What Is Chicken Stock Concentrate? The Ultimate Guide to This Flavor Powerhouse

Ever found yourself halfway through a recipe that calls for chicken stock, only to realize you don’t have any? Or maybe you’re tired of throwing away half-used cartons of broth that spoil in your fridge? I’ve been there too! That’s why I’ve fallen in love with chicken stock concentrate – a game-changing ingredient that’s transformed my cooking

After researching extensively and experimenting in my own kitchen, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about this magical flavor booster that deserves a permanent spot in your pantry

What Exactly Is Chicken Stock Concentrate?

Chicken stock concentrate is essentially the superhero version of regular chicken stock. It’s a highly reduced, intensely flavored culinary base made from chicken bones, meat, vegetables, and aromatics. Think of it as regular chicken stock that’s been simmered down until most of the water evaporates, leaving behind a thick, potent essence packed with savory goodness.

This concentrated form contains all the rich umami flavors of a well-made chicken stock but in a much more convenient package – typically a paste in a jar, though it can also come in cube form.

How Is Chicken Stock Concentrate Made?

The production process explains why chicken stock concentrate delivers such incredible flavor:

1. Ingredient Selection Quality chicken bones (often roasted for extra depth), meat scraps, mirepoix (onions carrots celery), herbs, and spices are carefully chosen.

2. Extended Simmering: These ingredients are slowly simmered in water for several hours to extract their flavors and collagen.

3. Straining: The solids are removed, leaving a clear, flavorful liquid.

4. Reduction: Here’s the crucial step – the strained stock is gently simmered for a prolonged period, allowing water to evaporate until it becomes thick and concentrated.

5. Packaging: The finished concentrate is then packaged in jars, tubs, or formed into cubes.

Fun fact: Almost all commercial broths (including the boxed liquid ones) actually start out as concentrates made by one manufacturer, International Dehydrated Foods (IDF). Companies purchase these concentrates, reconstitute them, and sell them as boxed broth!

The Difference: Concentrate vs. Stock vs. Broth vs. Bouillon

Let’s clear up some confusion about these similar-but-different products:

Chicken stock concentrate sits at the top of this hierarchy, offering significantly more intense flavor than regular stock, broth, or bouillon cubes.

Why I’m Obsessed With Chicken Stock Concentrate

After discovering Better Than Bouillon (BTB) chicken base – a popular stock concentrate – I’ve completely ditched boxed broths. Here’s why:

1. It’s Way More Economical

At about 16 cents per cup when reconstituted, BTB is more than seven times cheaper than premium liquid broths! This makes sense when you think about it – with liquid broths, you’re paying to ship water. An 8-ounce jar of Better Than Bouillon yields a whopping 38 cups of broth. That same amount in cartons would weigh nearly 20 pounds!

2. It Lasts Forever (Almost)

Once opened, Better Than Bouillon will last for TWO YEARS in the refrigerator. Compare that to liquid broths which keep for only two weeks once opened. No more throwing away half-used cartons!

3. Superior Flavor Profile

In America’s Test Kitchen’s testing of 10 top supermarket chicken broths, Better Than Bouillon concentrate emerged as one of their favorites due to its savory, umami-rich flavor. This is because it contains:

• Natural glutamates from chicken
• Added yeast extract
• Nucleotides (disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate)

When glutamates and nucleotides combine, the umami notes multiply exponentially, giving you that rich, “can’t stop eating it” quality.

4. Customizable Strength & Lower Sodium Option

With 680mg of sodium per cup, BTB has less sodium than many competitors (most hover around 1000mg). Plus, since you’re reconstituting it yourself, you can control the concentration. Using 3/4 teaspoon per cup of water instead of the recommended full teaspoon reduces saltiness without diluting flavor.

5. Incredible Versatility

I love how versatile chicken stock concentrate is. Here are just some ways I use it:

• Soups & Stews: A spoonful transforms even the simplest soup
• Sauces & Gravies: Creates rich, savory depth instantly
• Risottos: Infuses creamy rice with wonderful chicken flavor
• Vegetable Dishes: A tiny bit makes roasted veggies sing
• Marinades: Adds savory umami to meat preparations
• Glazes: Combines beautifully with honey or soy for delicious glazes

How To Use Chicken Stock Concentrate

The beauty of concentrate is its simplicity. For basic stock or broth, the general guideline is:

1 teaspoon concentrate + 1 cup hot water = 1 cup chicken stock/broth

Start with this ratio, then adjust to your taste preferences. I sometimes use a bit less water for recipes that need concentrated flavor or a bit more when I want a lighter touch.

Making Your Own Chicken Stock Concentrate

While I usually grab the store-bought kind for convenience, homemade chicken stock concentrate is absolutely divine if you have the time. Here’s a simple approach:

1. Make a batch of excellent chicken stock using bones, vegetables, and herbs
2. After straining, return the stock to a clean pot
3. Simmer gently for several hours until reduced by about 75-80%
4. The result should be thick and intensely flavored
5. Store in small containers in the refrigerator (1-2 weeks) or freeze in ice cube trays

FAQ About Chicken Stock Concentrate

How much chicken stock concentrate should I use?

Generally, 1 teaspoon per cup of water, but start with less and adjust to taste.

Can I substitute concentrate for regular broth or stock?

Absolutely! Just reconstitute according to package directions or your preference.

Does chicken stock concentrate expire?

Store-bought varieties have long shelf lives (up to 2 years refrigerated for Better Than Bouillon). Homemade versions last 1-2 weeks refrigerated or several months frozen.

Is chicken stock concentrate gluten-free?

Depends on the brand – always check labels if you have dietary restrictions.

Is chicken stock concentrate vegetarian or vegan?

No, chicken stock concentrate contains chicken. However, there are vegetable-based alternatives available.

Where can I buy chicken stock concentrate?

Most grocery stores carry it in the soup aisle near other bouillon products. Better Than Bouillon is widely available and highly recommended.

The Bottom Line

Chicken stock concentrate is one of those “secret weapon” ingredients that professional chefs and smart home cooks rely on. It delivers incredible flavor, saves money, reduces waste, and takes up minimal space in your kitchen.

While I’ll always appreciate homemade stock (it truly is “an elixir from the gods” as one cooking expert put it), I find that having a good-quality concentrate on hand means I never have to compromise on flavor, even when I’m short on time or ingredients.

Have you tried using chicken stock concentrate in your cooking? If not, grab a jar next time you’re at the store – your soups, sauces, and taste buds will thank you!