressed into a small cube. They contain:
- Dehydrated chicken (or vegetable) stock
- Salt (usually quite a bit)
- Fat
- Seasonings like turmeric, parsley, and coriander
- Sometimes MSG for enhanced flavor
- Often preservatives and anti-caking agents
Think of them as the “instant noodles” of the soup world – convenient long-lasting and ready when you need them.
The 3-Step Process to Make Chicken Broth from Bouillon Cubes
Making chicken broth from bouillon cubes is ridiculously simple. Here’s my foolproof method:
Step 1: Boil the Water
Measure out the amount of water you need based on how much broth your recipe calls for. For most brands, the ratio is 1 cube to 1 cup (8 oz) of water.
Pour the water into a pot or kettle and bring it to a boil. The water MUST be boiling for the bouillon cube to dissolve properly.
Step 2: Add the Bouillon
Once your water is boiling, add the appropriate number of bouillon cubes:
- For 1 cup of broth = 1 bouillon cube
- For 4 cups of broth = 4 bouillon cubes
You get the idea! Some brands might have different recommendations, so always check the package instructions.
If you’re using bouillon powder instead of cubes, the ratio is typically 1 teaspoon of powder per cup of water.
Step 3: Stir Until Dissolved
Use a spoon to stir the water and bouillon cube mixture until the cube completely dissolves. This usually takes about 30 seconds to a minute.
Voilà! Your chicken broth is ready to use in any recipe that calls for it.
Pro Tips for Better Bouillon Broth
While making broth from bouillon cubes is super simple, there are a few tricks I’ve learned that can make it even better:
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Watch the salt – Bouillon cubes are typically very salty, so you might want to reduce or eliminate additional salt in your recipe.
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Dilute if necessary – If you find the broth too salty, use 1 cube for 1.5 cups of water instead of 1 cup.
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Add fresh herbs – Throw in some fresh parsley, thyme, or bay leaves to enhance the flavor and make it taste more homemade.
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Include aromatics – For a more complex flavor, add a small chopped onion, garlic clove, or carrot while you’re dissolving the cube.
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Add a splash of acid – A small squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine can brighten the flavor.
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Low-sodium options – Look for low-sodium bouillon cubes if you’re watching your salt intake.
Bouillon Cubes vs. Homemade Chicken Broth: What’s the Difference?
I won’t lie to ya – homemade chicken broth and bouillon cube broth aren’t identical. Here are the main differences:
Homemade Chicken Broth:
- Made by simmering chicken meat, bones, and vegetables
- Takes 1-3 hours to prepare
- Contains natural collagen and nutrients from bones
- Fresh, complex flavor
- Lower sodium content
- No additives or preservatives
Bouillon Cube Broth:
- Made in 5 minutes
- Higher sodium content
- Contains preservatives and sometimes artificial flavors
- Consistent flavor every time
- Much longer shelf life
- Significantly more convenient
While homemade broth is nutritionally superior and has a more complex flavor, bouillon cubes win hands-down on convenience and shelf life.
Different Types of Bouillon: Which Should You Choose?
Bouillon doesn’t just come in cube form. Here’s a quick comparison of the different types:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cubes | Small storage footprint, affordable, pre-portioned | High sodium, can take time to dissolve |
| Powder | Dissolves easier than cubes, easy to adjust amount | Can clump if stored improperly |
| Paste | More complex flavor, often higher quality | More expensive, needs refrigeration after opening |
| Liquid concentrate | Ready to use, good flavor | Bulkier to store, shorter shelf life once opened |
I usually keep cubes on hand for emergency situations and paste for when I want better flavor but don’t have time for homemade broth.
Popular Bouillon Brands Worth Trying
Not all bouillon cubes are created equal! Here are some popular brands and what makes them special:
Knorr
Knorr is probably the most widely available brand worldwide. Their bouillon cubes come in various flavors including chicken, beef, vegetable, and even shrimp or tomato chicken. They dissolve easily and have a reliable flavor. The downside? They do contain some artificial colors and palm oil.
BOU
BOU is a newer brand that offers bouillon cubes with more interesting flavor profiles. Their chicken bouillon includes ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and turmeric. They contain about 20% less salt than leading brands and are gluten-free. One cube makes 2 cups of broth.
