To substitute chicken stock concentrate, you can primarily use regular chicken stock or broth, or create a similar concentrate using bouillon cubes.
When a recipe calls for chicken stock concentrate, it usually requires a more intense chicken flavor than standard liquid stock provides. However, several common kitchen ingredients can serve as effective substitutes.
Common Substitutes for Chicken Stock Concentrate
The most straightforward substitutes are readily available chicken products you might already have.
Regular Chicken Stock or Broth
- How to Use: Use regular chicken stock or broth in place of the concentrate.
- Adjustment: You might need to reduce the amount of other liquids in your recipe to compensate for the extra liquid from the stock/broth, depending on the desired consistency. For a more concentrated flavor, you could gently simmer the regular stock to reduce it, though this takes time.
Bouillon Cubes or Granules
- How to Use: Bouillon cubes or granules are designed to create stock when dissolved in water. You can use them to make a liquid stock substitute or create a more concentrated flavor profile.
- Reference Insight: According to the reference, bouillon cubes and add as much water as you want to make them 'concentrated'. This means you can dissolve bouillon cubes in less water than typically recommended on the packaging to create a liquid that's closer in intensity to a concentrate.
- Example: If a recipe asks for 1 tablespoon of concentrate, you might dissolve half or one full bouillon cube in just a few tablespoons of hot water to create a potent liquid. Taste and adjust based on the desired intensity.
Choosing the Right Substitute
Consider the nature of your recipe when choosing a substitute.
- For liquid-heavy dishes (soups, stews): Regular stock/broth is often suitable, possibly with a slight reduction or adjustment to other liquids.
- For sauces, gravies, or dishes requiring intense flavor with minimal liquid: Using bouillon cubes dissolved in a very small amount of water is an excellent way to replicate the concentrate's effect.
| Substitute | Description | How to Adjust |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Chicken Stock/Broth | Pre-made liquid stock | May need to reduce other liquids or simmer to concentrate. |
| Bouillon Cubes/Granules | Dehydrated base to make stock | Dissolve in less water than recommended to create a concentrated liquid. |
Using these common substitutes allows you to achieve a similar chicken flavor in your cooking even when chicken stock concentrate isn't available.
