How Fattening is Chicken Stock? A Nutritional Breakdown

November 3, 2025 •

5 min read

While store-bought chicken stock is often low in calories and fat, the nutritional content can vary dramatically depending on preparation, with homemade versions containing more fat that can be skimmed off. This variability means that answering the question, 'how fattening is chicken stock?' requires a closer look at the different types and preparation methods.

Quick Summary

Chicken stock is generally low-calorie but can vary in fat content depending on whether it is homemade, store-bought, or a more concentrated bone broth. Homemade stock allows for fat skimming to control its richness, while commercial products offer a range of fat levels, including low-fat options. Understanding these differences is key to managing its impact on a healthy diet.

Key Points

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade stock allows you to control the fat level by skimming it off after refrigeration, while store-bought versions offer a range of fat levels, including fat-free options.
Stock vs. Broth: Standard chicken stock is often richer and slightly higher in fat and calories than commercial chicken broth, which is typically leaner.
Low-Calorie Option: Both stock and broth are generally low in calories, making them useful for weight management and adding flavor to meals without extra fat.
Read Labels: Always check nutritional labels on store-bought products to find low-sodium and fat-free options that fit your dietary needs.
Nutrient-Rich: Despite being low in calories, stock can be rich in minerals, amino acids, and collagen, supporting gut and joint health.
Skimming is Key: To make homemade stock less fattening, refrigerate it overnight and simply remove the solidified layer of fat from the surface.
Weight Loss Tool: When used as a base for soups or as a cooking liquid, chicken stock can help create satisfying, low-calorie meals that aid in weight management.

Is Chicken Stock Fattening? A Detailed Nutritional Look

For many home cooks and health enthusiasts, chicken stock is a foundational ingredient, offering rich flavor and a nutritional boost. But for those mindful of their calorie and fat intake, questions arise about its impact on weight. The answer is nuanced, as the calorie and fat content of chicken stock is highly dependent on how it's made and whether it's store-bought or homemade.

The Nutritional Breakdown: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

When evaluating how fattening chicken stock is, the most significant factor is the source. Homemade stock offers complete control over ingredients, while store-bought varieties are governed by specific processing and additives.

Homemade Chicken Stock

Homemade chicken stock is made by simmering chicken bones, meat, and connective tissues, which release gelatin and fat into the liquid. The fat content is directly related to the parts of the chicken used and whether the skin is included. A homemade stock made with skin-on parts will have a higher fat and calorie count. However, this is easily manageable. By refrigerating the stock overnight, the fat solidifies on top, forming a cap that can be easily skimmed and discarded. This process can drastically reduce the fat content, leaving behind a flavorful, gelatin-rich, and low-fat stock. A typical homemade, unsalted stock might contain around 3 grams of fat and 86 calories per cup, but this can be significantly lowered by skimming.

Store-Bought Stock and Broth

Commercial chicken stock and broth differ in their fat content based on the type. Standard chicken stock is often prepared to be richer, while regular broth is thinner and contains less fat. Manufacturers also offer low-sodium and fat-free versions. For instance, some commercial broths contain as little as 0.5 grams of fat and 15 calories per cup. Always check the nutrition label, as the fat and sodium can vary significantly between brands.

Bone Broth vs. Stock vs. Bouillon

Understanding the differences between these similar products is key to controlling fat intake. While often used interchangeably, they are distinct:

Bone Broth: Essentially a stock that is simmered for a much longer time (often 24 to 48 hours), resulting in a richer, more nutrient-dense and gelatin-rich liquid. It is often thicker and may contain more fat than standard stock if not skimmed, but it is also highly regarded for its potential health benefits.
Chicken Stock: Made from simmering chicken bones and meat scraps for a shorter time than bone broth (around 8 hours). It develops a richer flavor and mouthfeel due to gelatin extracted from the bones.
Chicken Broth: Made primarily from meat and vegetables, and simmered for a shorter period, resulting in a lighter, less gelatinous liquid. This version is typically the lowest in fat and calories among the three.
Bouillon: A dehydrated concentrate of broth, sold as a cube or powder. While convenient, it often contains very high levels of sodium and sometimes preservatives, with minimal fat.