Herb-Ox
Herb-Ox offers sodium-free options, which is great if you’re watching your salt intake. They use potassium chloride instead of sodium. One cube makes 1 cup of broth, and they use turmeric extract for color instead of artificial dyes.
Quick Recipes Using Bouillon Cube Broth
Now that you know how to make the broth, let’s put it to use! Here are two super quick recipes:
5-Minute Chicken Noodle Soup
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 4 cups water
- 1 carrot, thinly sliced
- 2 ounces pasta (any small shape)
- Fresh parsley
- Optional: shredded rotisserie chicken
- Dissolve the bouillon cubes in boiling water
- Add sliced carrot and pasta
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender
- Add shredded chicken if using
- Garnish with fresh parsley
Chicken-Flavored Rice
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Dissolve the bouillon cube in 2 cups of boiling water
- Add rice and butter if using
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low
- Cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes
- Fluff with a fork before serving
FAQs About Chicken Broth from Bouillon Cubes
Can I use chicken bouillon instead of chicken broth in any recipe?
Yes, in most cases you can substitute bouillon cube broth for chicken broth. Just remember that bouillon tends to be saltier, so you might need to adjust other seasonings.
How long do bouillon cubes last?
When stored properly in a cool, dry place, bouillon cubes can last up to two years while maintaining their quality.
Are bouillon cubes healthy?
Bouillon cubes are lower in calories than regular chicken broth, but they’re typically high in sodium and may contain additives. If you’re concerned about sodium or additives, look for low-sodium or natural varieties.
Can I add bouillon cubes directly to dishes?
Absolutely! If you’re making a stew, soup, or sauce with plenty of liquid already, you can crumble the cube directly into the pot. A good rule of thumb is one cube per serving.
What’s the difference between broth and stock?
Stock is made primarily from simmering bones for a long time (2-15 hours), resulting in a liquid rich in collagen and nutrients. Broth is made with meat and vegetables, simmered for a shorter time (usually under an hour). For everyday cooking, they can be used interchangeably.
Final Thoughts on Making Chicken Broth from Bouillon Cubes
Making chicken broth from bouillon cubes isn’t going to win you any gourmet cooking awards, but it’s an incredibly practical kitchen skill that can save you time and money. When I’m in a hurry or haven’t planned ahead, bouillon cubes are my secret weapon for adding flavor to all kinds of dishes.
While nothing beats the flavor and nutritional benefits of homemade broth simmered for hours, bouillon cubes deserve a spot in every pantry for those times when convenience matters most.
What’s your favorite way to use bouillon cube broth? I’d love to hear your tips and recipes in the comments below!
Chicken Broth From Bouillon Cubes
Making chicken broth from bouillon cubes is easy and wont take long. You will need only a measuring cup and a pot in addition to the bouillon cubes. Just follow these steps:
- Boil water: Measure out the amount of water your recipe requires. For example, if your recipe calls for 3 cups of broth, use 3 cups of water. Purdue University recommends boiling the water before you add the bouillon cube. Pour the water into a pot and bring it to a boil on the stove.
- Add the chicken bouillon cubes: The instructions on the package will tell you the proportion of bouillon cubes to water and youll have to use that to calculate how many cubes to add. For example, if the instructions say you need to use one chicken bouillon cube per cup of water, you will need to add three cubes to 3 cups of water. Packets of chicken bouillon powder will also specify the proportions to use.
- Stir the mixture: Stir the mixture well until the bouillon cubes have completely dissolved and you have a uniform broth. Use the broth in the recipe as required.
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Making chicken broth from bouillon cubes is much faster than making it from scratch, but watch out for the high sodium content in store-bought bouillon. If you’re making chicken soup or a chicken gravy, you’re going to need chicken broth.Photosiber/Gettys
If youre making chicken soup or a chicken gravy, youre going to need chicken broth. Making chicken broth from bouillon cubes is a lot faster than making it from scratch, and it means you dont have to clutter up your pantry shelves with cans of chicken stock.
Vegetable, beef and chicken bouillon cubes are easily available at grocery stores and are not too expensive. You can also buy chicken bouillon powder instead of cubes if you prefer. There is no real difference between chicken bouillon powder and chicken bouillon cubes; the ingredients and flavor are usually the same, just the form is slightly different. Many manufacturers offer both forms.