Homemade Chicken Bouillon Powder: Make Your Soup Stock Last For Months

Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by Veronica Sparks

In the world of cooking from scratch, few things are as versatile and valuable as bouillon. This pantry staple not only elevates the flavor of your dishes but also lasts for a long time in your pantry. Today, we’ll show you how to transform your homemade soup stock into homemade chicken bouillon powder, ensuring it lasts for months without losing its delicious essence.

Benefits of Homemade Bouillon Powder

1. Uses Up Homemade Broth or Stock

One of the primary advantages of making your homemade bouillon powder is that it provides a perfect solution for utilizing your homemade broth or stock. Whether you’ve simmered a chicken carcass for hours or created a homemade vegetable stock from kitchen scraps, this bouillon powder recipe helps extend the shelf life of these stock recipes.

Instead of watching your precious stock go to waste, you can convert it into a convenient and flavorful powder.

2. Eliminating Chemicals and Artificial Flavorings

Commercial bouillon cubes and powders often contain a plethora of artificial additives, preservatives, and excessive sodium. By making your own homemade chicken bouillon powder, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring that your dishes are free from unwanted chemicals and artificial flavorings. This not only benefits a healthy, natural living lifestyle, but also enhances the overall quality of your cooking.

3. Cost-Effective

Another compelling reason to create your homemade bouillon powder is the cost savings. Purchasing pre-packaged bouillon products can add up over time, especially if you frequently use them in your recipes. Making your own allows you to save money while still enjoying the rich, savory flavors that bouillon imparts to your dishes.

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4. Versatile Ingredients

To embark on this homemade bouillon powder journey, you’ll need some key ingredients. While we’ll focus today on homemade chicken bouillon, you can adapt this recipe for various types of bouillon by adjusting the primary stock used. Here’s what you’ll need:

The Dehydrator Method

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Reduce Your Stock

1. Start by pouring your homemade chicken stock into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer.
2. Allow the stock to reduce by half to concentrate its flavor.
3. Optionally, add salt and aromatics to enhance the taste. Be cautious with salt, as you can always adjust it later.
4. Once reduced and seasoned to your liking, let the stock cool.

Load Up Your Dehydrator

1. Pour the cooled stock onto a dehydrator tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Set your dehydrator to the lowest temperature (usually around 135°F or 57°C) and let it run for 8-12 hours until the stock is completely dehydrated.
3. Check the stock periodically to ensure it’s drying evenly.
4. Once dried, remove the chicken bouillon sheet from the dehydrator and let it cool.

Powder It Up

1. Break the dried sheet into smaller pieces.
2. Place the pieces in a blender or food processor and pulse until you achieve a fine powder.
3. Store your homemade chicken bouillon powder in an airtight container.

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Using Your Oven

Getting Started

1. Begin by preheating your oven to the lowest possible temperature (usually around 170°F or 77°C).
2. Follow the steps to reduce your stock from the dehydrator method above.

Baking Your Reduced Stock

1. Pour the cooled stock onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
3. Leave the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
4. Let the stock dehydrate in the oven for 6-10 hours, or until it’s completely dried.
5. Check it occasionally to ensure even drying.
6. Once dried, remove the chicken bouillon sheet from the oven and let it cool.

Powder It Up

1. Break the dried sheet into smaller pieces.
2. Use a blender or food processor to grind the pieces into a fine powder.
3. Transfer your homemade chicken bouillon powder to an airtight container for storage.

How to Use Homemade Bouillon Powder

Now that you’ve successfully transformed your homemade chicken stock into bouillon powder, let’s explore some common dishes where this flavorful ingredient can shine:

1. Soups and Stews: Add a teaspoon or two of your homemade chicken bouillon powder to elevate the flavor of your homemade or store-bought soups and stews.
2. Rice and Grains: Incorporate the bouillon powder into the cooking liquid when making rice, quinoa, or other grains for a delightful savory twist.
3. Sauces and Gravies: Enhance the taste of your sauces and gravies by stirring in a small amount of bouillon powder.
4. Marinades and Rubs: Use the bouillon powder as a base for marinades or mix it with herbs and spices to create flavorful rubs for meats and vegetables.

How to Store Your Homemade Bouillon Powder

To ensure your homemade chicken bouillon powder stays fresh and flavorful for an extended period, consider the following storage options:

• Airtight Container: Store your bouillon powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark cupboard. Make sure the jar is properly sealed to prevent moisture from entering.
• Handheld Vacuum Sealer: For long-term storage, use a handheld vacuum sealer to remove oxygen from a mason jar before sealing it. This helps maintain the powder’s freshness and flavor.
• Mylar Bags: Alternatively, you can store your bouillon powder in mylar bags, which provide an additional layer of protection against moisture and light.

It’s essential to monitor the quality of your bouillon powder over time. If you notice any clumping, off odors, or a change in color, it may be a sign that it has gone bad and should be discarded.

How Long Does Homemade Bouillon Powder Keep?

When stored properly, homemade chicken bouillon powder can last for up to 6 months or even longer. However, its shelf life may vary depending on factors such as storage conditions and the freshness of the ingredients used. Regularly check for signs of spoilage and adjust your usage accordingly to make the most of this homemade pantry staple.

Ready To Bouillon?

Creating your homemade chicken bouillon powder is a rewarding culinary endeavor that not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also empowers you to take control of your ingredients. By using your homemade broth or stock, you’ll have a versatile and delicious seasoning ready to elevate your cooking to new heights.

Say goodbye to store-bought bouillon cubes and hello to the homemade goodness that is sure to impress your family and friends.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for homemade bouillon powder?

Absolutely! You can adapt this recipe to create vegetable bouillon powder by using homemade vegetable stock as the base.

Is it necessary to use a dehydrator or an oven, or are there other methods for making bouillon powder?

While a dehydrator or oven are the most common methods, you can also use a sun-drying method if you have the right conditions. Simply spread the reduced and seasoned stock thinly on a tray and leave it in direct sunlight for several days, bringing it in at night to avoid moisture accumulation.

Can I use bouillon powder in place of salt in my recipes?

Yes, you can use bouillon powder as a flavorful alternative to plain salt in your recipes. However, be mindful of the additional salt content in the bouillon powder, and adjust the overall salt levels in your dishes accordingly.

Will adding salt to my soup stock before dehydrating make the bouillon powder last longer?

No, adding salt to your soup stock before dehydrating won’t significantly extend the shelf life of the bouillon powder. Salt primarily acts as a flavor enhancer and preservative when used in larger quantities, such as in traditional curing or pickling processes. For long-term storage, it’s more important to ensure the bouillon powder is thoroughly dehydrated and stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture and humidity from affecting its longevity.