Demystifying Chicken Stock Concentrate: A Flavorful Kitchen Staple

Chicken stock concentrate has become an increasingly popular ingredient in many home kitchens. But what exactly is this handy kitchen staple? In this article, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about chicken stock concentrate, from how it’s made to its multitude of uses.

What is Chicken Stock Concentrate?

Chicken stock concentrate is a thick, highly concentrated form of chicken stock. It’s made by slowly simmering chicken bones, meat and vegetables like carrots celery, and onions in water for several hours. This long simmering draws out the flavors and collagen from the bones, resulting in a rich, flavorful liquid. The stock is then reduced significantly to remove excess water, concentrating the taste into a thick syrup-like liquid or paste.

The result is a very savory flavor bomb that has the essence of chicken in an easy-to-carry form. Making traditional chicken stock takes hours, but chicken stock concentrate gives home cooks strong chicken flavor with little work. It’s easy to see why this ingredient has become a pantry staple for both amateur and professional chefs.

How Chicken Stock Concentrate is Made

The production process for chicken stock concentrate varies between brands, but generally follows a similar method:

• Chicken bones, feet, wings, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions are simmered in water for 5-10 hours. This extracts collagen and flavors.

• The solids are strained out, leaving a rich chicken stock.

• The stock is then reduced considerably by simmering until it becomes a thick concentrate.

• Concentrates are packaged into jars, tubs, or packets. They may be pasteurized for longer shelf life.

Long simmering and reduction are important for making a concentrate with strong flavors. Even though making your own stock is better, this method lets companies make tasty stock in an easy-to-use form.

Common Forms of Chicken Stock Concentrate

Chicken stock concentrate is available in a few common forms:

• Liquid concentrates come in a jar or a tube that can be squeezed. They have a thick, syrupy texture.

• Paste concentrates – Also known as bases, these have a smooth, spreadable paste texture, sold in jars.

• For powdered concentrates, which come in the form of granules or cubes and need to be mixed with water, May contain more preservatives.

• Demi-glace – Thick, jellied reductions of veal/beef stock. Often used for rich sauces.

Liquid and paste concentrates tend to offer the most natural flavor with a velvety texture. Powdered forms provide convenience but may have more artificial additives.

How to Use Chicken Stock Concentrate

Chicken stock concentrates offer a world of flavor-enhancing possibilities. Here are some of the most popular ways to use this handy ingredient:

• Soups – Stir a spoonful into soup for an instant flavor boost.

• Risottos – Use as part of the cooking liquid for incredibly rich flavor.

• Sauces – Whisk into pan sauces, gravies, and glazes for luxurious taste.

• Stews & Braises – Mix into the braising liquid to impart meaty savoriness.

• Marinades & Brines – Add a few spoonfuls when marinating meats for a flavor infusion.

• Casseroles – Stir into the liquid element of casseroles and baked pasta dishes.

• Vegetables – Toss roasted veggies with a drizzle of concentrate for an umami kick.

Start with about 1 teaspoon concentrate per 1 cup of water. Adjust amounts to your taste preferences.

Benefits of Chicken Stock Concentrates

Beyond its incredible flavor, chicken stock concentrate provides other advantages that make it a smart choice for home cooks:

Convenience – No lengthy simmering required; ready to use in moments.

Portability – Jarred concentrates travel easily and store neatly.

Long shelf life – Keeps for up to 2 years when stored properly in the pantry or fridge.

Flavor control – Allows cooks to modulate flavor strength by adjusting dilution.

Versatility – Enhances a wide variety of savory dishes, from Asian cuisines to American classics.

Economical – More affordable ounce-for-ounce compared to boxed chicken broths.

With its bold flavor and ease of use, it’s easy to see why chicken stock concentrate is becoming a staple in home kitchens!

Tips for Use

Here are a few tips to use chicken stock concentrate most effectively:

• Dilute first – Avoid adding undiluted concentrate directly to dishes as it may lead to uneven flavor. Mix with water first.

• Start small – It’s easy to add more, so begin with 1/2 teaspoon per cup of water and adjust as desired.

• Add gradually – When making soups and stews, add concentrate a little at a time to build flavor layers.

• Watch salt – Many concentrates are salty, so season other dish elements carefully. Low-sodium varieties are available.

• Store properly – Keep chicken concentrate jars sealed and refrigerated after opening. Use within 4-6 weeks.

Making Your Own Chicken Stock Concentrate

For cooks who want total control over ingredients, it’s possible to make your own chicken stock concentrate:

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs chicken bones/carcass
• Vegetable scraps like onion ends, carrots, celery, garlic
• Fresh herbs of choice
• Water to cover

Method

1. Place all ingredients in a large pot and cover with water by 2 inches.
2. Simmer for 5-8 hours, skimming any foam that rises.
3. Strain the stock through a mesh sieve.
4. Return stock to pot and simmer until reduced by half or more.
5. Cool completely and then transfer to jars. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze.

Customizing your own chicken stock concentrate allows you to create flavors to suit your palate. However, store-bought varieties offer convenience for busy home cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between chicken stock concentrate and bouillon?

Bouillon contains chicken broth that has been dehydrated into cubes or powders. Chicken stock concentrate is made by reducing fresh stock for a from-scratch flavor.

Can you substitute concentrate for stock in recipes?

Yes, but dilute concentrate first with water according to package instructions to approximate the proper concentration for stock.

Do you need to refrigerate chicken stock concentrate after opening?

Once opened, it’s best to refrigerate chicken concentrate jars to preserve freshness. Many can last about 4-6 weeks refrigerated.

Can I freeze leftover chicken stock concentrate?

To freeze, portion concentrate into ice cube trays or small containers leaving headspace. Then cover and freeze up to 4 months.

Bring Flavor Home with Chicken Stock Concentrate

From elevating simple pan sauces to providing the base for rich stews, chicken stock concentrate is one of the most useful flavor-boosting ingredients any home cook can keep on hand. With its meaty savoriness and ease of use, chicken concentrate eliminates the work of simmering stock, allowing you to create deeply nourishing dishes on busy weeknights. Keep a jar in your refrigerator to lend a flavor punch whenever a recipe calls for next-level richness and taste.