Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe: A Flavorful Kitchen Essential

Homemade chicken broth is a kitchen staple that elevates any dish, from soups to risottos.

This simple recipe will guide you through creating a rich, flavorful broth that’s perfect for all your cooking needs.

Why Make Your Own Chicken Broth?

Superior Flavor: Homemade broth is richer and more flavorful than store-bought versions.
Customizable: Control the ingredients and seasoning to suit your taste.
Economical: Use leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps to minimize waste.

Let's go to the delicious homemade chicken broth recipe!

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe

1 whole chicken or 2-3 pounds of chicken bones (raw or cooked)
2 medium onions, quartered (leave the skins on for color)
3 medium carrots, roughly chopped
3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
10-12 cups water
Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

If using a whole chicken, remove any giblets and rinse the chicken under cold water.
Gather your vegetables and herbs. No need to peel or chop finely; rough cuts are fine.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Place the chicken or bones in a large stockpot.
Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and thyme.
Pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients by about 2 inches (10-12 cups).

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer gently for 4-6 hours. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top.

Step 4: Strain and Season

Remove the pot from heat and carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl.
Discard the solids (or save the cooked chicken meat for another recipe).
Season the broth with salt to taste.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Let the broth cool to room temperature.
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Broth

Roast Bones for More Flavor: Roast raw bones at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes before adding them to the pot.
Use Cold Water: Start with cold water to extract more flavor from the bones and vegetables.
Skim Regularly: Skimming the foam ensures a clearer broth.
Freeze in Portions: Freeze broth in ice cube trays for convenient small portions.

Homemade chicken broth is a game-changer for home cooks. Try this recipe today and enjoy the unparalleled taste and versatility it brings to your dishes!

Use your homemade chicken broth to make delicious chicken noodle soup.

FAQs

Can I make chicken broth in a slow cooker?

Yes! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

What’s the difference between broth and stock?

Broth is typically seasoned and made with meat and bones, while stock is unseasoned and made primarily with bones for a gelatinous texture.