Broth Vs Stock: Whats The Difference And How To Use Them

Do you, like several other people, assume chicken broth and chicken stock to be the same thing and end up using them interchangeably in your recipes? It’s true that broth and stock are similar but they are definitely not the same. Both broth and stock are used as a flavouring base for various recipes like soups, sauces, curries and more. But if you dig deeper and compare the two, there are noticeable differences between them in terms of flavour, colour, texture and even cooking style. Here we decode the glaring differences between the two to let you follow your recipes to the T.  
 

What Is The Difference Between Chicken Broth And Chicken Stock  

Both broth and stock are flavoured liquids obtained by simmering meat with or without veggies, herbs and seasonings. While chicken is most commonly used to make them, other meats can also be picked. The key differences between the both are: 
 

1. Difference In Ingredients:

While chicken broth is made by boiling the flesh of the chicken, chicken stock uses the bones. Vegetables can be added to both for extra flavours. Commonly, people add vegetables to the broth and not so much to stock, but it really is a personal choice.  

2. Cooking Time

Since meat cooks quickly, broth can be made in much less time, not more than an hour. In fact, after the meat is cooked, you should stop boiling it lest it overcooks and ruins the taste. Chicken stock, on the other hand, takes up a lot of time to extract the flavours from the bones, no less than 6 hours and up to 24 hours. 

3. Seasonings Used

Seasonings like salt, pepper and herbs are always added to broth but remain optional in the case of stock. However, stock has a richer flavour because of the collagen and gelatin that are released from the bones. 

4. Difference In Consistency

Due to the gelatin from bones and the long cooking process, stock is reduced to have a thicker consistency. Broth is watery with thin consistency. 

5. Difference In Uses

Both broth and stock are used as a cooking base for other recipes but only broth can be consumed as a meal on its own. People often consume warm chicken broth to get relief from cold and cough. 

(Also Read: Watch: How To Make Chicken Stock At Home, Easy Tips And Hacks)

What are Broth And Stock Really Used For: 

These liquids offer a flavourful base for cooking various recipes. Since broth is more liquid-y, it is preferred for soups, dumplings, pasta, gravies and stir-fried dishes. 

With its thick consistency, the stock is usually used as a base for dishes like sauces, stews, thick gravies, dips and pastes. 
 

Which Is Better (Or Healthier) – Stock Or Broth: 

Both broth and stock are healthy but stock offers more nutrients and collagen, marrow, amino acids and minerals that stem from the long process of extracting the juices of the bones. However, the stock also contains more fats, which makes the broth a better option for a weight-loss diet.  

Note: You can add vegetables and herbs to the broth to bring it to par with broth to match its nutritional quotient.  

(Also Read: How To Make Vegetarian Stock)

Can You Substitute Stock For Broth: 

Of course, you can; unless the recipe is specific to using the thicker stock and can ruin the consistency of the dish. Also, keep in mind that stock has less seasoning, so make sure to avoid adding too much salt and pepper in your broth if you are using it in place of stock. 

We hope that the next time you come across a recipe including chicken broth or stock, you’ll know exactly what to use.