If you're looking for a simple and convenient way to add more flavor to your soups, stews, and sauces, chicken stock cubes may be just what you need. With only 56 calories per 1 oz serving, they're also a low-calorie seasoning option.
Chicken stock cubes are made by dehydrating chicken broth and compressing it into a small, convenient cube. They usually contain salt, spices, and herbs to enhance the flavor. One typical chicken stock cube contains about 800 mg of sodium, so people following a low-sodium diet should use them sparingly.
In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value of chicken stock cubes, how to use them, and their potential benefits and drawbacks.
What Are Chicken Stock Cubes?
Chicken stock cubes are small cubes of dehydrated and compressed chicken broth that are used to flavor soups, stews, sauces, and other dishes. They're a convenient and economical alternative to making chicken broth from scratch, but keep in mind that they can be high in sodium. Most chicken stock cubes also contain spices, herbs, and sometimes small amounts of vegetables such as onion and celery. They're widely available in grocery stores and can be stored for a long time in a cool, dry place. Some people also use chicken stock cubes as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, and even grains like rice and quinoa.
How Are Chicken Stock Cubes Made?
Chicken stock cubes are made by simmering chicken bones, meat, and sometimes vegetables in water for several hours to extract the flavor and nutrients. The resulting broth is then strained and dehydrated to remove the water content. The dehydrated broth is then compressed into a small cube, along with other ingredients like salt, spices, and herbs. The cubes are wrapped in individual foil packets to keep them fresh. Keep in mind that some brands may use artificial flavors, preservatives, and MSG in their chicken stock cubes, so read the label carefully if you want to avoid these additives.
One typical 1 oz chicken stock cube contains the following nutrients: - calories: 56 - Sodium: 800 mg
Are Chicken Stock Cubes Healthy?
Chicken stock cubes can be a healthy choice if used in moderation, especially if you're watching your calories and sodium intake. They can add flavor to dishes without adding a lot of calories. However, because most chicken stock cubes are high in sodium, they may not be suitable for people with high blood pressure or other sodium-sensitive conditions. If you're trying to reduce your sodium intake, you may want to use low-sodium or no-salt-added chicken stock cubes, or even make your own chicken broth from scratch. Another potential concern with chicken stock cubes is that some brands may contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and MSG, which some people may want to avoid. If you're concerned about this, look for brands that use natural ingredients and avoid added MSG.
How to Use Chicken Stock Cubes?
Using chicken stock cubes is easy and convenient. Simply dissolve a cube in a cup of hot water and stir until it's fully dissolved. You can adjust the strength of the flavor by adding more or less water as needed. You can use chicken stock cubes to add flavor to soups, stews, sauces, casseroles, and other dishes. They can also be used as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, and grains. Keep in mind that chicken stock cubes are already seasoned with salt and spices, so you may not need to add additional salt or seasoning to your dishes if you're using them.
What Are the Benefits of Using Chicken Stock Cubes?
Using chicken stock cubes can have several benefits, including: - Saving time and effort: Chicken stock cubes are a quick and easy way to add flavor to your dishes without the time and effort of making chicken broth from scratch. - Economical: Chicken stock cubes are less expensive than ready-made chicken broth, and you can also control the strength of the flavor by adding more or less water.
How to Store Chicken Stock Cubes?
Chicken stock cubes can be stored for a long time in a cool, dry place. Keep them in their original foil packets or transfer them to an airtight container to keep them fresh. Avoid exposing them to moisture or heat, as this can cause them to clump and lose their flavor. If you notice any discoloration or off-odor, discard the cubes. Once you've dissolved a cube in water, use it immediately or refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Are There Any Alternatives to Chicken Stock Cubes?
If you don't have chicken stock cubes on hand, you can use other types of bouillon cubes or powdered broths, such as beef or vegetable bouillon. Keep in mind that these may have different flavors and nutrient profiles, so adjust your seasoning accordingly. Alternatively, you can make your own chicken broth from scratch by simmering chicken bones, meat, and vegetables in water for several hours. This will give you a flavorful and nutrient-rich broth that you can use for various recipes. You can also use chicken bones and meat to make a homemade bone broth, which is known for its health benefits for the gut, joints, and skin.
Can Chicken Stock Cubes Be Used for Vegetarians?
No, chicken stock cubes are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as they contain animal-based ingredients. However, there are vegetarian and vegan alternatives available, such as vegetable bouillon cubes, miso paste, or mushroom stock. Be sure to read the label carefully to make sure they don't contain any animal products if you follow a plant-based diet.
How Much Chicken Stock Cubes to Use per Serving?
The amount of chicken stock cubes you need per serving depends on your taste preferences and the recipe you're making. As a general rule, 1 chicken stock cube dissolved in 1 cup of hot water is enough to flavor 2-3 servings of soup or stew. If you're making a sauce or a casserole, you can adjust the amount of chicken stock cubes according to the volume of liquid you're using. Start with a small amount and add more if needed until you reach the desired flavor. Keep in mind that chicken stock cubes are already seasoned with salt and spices, so you may need to adjust your seasoning accordingly if you're using them in a recipe that calls for additional salt and spices.
5 FAQ About Chicken Stock Cubes
1. What are chicken stock cubes?
Chicken stock cubes are small, dehydrated cubes made from chicken stock that can be dissolved in hot water to create chicken broth. They are often used as a flavoring agent in soups, stews, sauces, and other dishes.
2. How many calories are in a chicken stock cube?
One oz (28 g) of chicken stock cubes contains 56 calories. This calorie count may vary depending on the brand and specific ingredients used to make the cubes.
3. Can chicken stock cubes be used as a substitute for chicken broth?
Yes, chicken stock cubes can be used as a substitute for chicken broth. They are a convenient and affordable way to add flavor to dishes that call for chicken broth.
4. Are chicken stock cubes healthy?
Chicken stock cubes contain a small amount of protein and some minerals, but they also tend to be high in sodium. As with any food, it's best to use chicken stock cubes in moderation and to balance them with other healthy ingredients.
5. How should chicken stock cubes be stored?
Chicken stock cubes should be stored in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or cupboard. They should be kept in an airtight container to prevent moisture or bugs from getting in. Once opened, chicken stock cubes should be used within a reasonable amount of time to ensure freshness.