Differences between chicken stock, chicken bouillon, and chicken soup base

From homemade chicken noodle soup to delicious skillet meals, chicken stock, chicken bouillon, and chicken base are all essential to producing that homemade taste, but with less time and effort. However, many cooks are confused as to the differences and similarities between these three essential ingredients. So let me do my best to unconfuse you.

Chicken Stock

Chicken stock is primarily made from whole chickens, veggies (like carrots, onions, and celery), and seasonings such as kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper, and tons of fresh garlic. Chicken stock is the foundation for so many recipes: soups, stews, sauces, and even casseroles. Although you can certainly purchase a good-quality chicken stock from the grocery store, making it in your own kitchen is much more cost-effective and produces a stock with a deeper, richer flavor than the canned varieties.

• When I make chicken stock at home, I place all of my chicken pieces in a large pot with some veggies like carrots, celery, and onions. I add enough water to cover the chicken completely. Then I simmer this for a few hours – I never try to boil the mixture.

Chicken Bouillon

Basically, a bouillon cube is chicken, beef, or vegetable stock that has been dehydrated and shaped into a small cube. It is used to flavor soups and stews by dissolving the cubes in boiling liquid. However, bouillon cubes can be extremely salty, so if you want less salt select low-sodium varieties.

Chicken Soup Base

Chicken Base (Also Known as Chicken Soup Base)
Having a deep and rich taste, the chicken base is just a highly concentrated stock used for soups, stews, sauces, and casseroles. You can find the chicken base (sometimes labeled chicken soup base) in powder or cube form in your grocery store. It is typically sold right next to the chicken bouillon cubes. One of the most popular brands is called Better Than Boullion. Or, you can make your own and all you have to do is take some out of your freezer whenever you need it. Chicken base takes a lot more time to make than chicken stock, but the rich results more than make up for the longer cooking time.

• To Make a Chicken Base – Begin with the basic ingredients used in making a stock (whole chicken, onions, celery, carrots, garlic, water, salt, and pepper). Let everything simmer for a few hours until the liquid is much reduced and the veggies have dissolved into the rich sauce. You may want to strain before freezing or using.

Why Chicken Base is better to use Than Chicken Stock

Because chicken base is simmered much longer than stock, the flavors meld more and become much richer. There is even a difference in color. Chicken base is usually darker, much like a beef broth, while stock is pale and has a thinner consistency. Chicken base is best used when making sauces, skillet dinners, or stews. And, because chicken base has so much more flavor, and is a bit thicker than stock, its versatility far outdoes its thinner cousin.

• Though subtle, the differences between chicken base, bouillon and stock really show how each can be used in different recipes, and even how chicken base is better to use than its thinner relative, chicken stock. Also, making your own base, stock or bouillon is more cost-effective and flavorful than store-bought varieties.

A Few Ways to Use Your Homemade Chicken Base

(Note: if the copykat recipe says chicken stock or bouillon, swapping it out for chicken base will give you a tastier dish. I’ve been switching to chicken base more and more.)

• Chicken Gravy – Learn how to make it.
• Chicken and Dumplings
• Meaty soups like
• Vegetable soups, e.g., Baked Potato Soup
• Hearty Stews such as Vegetable Beef Stew
• Chicken Casseroles
• Ethnic Dishes like

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