Comparison of Different Types of Chicken Stock


Feature	Homemade Stock (unskimmed)	Store-Bought Broth	Bone Broth	Bouillon Cube/Powder
Preparation	Simmer bones, meat scraps, vegetables for several hours.	Industrially produced and packaged for shelf-stability.	Long, slow simmer of roasted bones for 24+ hours.	Dehydrated concentrate of broth.
Fat Content	Variable; often higher before skimming.	Typically very low, around 0.5-1g per cup.	Potentially higher due to longer cooking, but can be skimmed.	Very low.
Calorie Count	Higher (approx. 86 kcal/cup) before skimming.	Very low (approx. 15-38 kcal/cup).	Variable; can be higher than regular stock.	Low, but highly concentrated.
Sodium Level	Can be very low to moderate, depending on seasoning.	Often high, but low-sodium options are available.	Variable; can be controlled at home.	Very high, primary source of sodium.
Benefits	Rich flavor, control over ingredients, gelatin content.	Convenient, low calorie, easy to use.	High in collagen, amino acids, and minerals.	Long shelf-life, concentrated flavor.

Tips for Making or Choosing Low-Fat Chicken Stock

For those aiming to minimize fat intake, there are several simple strategies to employ, whether you are cooking from scratch or buying from the store.

At Home:

Refrigerate and Skim: The most effective method is to refrigerate your homemade stock overnight. The fat will rise to the top and congeal into a solid layer, which can be easily lifted off with a spoon.
Use Leaner Parts: Start with leaner chicken parts like wings or a leftover carcass from a roasted chicken to reduce the initial fat content.
Use a Fat Separator: For those who want to use the stock immediately, a fat separator jug can help pour the stock from the bottom, leaving the fat on top.

At the Store:

Read Labels Carefully: Look for products specifically labeled as 'low-sodium' and 'fat-free.' The nutritional information panel will give you an accurate picture of the calorie and fat content.
Choose Broth over Stock: As a general rule, store-bought chicken broth is typically lower in calories and fat than pre-made chicken stock.

Using Chicken Stock for Weight Management

When used appropriately, chicken stock can be a fantastic tool for weight loss. Its low-calorie, flavorful nature allows it to serve as a satisfying base for meals without adding significant calories. It can be used to make brothy soups, cook grains like rice or quinoa, or create rich sauces without relying on added fats. The protein and gelatin content can also help promote satiety, making you feel fuller for longer. However, relying solely on a restrictive, liquid-only diet of chicken broth is not a safe or sustainable weight loss strategy.

Conclusion: How Fattening is Chicken Stock?

Chicken stock is not inherently fattening, especially when managed correctly. The key takeaway is that fat content is a variable that can be controlled. With homemade stock, you have the advantage of skimming the fat, while with commercial options, careful label reading is essential. Whether homemade or store-bought, chicken stock serves as a flavorful, low-calorie base for a variety of healthy dishes, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet aimed at weight management. For a delicious, low-fat homemade version, simply refrigerate and skim, or opt for a clearly labeled, low-fat commercial alternative. The richness you choose to include is entirely up to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, chicken stock is not typically fattening, especially when you choose low-fat or fat-free varieties. It can be a useful tool for weight loss by providing a flavorful, low-calorie base for soups and stews, which can help promote feelings of fullness.

Skimming the fat cap off chicken stock does remove some richness, but it leaves behind the savory, umami flavor that comes from the bones, meat, and vegetables. Many people prefer to skim for a clearer, lower-fat result without sacrificing the fundamental flavor.

Yes, bone broth, which is a type of stock, is typically simmered longer and can be richer, potentially containing more fat than a standard stock. However, like any homemade stock, this fat can be easily removed by chilling and skimming.

To reduce the fat in homemade chicken stock, simply refrigerate it overnight. The fat will solidify on the surface, allowing you to easily spoon it off and discard it. You can also use a fat separator or skim it as it cools.

Low-sodium chicken stock is not necessarily less fattening, as sodium and fat content are separate nutritional factors. However, controlling sodium is also important for health. Look for labels that indicate both 'low sodium' and 'fat-free' for the leanest option.

Generally, yes. Commercial chicken broth is typically a lighter product made with meat, while canned stock is often made with bones and can contain slightly more fat and calories. The nutritional label is the most reliable source for specific information.

While bouillon cubes are low in fat and calories, they are also highly processed and contain very high levels of sodium. It's often healthier to use a low-sodium stock or broth, but for occasional use, bouillon is a very low-fat flavoring agent.