The Limited $3.99 Trader Joe’s Find I’m Stocking Up on While It Lasts

Something I find difficult to admit is that I never make homemade chicken broth. It's not because I don't believe in the stuff; actually, it's quite the contrary. When I worked in professional kitchens, we made all kinds of stocks and broths from scratch, so I speak from experience when I say a homemade broth makes a huge difference.

But the hours of simmering, cooling, portioning, and finding room in the freezer are just not a realistic part of my weekly cooking routine. 

I often rely on store-bought broth for homemade soups, braises, and risotto. Those boxes of broth don't have the depth of flavor of a homemade broth, but they certainly get the job done.

The biggest problem I have with using store-bought broth is that I often end up throwing most of the box away after a couple of days. Luckily, Trader Joe's recently restocked its Chicken Broth Concentrate, and it's just in time for the upcoming holiday season.

Why I'm Stocking Up on Trader Joe's Chicken Broth Concentrate

The concentrate's uncomplicated ingredient list is free of the fillers and additives commonly found in other comparable products. TJ's really relies on the chicken itself for the broth's big, bold taste.

Each packet makes one cup of broth, making them ideal when you need a cup for a recipe. However, the box of 12 shelf-stable packets is extremely handy for more than just broth-making in a pinch. You can also add a punch of flavor to sauces, marinades, or even mashed potatoes by simply adding the contents of the little packet.

Stir one into the cooking liquid for grains like rice, farro, or quinoa, and you'll instantly deepen the flavor. I've even found they come in handy when reheating leftovers: a splash of diluted concentrate can revive a too-thick stew or pasta sauce, making it taste freshly made again. Think of them less as "broth packets" and more as portable, single-use seasoning bombs.

These small quantities of concentrate don't suffice when it comes to making large batches of broth, such as for chicken noodle soup. Where a jar of Better Than Bouillon is likely better suited for large quantities, these individual packets do wonders for everyday flavor enhancement or whenever you need a spare cup of broth.

I'm especially looking forward to getting my hands on this concentrate to ease my weeknight dinner load. Whether I'll use them for broth or just as an extra flavor boost, I can't wait to have them on hand. 

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