Chicken Stock Concentrate Substitute [2023 Updated]

Looking for the perfect way to incorporate mouthwatering chicken flavors in any dish? You should consider adding chicken stock concentrate in your recipe. A little goes a long way!

However, chicken stock concentrate may not always be available in the kitchen. If that’s the case, then you should consider a chicken stock concentrate. Read on and we’ll let you know some of the top options that are worth considering.

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What is Chicken Stock Concentrate?

In a nutshell, chicken stock concentrate is a super-reduction of chicken broth or stock. It has an intense flavor, so you will not need a lot to replicate the flavors of real chicken. All that you need is to mix the concentrate with water, and you can use it like a regular stock or broth.

While the flavor of home-made chicken broth is unbeatable, when it isn’t available, chicken stock concentrate does the job. Flavor-wise, it has chicken and salt, as well as sugar and fat. On its own, the flavor is overpowering, so proper dilution is a must.

One of the best things about chicken broth concentrate is the convenience that it offers. It also has a small footprint while packing a punch with flavor. Plus, it is versatile since there are many ways to use it.

The Ultimate Guide To Making Amazing Chicken Stock

The Best Chicken Stock Concentrate Substitutes – Top 6 Options

Do not fret if chicken broth concentrate is nowhere to be found. Here is a quick rundown of the substitutes that you might want to look at.

1. Chicken Stock

The most obvious substitute is chicken stock. The two are almost the same, with the most significant difference being that the concentrate is a super reduction. The concentrate has a stronger flavor, which means that you will need to use more chicken stock.

You have the option to buy ready-made chicken stock, which is available in the grocery. Alternatively, you can also make one at home. Boil chicken for a few hours and strain. When boiling, make sure to keep the heat low. You can refrigerate chicken stock up to six months.

A common problem about using chicken stock is that it might end up too watery. This is because you will need a lot to have the same flavor as the concentrate. You might want to add a thickener if necessary, such as cornstarch.

How to make Chicken Stock~With Chef Frank

2. Vegetable Stock

If you are a vegetarian or if chicken is unavailable in your kitchen, then you can use vegetable stock as a substitute for chicken stock concentrate. It might not have the same meaty goodness, but it can be equally flavorful.

The key to making a delicious vegetable stock is to pick the right ingredients. Your goal is to recreate the same pronounced taste as you will find in chicken stock concentrate.

For a DIY vegetable stock concentrate, some of the best ingredients to use include celery sticks, carrots, zucchini, leek, brown onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, dried rosemary, parsley, and Himalayan salt. Add lots of herbs and spices to pack more flavors.

How To Make Vegetable Stock At Home | Quick & Easy Recipe By Smita Deo | Basic Cooking

3. Gravy Granules

As the name implies, gravy granules are dried grains that you will use for making instant gravy. All that you will need to do is to mix it with boiling or hot water, making it a convenient way of preparing thick, rich, and creamy gravy.

Especially if you are preparing savory and salty dishes, gravy granules will do the job. Take note, however, that it contains thickening agents. If you want it to be thinner, then you will need to add more water in your recipe.

Goldenfry original beef gravy granules demonstration made in Yorkshire

4. Bone Broth

Another flavorful substitute for chicken stock concentrate is bone broth. You can make it yourself by boiling animal bones and connective tissues. The longer you boil them, the more flavorful your bone broth will be.

This chicken stock concentrate has many benefits beyond its flavor. It is also known for its astounding health benefits. It has magnesium, calcium, potassium, and Vitamin A, among others. The specific vitamins and minerals depend on the bones you will use.

Speaking of its nutritional benefits, bone broth is also known for being good for your digestive system. It has gelatin, which can bind with water in your digestive tract. It can also fight inflammation and improve your joints.

Binging with Babish: Bone Broth from The Mandalorian

5. Beer

This one might sound weird, but beer will also make a great substitute when chicken stock broth is unavailable. It is especially a good choice if you are making stews, soups, and sauces. Using beer as a substitute will add flavor and depth to any dish.

Another good thing about beer is that it makes flavors more complex without adding saltiness. It is a great alternative if you want your dish to be not as salty as it is when using chicken stock concentrate.

How is Beer Made?

6. Wine

Like beer, wine is another alcoholic drink that will make a great pick when you do not have chicken stock concentrate in the kitchen. You can use either white or red wine, depending on the dish that you are preparing.

The problem when using wine is that it is too liquid. It is not as thick and consistent as chicken stock concentrate. Hence, you might need to use a thickening agent, especially when preparing stews and sauces. Salt can also be required to enhance the flavor.

How Wine Is Made

DIY Chicken Stock Concentrate

If none of the above mentioned are available, you have another option – to make your own. It requires time and effort, but for purists who are looking for the best flavors, this DIY task is worth a try. Here’s a quick step-by-by-step guide in making chicken stock concentrate.

Toss chicken bones and onion in a large pot.
Add water to the pot, making sure that it is enough to cover the chicken bones.
Simmer the chicken bones in low heat. Cover the pot partially until the liquid is reduced to about two cups. Keep an eye while you wait, but this should take about six to eight hours. Make sure that it does not dry and burn.
Strain in a colander and remove the bones.
Strain one more time, but this time, you must do it in a fine mesh strainer to get rid of the smaller bones.
Store in the freezer. Consume in a month or two to enjoy the optimal flavor of your DIY chicken stock concentrate.

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