Okay, so, you know how sometimes you just *need* that little something extra to jazz up a soup or sauce? And sometimes, actually *making* the broth from scratch feels like a whole day’s project? Well, I totally get it! That’s why I’m obsessed with Chicken Broth Ice Cubes! Yep, it sounds simple, and it is! But trust me, it’s a total game-changer.
I started making these a few years back because I was tired of throwing away leftover broth. Such a waste! Now, whenever I have extra, I freeze it. Honestly, these little cubes are the easiest way to have amazing flavor on hand. They’re perfect for adding a boost to almost anything, and the best part? They take like, two seconds to prep. Seriously, if you’re looking for a simple kitchen hack that makes a HUGE difference, this is it.
Why Make Your Own Chicken Broth Ice Cubes?
Okay, so, let’s talk about why these little cubes are my secret weapon! First off, you’re totally in control of what goes in them. I always grab low-sodium chicken broth, so I can control the salt. You know, for health reasons! 😉 Plus, it’s way cheaper than buying those little cartons of broth all the time.
And then, there’s the waste factor. Seriously, how many times have you opened a carton of broth and only used half? This eliminates that! And finally, the convenience! They’re so quick to grab when you need a flavor boost. It’s a win-win-win, I tell ya!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Broth Ice Cubes
Honestly, you won’t believe how easy this is! You literally only need one thing. Yep, that’s right…
You need chicken broth!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Broth Ice Cubes
Alright, so here’s the *super* top-secret, incredibly complex process of making chicken broth ice cubes! I promise, you don’t need a culinary degree for this one. Even if you’re like me (a slightly chaotic home cook!), you can totally nail this.
Step 1: Pouring the Broth
First up, grab your favorite ice cube tray. I usually use the classic square ones, but honestly, any shape works! Carefully pour your chicken broth into each little compartment. Don’t worry about being too precise; just fill ’em up, leaving a tiny bit of space at the top since things expand when they freeze. Careful, it splatters!
Step 2: Freezing the Broth
Next comes the easy part! Pop that tray of chicken broth into your freezer. You’ll want to leave it in there until the broth is completely frozen solid. This usually takes a few hours, maybe four or five, but honestly, I often just leave it overnight. That way, it’s ready and waiting whenever I need it.
Step 3: Storing Your Chicken Broth Ice Cubes
Once your chicken broth cubes are rock solid, it’s time to get them out of the tray. I usually wiggle the tray a bit or run the back under some warm water for a sec to loosen them – careful not to melt them! Then, I pop all those little flavor bombs into a freezer bag or airtight container. Label it, of course! Then, just toss the bag back in the freezer until you are ready to make a dish.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Broth Ice Cubes
Okay, so, to make sure your chicken broth ice cubes are the *best* ever, here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way! First off, quality matters, even for something this simple! Start with good-quality chicken broth. I usually go for low-sodium so I can control the salt level when I cook. Trust me, it makes a big difference in the final flavor!
Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ice cube tray sizes! Sometimes, you might want more broth, sometimes less. Those little mini-cube trays are great for adding just a touch of flavor. And here’s the biggest tip: after the cubes are frozen solid, get them into a freezer bag ASAP. This stops them from getting freezer burn, which can mess with the flavor. No one wants bland ice cubes!
Ways to Use Your Homemade Chicken Broth Ice Cubes
Okay, so now that you’ve got a freezer full of these little flavor bombs, the possibilities are endless! I literally toss these chicken broth ice cubes into *everything*! Soups and stews are a no-brainer, of course. They’re amazing in stuff like my Chicken Enchilada Soup, adding an extra layer of richness.
But get this: I also sneak them into sauces. Think gravy, pan sauces, anything that needs a little umami boost. And you can even use them when cooking grains! Adding a cube or two of chicken broth when you cook your rice totally elevates the flavor. Trust me, it’s a game-changer! Recently, I made Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice and used a few, and it was the best version yet!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, so, let’s talk about the broth itself! Obviously, for chicken broth ice cubes, you need…well, chicken broth! But here’s the thing: you can totally customize this to your liking. Don’t dig chicken? No biggie. Vegetable broth works just as well. I’ve even used beef broth when I’m feeling fancy!
And when it comes to flavor, feel free to experiment! Like, if you are looking to make it taste fresher, add a few herbs to your broth. A bay leaf or a sprig of thyme before freezing can seriously kick up the flavor. Ooh, or if you’re feeling a little spicy, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got your precious chicken broth ice cubes – now what? Storing them is super easy! Just pop those little flavor gems into a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure you squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn (yuck!). Then, into the freezer they go! They’ll keep their flavor for about 2–3 months, but honestly, I never have mine last that long!
When you’re ready to use them, you have a couple of options. For soups or stews, you can just toss the chicken broth ice cubes straight in! For sauces or smaller dishes, you can thaw them in the fridge overnight or quickly in the microwave. Just be careful, they can get hot fast, so keep an eye on ’em!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Chicken Broth Ice Cubes
Okay, so, because I’m not a scientist (I’m a cook!), this is just an estimate, okay?
But, generally, expect each cube to be roughly around 10 calories! And with basically zero fat, a gram of protein, and a gram of carbs. Sodium varies with the broth! This is why I use low sodium.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Broth Ice Cubes
I know, I know, even such a simple thing as chicken broth ice cubes can bring up questions! So, let’s get those answered upfront, so you can start freezing and forget all about it!
Can I use any kind of chicken broth?
Yep! Go wild! If you like the flavor of your broth then use it! I swear by low-sodium broth because that lets *you* control the salt. Plus, you can use any kind of broth. You can use homemade broth, store-bought, whatever floats your boat! Just make sure it’s your kind of delicious! But, yes…you can literally use *any* chicken broth.
How long do chicken broth ice cubes last?
Honestly, they don’t last long in my freezer, because I use them all the time! But, if you store them in an airtight container (like a freezer bag with the air squeezed out), they’ll stay good for about 2–3 months. But seriously, best if used sooner to get the best flavor!
Do I have to use an ice cube tray?
Well, yeah, unless you have some other way to freeze broth into little cubes! 😉 Seriously though, ice cube trays are the easiest. But hey, if you want bigger cubes, or smaller, or even some fun shapes, go for it! Silicon molds work great. You could even use those little disposable muffin cups. Get creative!
Ready to Freeze? Try These Recipes!
Okay, so now that you’re a chicken broth ice cubes pro, what else can you freeze to save time and effort? Honestly, almost anything! But here are a few ideas to get you started! If you love that creamy chicken in rice, definitely try making my Creamy Baked Asiago Chicken. It is good for freezing!
You can even double or triple a recipe and freeze the leftovers for busy weeknights! So start prepping and freezing!
Print
Chicken Broth Ice Cubes
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: Varies
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make your own chicken broth ice cubes for easy use.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Pour chicken broth into an ice cube tray.
- Freeze until solid.
- Pop out the cubes and store in a freezer bag.
Notes
- Use these cubes in soups, stews, or sauces.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
