Chicken bouillon powder is one of those quiet kitchen staples that makes everything taste better—from soups and stews to rice, vegetables, and even popcorn.
But commercial bouillon products often come with additives, high sodium, MSG, and hard-to-pronounce ingredients. This homemade chicken bouillon powder recipe gives you all the flavor and versatility of store-bought versions with none of the mystery.
With just a blender or spice grinder and a few common pantry ingredients, you can make a rich, golden seasoning blend that’s full of umami, shelf-stable, and customizable.
Whether you’re keeping things clean for your family’s meals or just want a flavor boost that’s always on hand, this recipe is worth adding to your homemade spice rack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken bouillon powder is savory, satisfying, and packed with real flavor—without relying on artificial ingredients or excessive salt. It’s also completely dry and shelf-stable, so you can keep it in your pantry for months and use it on the fly.
The best part? It’s multi-purpose. Use it as a base for homemade broth, stir it into pasta water or rice, mix into mashed potatoes, sprinkle over roasted vegetables, or blend it into rubs and marinades. It’s also kid-friendly and easy to adjust for sodium or special dietary needs.
What You’ll Need
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast (adds umami and richness)
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried turmeric (for color and subtle warmth)
- ½ teaspoon celery seed (or ground celery seed)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground sage
- Optional: 1 teaspoon ground chicken bouillon (if not avoiding MSG)
Pro Tips
- Nutritional yeast is key for deep, savory flavor—don’t skip it.
- Grind it fine so it dissolves easily in water or food.
- Adjust salt to your taste or use a salt substitute if needed.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness.
- Double the batch—it keeps for months and you’ll use it constantly!
Tools You’ll Need
- Spice grinder or high-speed blender
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small bowl
- Airtight jar or spice shaker
- Funnel (optional for transferring to jar)
Substitutions and Variations
- No nutritional yeast? Try mushroom powder for umami, or finely ground dried mushrooms.
- Lower sodium: Use less salt or a salt-free salt substitute.
- Herb-free version: Stick to onion, garlic, turmeric, and salt for a simpler mix.
- Add heat: Add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Vegan “chicken” version: Skip actual bouillon and focus on herbs, yeast, and turmeric.
Make Ahead Tips
- Lasts up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dry, airtight container.
- Keep a small jar handy near your stove, and refill from a larger batch.
- Pre-measure for recipes: Keep 1 tablespoon scoops in a prep container for quick use.
How to Make Chicken Bouillon Powder
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients
In a bowl, mix nutritional yeast, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, basil, parsley, turmeric, celery seed, pepper, and sage.
Step 2: Blend or Grind
Transfer mixture to a spice grinder or high-speed blender. Pulse until the mixture becomes a fine, even powder.
Step 3: Store in a Jar
Pour the powder into a clean, dry airtight jar using a funnel if needed. Label and store in a cool, dark pantry cabinet.
Step 4: Use as Needed
Use 1 tablespoon of powder per 1 cup of water for broth. Or sprinkle over rice, vegetables, soups, or pasta while cooking.
Leftovers and Storage
- Shelf life: Up to 6 months in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot.
- Avoid moisture: Never store near the stove or fridge.
- Re-blend if clumpy: Pulse again to refresh texture if needed.
- Label your jar with the date to track freshness.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use this as a replacement for bouillon cubes?
Yes! Use 1 tablespoon of this powder in place of 1 cube in any recipe that calls for chicken bouillon.
2. Is this vegan or vegetarian?
Yes—this version contains no animal products, though it tastes like chicken seasoning due to the herbs and nutritional yeast.
3. Can I add real dried chicken powder?
Yes, if you’re not avoiding meat or MSG, you can mix in 1–2 teaspoons of powdered bouillon or dehydrated chicken base.
4. Is this safe for kids or toddlers?
Absolutely! You can reduce the salt and skip spicy ingredients to make it more family-friendly.
Pure Flavor, No Mystery
This homemade chicken bouillon powder is a pantry MVP. It brings deep, comforting flavor to anything you cook—and you’ll feel great knowing exactly what’s in it. It’s fast, frugal, and fun to make in batches to share or gift.
Whether you’re seasoning soup, cooking rice, or whipping up a weeknight meal, this blend adds the perfect savory boost. Try it out and drop a comment to let me know how you used it—or how you made it your own!