Chicken Broth Vs. Stock: What’s There To Know?

We are sure you have heard some of the hype surrounding broth as it seems to be everywhere these days! Known to many as the ‘fountain of youth’, broth has been around dating back to the prehistoric ages when our hunter-gatherer ancestors drank this soul-soothing liquid to keep warm. As society pushed forward, broth soon made its way to China where physicians prescribed it to their patients to help battle illnesses like the common cold and leaky gut! From there, this ‘miracle elixir’ took off and has been used all around the world to this day due to its amazing list of health benefits!

There are many different types of broth available on the market. The most common flavors are beef, pork, and turkey but the most popular broth is chicken. Chicken broth is as mouth-watering as it is nutritious packed full of body nourishing nutrients that your body needs to function at its best. If you are new to the broth scene, then you may have heard the term ‘stock’ and if you are unsure as to what it is, you might assume it is the same thing. We are here to tell you that although they may seem similar, they are different. Keep reading as we compare chicken stock to broth and tell you everything there is to know about the two!

Chicken Stock

Stock tends to be made from the bonier parts of the animal and is typically richer in flavor. It has played a huge role in cooking for many years and can be found in classic cuisines all around the globe. The goal of a good stock is to simmer the bones along with aromatics such as carrots, celery, and onions to extract the collagen. Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids found in the animal’s connective tissues and cartilage that breaks down into a gelatin when simmered.

A gelatin rich stock gels when it is cooled and will add thickness to anything that is made from it! Some of the dishes that use stock are:

• Stews
• Soup
• Chili
• Sauces
• Gravy

Chicken Broth

A traditional chicken broth is similar to stock but holds a few differences. It is made by simmering the meat of the animal rather than just the bones. It is cooked much longer than a stock converting it into an easy to digest liquid instead of a jell. One of the best ways to remember the difference between the two is that stocks tend to stay in the kitchen while broths may go on the table. This is because stocks are typically used as a thickening agent while broth can be served as is and sipped in a mug or bowl.

In the past, the term “broth” was only used to refer to meat-based liquids, however today, bone broth has become increasingly popular expanding the definition of broth.

What is bone broth?

Bone broth is made by simmering the animal bones, cartilage, connective tissues, ligaments, and joints in water for anywhere from 12 to 48 hours on the stovetop. Bone broth takes the longest to make because the goal is to extract all of the nutrients from the animal parts. Bone broth can be used for any type of cooking, but many enjoy sipping this warm delicious treat simply in a mug. Bone broth has a ton of health benefits such as:

• Supports gut health
• Boost immunity
• Aids healthy weight loss
• Supports cardiovascular system
• Promotes better sleep and cognitive function
• Promotes strong skin, hair, and nails

Although chicken broth and chicken stock may seem similar, they do have some differences. Stock is used to give body to dishes like stews and soups where broth can be enjoyed all on its own in an easy to sip mug. Chicken bone broth is oh-so-good and rich in nutrients. If you haven’t given it a try, then we highly recommend it – we know you will not regret it!