Vegan Chicken Bouillon Powder
Here's a simple, popular vegan "chicken" bouillon powder recipe that's fully plant-based, gluten-free (if using appropriate salt), and easy to make at home. It captures that savory, herby "chicken-like" flavor using nutritional yeast as the base, along with classic poultry-inspired seasonings.
This version is inspired by well-reviewed homemade recipes (like those from My Quiet Kitchen, Plant Power Couple, and similar sources), balanced for good umami and versatility.
Ingredients
- ½ cup about 40–50 g nutritional yeast (this gives the savory, cheesy-umami backbone)
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried sage or poultry seasoning if you have it
- 1 teaspoon celery seed ground or whole — ground is better for texture
- 1 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste; reduce or omit for low-sodium
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric for golden color
- ½ teaspoon black pepper optional, for a little kick
- Optional add-ins for extra flavor:
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram or rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for subtle smokiness
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a clean, dry jar, bowl, or small blender/food processor.
- Whisk or shake vigorously to combine evenly. If you want a finer, more uniform powder (especially if your nutritional yeast has bigger flakes), pulse it a few times in a blender or spice grinder — don't over-process into a paste.
- Store in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dry place. It keeps for 6–12 months (the flavors stay strong for at least 6 months).
Notes
For broth: Dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of powder in 1 cup (240 ml) of hot water. Stir well. Taste and adjust (more powder = stronger flavor).
As seasoning: Sprinkle directly into soups, stews, gravies, rice, roasted veggies, popcorn, or any recipe that calls for chicken bouillon or "no-chicken" base.
Equivalent: Roughly 1 tablespoon powder ≈ 1 standard bouillon cube in flavor strength. This mix is super versatile for vegan chicken noodle soup, pot pies, risottos, casseroles, or anywhere you'd use store-bought chicken bouillon.
As seasoning: Sprinkle directly into soups, stews, gravies, rice, roasted veggies, popcorn, or any recipe that calls for chicken bouillon or "no-chicken" base.
Equivalent: Roughly 1 tablespoon powder ≈ 1 standard bouillon cube in flavor strength. This mix is super versatile for vegan chicken noodle soup, pot pies, risottos, casseroles, or anywhere you'd use store-bought chicken bouillon.