
Chicken bouillon is a staple in many kitchens and it works as a great substitute for conventional chicken stock.
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But do you know that chicken bouillon can exist in different forms, including granules and cubes?
In this article, let’s find out the benefits and drawbacks of each type and compare them side by side so that you can choose the one that you think is better to cook with.
What are chicken bouillon granules?
[amazon fields=”B0192CHW1Q” value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]First, we should know what chicken bouillon is.
Chicken bouillon is a result of dehydrating chicken stock.
That means the liquid is evaporated so that the rest is darker in color, bolder in flavor, and has a longer shelf life.
Chicken bouillon granules are chicken bouillon that has been dried and ground into very tiny particles (granulated form).
It usually comes in a jar or box from any grocery store in the world at a reasonable price.
Chicken bouillon granules can be used to add flavor and texture to your soup, stew, gravy, or sauce without adding any extra calories.
It is also easier to store chicken bouillon granules because the bouillon has been completely dried before reaching customers.
You only need to make sure that the container is closed tightly so that the granules cannot be exposed to the humidity from the air, then there is no need to keep them inside the fridge, but at room temperature instead.
What are chicken bouillon cubes?
[amazon fields=”B079GN1XM3″ value=”thumb” image=”1″ image_size=”large” image_align=”center”]Basically, there is no difference between chicken bouillon granules and chicken bouillon cubes, but their forms.
Chicken bouillon cubes are actually dried chicken bouillon that has been compressed into small cubes instead of powder.
Using chicken bouillon cubes is a great way to add flavor and depth to your dish without all the mess.
It is also easier for you to control how much salt goes into your food.
For example, if the recipe calls for two bouillon cubes, then take two cubes from the box.
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You don’t need to measure how much a tablespoon should be when it comes to chicken bouillon powder or granules.
They can come either as individual cubes or larger blocks which should be cut or crumbled into smaller pieces before use.
Just directly add the chicken bouillon cubes into your dish while cooking, but it is recommended to dissolve them with a bit of water before pouring the mixture into the dish to get rid of lumps.
What are the differences between chicken bouillon granules vs chicken bouillon cubes?
Chicken bouillon granules and chicken bouillon cubes are two forms of the same thing, chicken bouillon.
Therefore, they actually just differ in their forms, preparation, and their ease of use for some people.
Let’s get into detail to see how these two products distinguish from each other:
Chicken bouillon granules | Chicken bouillon cubes | |
Form | Ground into granulated form | Compressed into small cubes |
Preparation | Can be added directly to the dish | Should be dissolved in water before adding to the dish |
Ease of use | A bit harder because you should be familiar with how much a tablespoon of granules is (not too much or less) | Easier without any mess because you only need to take the number of cubes that the recipe calls for |
What are the similarities between chicken bouillon granules vs chicken bouillon cubes?
As already mentioned, chicken bouillon granules and chicken bouillon cubes are more similar than being different from each other.
Here are their typical similarities:
1. Chicken bouillon granules and chicken bouillon are basically dehydrated chicken stock
Therefore, you can make either chicken bouillon granules or cubes from chicken stock or chicken bouillon.
2. Chicken bouillon granules and chicken bouillon have the same nutritional content
Another similarity between chicken bouillon granules and chicken bouillon cubes is their nutrient value.
Both are rich sources of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, E, K, C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, but low in fat and calories.
3. Chicken bouillon granules can substitute for chicken bouillon and vice versa
Due to their similar taste, texture when cooked, and nutritional content, you can feel free to use chicken bouillon granules and chicken bouillon cubes interchangeably in every recipe, from soup to stew or gravy.
However, keep in mind that the quantity of each type might vary, so you better start with a bit fewer and give it a taste to make sure your dish is not too bland or salty when served.
Which one is better?
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After reading this article, you now know that chicken bouillon can exist in granules or cubes.
There are actually no differences between them basically, except for their forms.
Therefore, just opt for the type that you can find in your local grocery store.
Hopefully, our comparison has given you some insight into these two different forms of chicken bouillon, granules, and cubes, and helped guide your final decision.
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