When it comes to elevating the flavor of your dishes, a good bouillon is a kitchen essential. Traditional chicken bouillon often contains animal products, which makes it unsuitable for vegans and those looking to reduce their animal product consumption.
But fear not! This vegan chicken bouillon recipe offers a delicious, plant-based alternative that captures all the savory, rich, and comforting notes of classic chicken bouillon — without any animal ingredients.
Making your own vegan chicken bouillon at home is not only easy but also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring it’s free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile.
Use it to enhance soups, stews, sauces, and even your favorite rice or grain dishes. This recipe combines nutrient-rich vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a robust flavor profile that will have you wondering why you ever bought store-bought bouillon cubes again!
If you’re passionate about cooking delicious, wholesome vegan meals, you might also enjoy our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade.
Let’s dive right into crafting your very own vegan chicken bouillon!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan chicken bouillon recipe is a game-changer in the kitchen. Unlike commercial bouillon cubes that can be loaded with artificial ingredients and excess salt, this homemade blend is fresh, natural, and packed with flavor.
It’s perfect for anyone following a vegan or plant-based diet but craving that classic chicken broth taste.
Customizable to your liking, it can be made as a powder or paste, depending on your storage preferences and usage. It’s also extremely versatile, lending depth to everything from soups and stews to stir-fries and grain dishes.
Best of all, it’s cost-effective and free from unwanted additives, making it a healthier choice for you and your family.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just starting your plant-based journey, this recipe will become a staple in your pantry. Plus, it pairs beautifully with other vegan recipes like the Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor and the Veganomicon Recipes Online: Best Dishes to Try Today.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Dehydrated onion flakes | 1/2 cup | Base flavor, sweetness |
Dehydrated garlic flakes | 1/4 cup | Depth and aroma |
Powdered nutritional yeast | 1/3 cup | Umami and “cheesy” flavor |
Vegetable bouillon powder (vegan) | 1/4 cup | Additional vegetable flavor boost |
Dried parsley | 2 tbsp | Fresh herbal notes |
Dried thyme | 1 tbsp | Earthy depth |
Dried sage | 1 tsp | Warmth and herbal complexity |
Turmeric powder | 1 tsp | Color and subtle earthiness |
Paprika (smoked or sweet) | 1 tsp | Smoky undertones |
Ground black pepper | 1/2 tsp | Spice and balance |
Salt | 1 tbsp (adjust to taste) | Enhances all flavors |
Ground celery seed | 1/2 tsp | Subtle vegetal notes |
Equipment
- Food processor or high-speed blender – to finely grind and blend ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise measurements
- Airtight container or jar – for storing your bouillon
- Mixing bowl – to combine ingredients if not using a food processor
- Fine mesh strainer (optional) – for sifting if you want a finer powder
Instructions
- Prepare all your dried ingredients. Make sure your dehydrated onion and garlic flakes are dry and fresh. If you want a finer texture, you can pulse them in your food processor before starting.
- Add all the ingredients to the food processor or blender. Combine the dehydrated onion flakes, garlic flakes, nutritional yeast, vegetable bouillon powder, dried parsley, thyme, sage, turmeric, paprika, black pepper, salt, and celery seed.
- Pulse the mixture until it forms a fine, consistent powder. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds depending on your machine. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure even blending.
- Check the texture and flavor. Taste a tiny pinch and adjust salt or spices as needed. If the mixture is too coarse, pulse a few more times.
- Transfer the bouillon powder to an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. It will keep fresh for up to 3 months.
- To use your vegan chicken bouillon, dissolve 1 tablespoon of the powder in 1 cup of hot water. Stir well and use in soups, stews, or sauces as you would traditional chicken broth.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For a bouillon paste version, blend the dry ingredients with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of water until it forms a thick paste. Store in the fridge and use a teaspoon per cup of hot water.
If you prefer a less salty option, start with 2 teaspoons of salt and adjust after tasting the broth. You can also add dried mushrooms for an extra umami punch or a pinch of smoked sea salt for more depth.
For those who love a little heat, including a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes can add a subtle kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Want to incorporate fresh herbs? Feel free to add finely minced fresh parsley or thyme when making broth for a bright herbal note.
Just remember to add fresh herbs after cooking to preserve their flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 tbsp powder) |
---|---|
Calories | 20 kcal |
Protein | 2 g |
Fat | 0.2 g |
Carbohydrates | 3 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sodium | 400 mg (variable based on salt added) |
Vitamin B12 (from nutritional yeast) | 2.4 mcg (100% DV) |
This bouillon powder is low in calories but rich in umami flavor, largely thanks to the nutritional yeast, which also provides a good source of Vitamin B12 – essential for those on a vegan diet.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan chicken bouillon is incredibly versatile! Use it to make a warm, comforting broth for your favorite soups or stews.
It works beautifully in recipes that call for chicken broth, such as vegetable noodle soup, rice pilaf, or creamy vegan risottos.
Try it in a quick stir-fry sauce to add that savory depth or mix it into mashed potatoes for an extra flavor boost. It’s also fantastic when dissolved into hot water as a quick sipping broth on chilly days.
For inspiration on how to use this bouillon in creative vegan dishes, check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious. You’ll find plenty of ideas to make the most of your homemade bouillon!
Conclusion
Crafting your own vegan chicken bouillon is a wonderful way to add rich, savory flavor to your kitchen repertoire while keeping your dishes plant-based and wholesome. This recipe is simple, adaptable, and brings out the best in your meals without relying on animal products or artificial additives.
By using a blend of dried vegetables, herbs, and nutritional yeast, you’ll enjoy a bouillon that’s nutritious, flavorful, and affordable. Plus, it’s a great pantry staple that enhances everyday cooking — from hearty stews to light sauces.
Give this recipe a try, and you might find yourself reaching for your homemade vegan chicken bouillon more often than store-bought versions. For more delicious vegan recipes and kitchen inspiration, explore our collection including the Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor and the Veganomicon Recipes Online: Best Dishes to Try Today.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chicken Bouillon Recipe
Description: A flavorful vegan bouillon powder that mimics chicken broth taste, perfect for soups and stews. Easy to make and stores well for future use.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 1 cup bouillon powder
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor or spice grinder.
- Pulse until finely ground and well mixed.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Use 1 tablespoon per cup of water as broth substitute.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
Nutrition: Calories: 15 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Carbs: 3g
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