How to Make Clean, Homemade Chicken Bouillon Powder
A flavorful pantry staple—no MSG, no mystery ingredients, just real food.
If you’ve ever flipped over a box of bouillon cubes or powder and cringed at the ingredient list—things like MSG, corn syrup solids, “natural flavors,” and anti-caking agents—you’re not alone.
That’s what inspired me to create this clean, homemade version for you—so you can enjoy the comforting flavor of chicken broth without all the junk that usually comes with it.
This savory powder blends up in minutes, keeps well in the pantry, and replaces store-bought bouillon in soups, stews, rice, and more. It’s also easily customizable—whether you want full flavor or a low-sodium option that still tastes amazing.
🚫 What’s
Really
in Store-Bought Bouillon?
Most commercial bouillon products are filled with synthetic additives and flavor enhancers. Here’s what you’ll often find:
Salt – Almost always the #1 ingredient
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – Artificial flavor enhancer linked to headaches and sensitivities
Corn Starch – Cheap thickener, usually from GMO corn
Sugar – Common in many bouillon blends
Hydrolyzed Corn Protein & Yeast Extract – Processed glutamate compounds
Natural Flavors – Vague, unregulated, and often allergenic
Maltodextrin – A filler that spikes blood sugar
Disodium Inosinate & Guanylate – Synthetic flavor boosters that work with MSG
Citric Acid – Often lab-derived from black mold
Artificial Colors (Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Annatto) – Used to mimic richness
And sodium? Most commercial bouillons pack 900–1,100 mg per cup of broth. That’s nearly half your recommended daily limit—just in your soup base.
Why This Homemade Version Is Better
Made with real herbs, spices, and nutritional yeast
Free from MSG, sugar, starches, and preservatives
Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
Flexible sodium levels to suit your needs
One small jar = multiple cups of clean, flavorful broth
The Salt Matters: Why I Use Redmond Real Salt (And Avoid the Rest)
Salt is one of the key ingredients in any bouillon powder—but not all salt is created equal.
Most store-bought bouillon products use highly refined table salt or industrial-grade salt blends. These are typically:
99.9% sodium chloride (stripped of minerals)
Treated with anti-caking agents like sodium aluminosilicate
Sometimes bleached or chemically processed
Completely void of the trace minerals your body actually needs
This type of salt can be harsh on the body—especially when consumed in high amounts, like the 900–1,100 mg of sodium per cup found in many commercial bouillons.
What I Use Instead:
I use Redmond Real Salt in all of my spice blends. It’s:
Unrefined and mineral-rich, straight from ancient sea beds in Utah
Naturally contains over 60 trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron
Free from anti-caking agents, added iodine, or chemical processing
Milder and more flavorful than industrial table salt
Not only does it taste better, but I find I use less of it while still getting that perfect savory punch. When you’re making your own bouillon or seasoning blends, choosing a real, natural salt is one of the most important steps you can take to keep it clean.
DIY Chicken Bouillon Powder
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp celery seed (or 1 tbsp dried celery flakes)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp black or white pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1-2 tsp Redmond Real Salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a spice grinder, small food processor, or blender.Blend or pulse until finely ground and uniform in texture.Store in a glass jar or airtight spice container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
To Use:
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder = flavors 1 cup hot waterAdd directly to soups, rice, sauces, veggies, or anywhere you’d use broth or bouillon cubes
Ingredient Note: Choose a Real Salt
- When making your own spice blends, the type of salt you use matters. I always reach for Redmond Real Salt—an unrefined, mineral-rich sea salt that’s harvested from ancient sea beds in Utah. Unlike processed table salt, it contains natural trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium—and no anti-caking agents or added chemicals.Not only is it a cleaner option, but many people find they need less of it to get the same level of flavor. It’s a smart upgrade in any homemade seasoning blend