What are the ingredients in chicken essence?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 180 years ago, BRAND'S® was one of the first to market bottled chicken essence, building on a traditional Chinese tonic. The core components of chicken essence include the concentrated extract from chicken, but the final ingredients vary significantly depending on whether it's a homemade recipe or a commercial product.

Quick Summary

The ingredients for chicken essence depend on its preparation. Homemade versions primarily use chicken and water, while commercial products feature a concentrated chicken extract along with added colorings, flavor enhancers, and sometimes other supplements.

Key Points

Core Ingredient is Chicken Extract: The fundamental component of all chicken essence is the liquid extract derived from chicken meat and bones through high-temperature cooking.
Homemade vs. Commercial Differences: Homemade versions typically contain only chicken and water (or no water), while commercial products may add ingredients like caramel coloring and flavor enhancers.
Commercial Additives for Stability and Flavor: To ensure consistent color and taste, commercial chicken essence often includes additives such as caramel (E150a), MSG, salt, and sugar.
Traditional Herbal Enhancements: Some traditional recipes and modern variations incorporate other ingredients like ginseng or Chinese herbs for added nutritional value.
Preservative-Free Processing: Many commercial brands, like BRAND'S®, are free of preservatives due to heat sterilization and airtight packaging.
Rich in Proteins and Amino Acids: The final extract contains easily digestible proteins, peptides, and amino acids, including carnosine and anserine.

Core Ingredient: The Chicken Extract

At its heart, the primary ingredient in chicken essence is the liquid extract derived from chicken meat and bones. The extraction process involves high-temperature cooking, such as double-boiling, to release the juices and beneficial components into a concentrated liquid. This process is crucial for producing the 'essence,' which is rich in proteins, amino acids, and other nutrients.

For a homemade version, a whole chicken or chicken pieces with bones are slowly cooked to create a natural, unadulterated concentrate. In contrast, commercial products use a highly refined, concentrated chicken extract, ensuring a consistent product across batches. The manufacturing process often involves filtering to remove fat and impurities, resulting in a low-fat, clear liquid.

Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Commercial Chicken Essence Ingredients


Ingredient Category	Homemade Chicken Essence	Commercial Chicken Essence (e.g., BRAND'S®)
Core Component	Natural juices extracted from a whole chicken	Highly concentrated chicken extract
Added Water	Often uses some water in the double-boiling process, though 'drip' methods add none	Water is part of the concentrated chicken extract
Coloring	Natural yellowish color from the cooked chicken	Often includes caramel coloring (e.g., E150a) for a consistent dark brown color
Flavor Enhancers	Only natural umami from the chicken and any added herbs	May contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) and other flavor nucleotides
Preservatives	None; has a short shelf life and must be refrigerated	None in some brands due to heat sterilization and airtight sealing
Added Herbs	Optionally includes traditional Chinese herbs like ginseng or goji berries	Some variations include added herbal extracts
Sodium Content	Lower, containing only naturally occurring sodium	Higher, with brands varying in sodium levels, though some contain only naturally occurring sodium
Other Ingredients	Simple, with full control over additions	May contain sugar, starch, or other additives depending on the specific product formulation

Additional Ingredients in Commercial Varieties

While homemade chicken essence can be a simple concoction, commercial producers often include other ingredients to enhance flavor, color, and stability. These can include:

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): A flavor enhancer added to amplify the savory umami taste. It's an ingredient that differentiates chicken essence from a pure, unsweetened chicken stock.
Caramel Coloring (E150a): Used to achieve the characteristic dark brown color of bottled chicken essence and ensure a consistent appearance across products.
Sugar and Salt: Included to balance the flavor profile. The salt content can also contribute to overall sodium intake, a consideration for those on restricted diets.
Stabilizers and Thickeners: Ingredients like corn starch may be added to some formulations to improve texture and shelf stability.
Chinese Herbs and Other Supplements: Some specialized chicken essence products incorporate traditional Chinese herbs, such as ginseng, or other nutritional additives like fish oil to provide additional health benefits.

The Extraction Process Matters

The method of extraction significantly influences the final composition. For example, a traditional 'drip' chicken essence, which cooks the chicken slowly without adding water, yields a purer, more concentrated liquid. This is distinct from double-boiling methods that may use added water to create the essence. Commercial manufacturing uses sophisticated, high-pressure extraction and sterilization techniques to maximize nutrient yield and ensure safety and a long shelf life without relying on preservatives.

For those interested in the nutritional properties, the final product is rich in proteins, peptides, and amino acids like carnosine and anserine, which are linked to various health benefits. The process breaks down these components into easily digestible forms, making them more bioavailable than in a regular chicken soup.

Conclusion

The ingredients in chicken essence can be as simple as just chicken and water for a homemade preparation or a more complex mix of concentrated chicken extract, colorings, and flavor enhancers in a commercial product. While both aim to deliver a nutritious tonic, the commercial versions offer convenience and a longer shelf life due to advanced processing techniques. Ultimately, understanding the specific ingredients can help consumers choose the product that best aligns with their dietary preferences, whether opting for a pure, simple formula or a fortified commercial alternative.

Sources

A Comprehensive Comparison of Ingredients in Chicken Essence vs. MSG - lingyue-foodchem.com
Essence of Chicken - Australia - BRAND'S
Wondering When is the Best Time to Drink Chicken Essence? - Tian Yuan Xiang
Homemade Chicken Essence - New Malaysian Kitchen
Bioactivities of Chicken Essence - Wiley Online Library

Frequently Asked Questions

MSG is often added to many commercial varieties of chicken essence to enhance the savory flavor. However, pure homemade or specialized drip essence versions typically do not contain MSG, relying on the natural umami from the chicken itself.

Some commercial brands add caramel coloring (E150a) to achieve a consistent dark brown appearance. Naturally prepared chicken essence, however, may have a lighter, more yellowish hue, similar to chicken soup.

Many well-known commercial brands, such as BRAND'S®, state that their chicken essence is free of preservatives. Its long shelf life is achieved through heat sterilization and airtight sealing.

Yes, homemade chicken essence is much more concentrated than soup. It is typically prepared using a double-boiling method that extracts the pure juices from the chicken with minimal or no added water, resulting in a potent, nutritious tonic.

Yes, some versions, particularly those marketed as health tonics, may include additional ingredients like traditional Chinese herbs (e.g., ginseng) or supplements to offer extra benefits.

The salty taste can come from naturally occurring sodium within the chicken extract itself. Some commercial formulations may also add salt for flavoring, which can increase the overall sodium content.

The extract is rich in easily digestible proteins, peptides, and amino acids, such as carnosine and anserine. These components are associated with potential benefits like boosting energy, relieving fatigue, and improving cognitive function.