There is something truly magical about a pot of simmering broth filling your kitchen with warmth and comforting aromas, and our Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe is the soul of countless delicious meals. This richly flavored, nourishing broth is crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a perfect base for soups, stews, sauces, or just sipping on its own. With nothing but chicken, garden vegetables, herbs, and a bit of patience, you’ll discover how satisfying and versatile a homemade broth can be, elevating every dish with layers of homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this broth is wonderfully straightforward because every ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor, depth, and color. These basics are easy to find, yet when combined, they create a broth that’s far more vibrant and fresh than anything store-bought.
- Whole chicken or chicken parts: Using a whole chicken or bony parts gives the broth richness and collagen for a silky texture.
- Cold water: Starting with cold water helps gently extract flavors as it heats.
- Carrots: These add natural sweetness and a gorgeous golden hue to the broth.
- Celery stalks: They bring a subtle earthiness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Onion (with skin): The onion skin boosts the color and adds a gentle depth to the broth.
- Garlic cloves: Smashed garlic infuses warmth and a mellow pungency.
- Bay leaf: Offers herbal notes that complement the chicken beautifully.
- Whole black peppercorns: These peppercorns lend a gentle spice without overpowering the broth.
- Fresh parsley or thyme: Fresh herbs brighten the broth with herbal freshness.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors; adjust to your taste.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe
Step 1: Assemble Your Ingredients and Pot
Start by placing your whole chicken or chicken parts into a large stockpot. The bones and skin are key to your broth’s rich flavor and body. Add all your prepared vegetables—carrots, celery, and onion right on top. Toss in the garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, and fresh herbs before pouring in the cold water. This simple setup is the foundation for the magic to come.
Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Boil and Skim
Heat the pot over medium-high, bringing the water to a gentle boil. Almost immediately, you’ll notice foam rising to the top—this is natural and contains impurities. Be diligent about skimming this off with a spoon for a clear, clean broth. Skimming is a small step with a big impact on the final texture and clarity.
Step 3: Simmer Slowly and Skim Occasionally
After skimming, reduce your heat to low so that the broth simmers gently. This slow simmering extracts all the subtle flavors and deepens the broth’s taste and color. Keep an eye on your pot, skimming occasionally and stirring lightly to keep things moving. Plan on simmering for at least 2.5 hours, up to 4 hours if you want a very concentrated broth packed with goodness.
Step 4: Strain and Cool
Once your broth has simmered to perfection, carefully remove the chicken and veggies using a slotted spoon or strainer. Then strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve into another container or large bowl. This step ensures your broth is silky smooth and free from bits. Allow it to cool before storing, and if you like, skim the solidified fat off the top for a leaner broth.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like finely chopped fresh parsley or a few tiny sprigs of thyme add a burst of fresh color and herbal aroma right at the last moment. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor, adding a light, tangy contrast that wakes up your palate beautifully.
Side Dishes
Homemade chicken broth shines alongside warm, crusty bread perfect for dipping. You can also serve it with light salads, roasted vegetables, or hearty sandwiches—its gentle flavor complements a range of dishes while keeping your meal comforting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your broth as a first course with a swirl of herb oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a touch of indulgence. Pour it over cooked grains like rice or barley as a nourishing bowl meal, or use it as a base to build exciting, layered soups that showcase your delicious homemade broth as the star.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade chicken broth will keep beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. Be sure to use a clean container with a tight lid to maintain freshness and avoid absorbing other odors from the fridge.
Freezing
Freezing homemade chicken broth is an excellent way to have it on hand for whenever inspiration strikes. Simply cool it completely, then transfer into airtight freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning. Frozen broth stays good for up to three months while preserving its rich flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to use your broth, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Avoid boiling aggressively to preserve the delicate flavors. Stir occasionally, and if you notice any solidified fat at the surface, skim it off to keep your broth clear and light.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken to make broth?
While you can, the richest homemade chicken broth comes from raw bones and parts because they release collagen and flavor slowly. Cooked chicken doesn’t provide the same depth but can be combined with raw bones for added taste.
Is it necessary to add salt while making the broth?
Adding a bit of salt during cooking helps balance the flavors as they develop, but you can always adjust the seasoning at the end. This way, you maintain flexibility, especially if you plan to use the broth in different recipes.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs like parsley or thyme?
Dried herbs work as a substitute; just use about one-third of the amount compared to fresh herbs since dried varieties are more concentrated. Adding them early during simmering helps release their flavors.
Can I make this broth in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! A slow cooker is a wonderful tool for making homemade chicken broth. Simply add all ingredients and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours for a rich, flavorful result with even less hands-on time.
How do I make the broth clearer?
Skimming the foam and impurities early and during simmering is key to a clear broth. Straining through a fine mesh sieve and allowing it to settle before removing fat will leave you with bright, clear broth every time.
Final Thoughts
Making your own broth from scratch is one of the simplest kitchen achievements with truly rewarding results. This Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe is a comforting essential that transforms everyday meals into memorable experiences filled with depth and heart. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it!
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Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 10 cups
- Category: Soup, Basics
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This homemade chicken broth recipe delivers a flavorful and nourishing base for soups, stews, and countless dishes. Made with whole chicken or chicken parts, fresh vegetables, herbs, and simmered gently for hours, it produces a rich, comforting broth free from additives and perfect for healthy cooking.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth Base
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 pounds) or 2–3 pounds of chicken parts (backs, wings, necks, or bones)
- 12 cups cold water
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, quartered (skin on for color)
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- Small bunch of fresh parsley or thyme
- 1–2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Place the whole chicken or chicken parts in a large stockpot. Add cold water along with the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, fresh herbs, and salt to the pot.
- Bring to a gentle boil: Heat the pot over medium-high heat until the liquid reaches a gentle boil. As foam and impurities rise to the surface, skim them off carefully with a spoon to keep the broth clear.
- Simmer the broth: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 2.5 to 4 hours, occasionally skimming off any foam and stirring to prevent sticking.
- Remove solids: When the simmering is complete, use a slotted spoon or strainer to carefully remove the chicken and vegetables from the stockpot.
- Strain the broth: Pour the broth through a fine mesh sieve into another pot or large bowl to eliminate any remaining solids for a smooth liquid.
- Cool and store: Let the broth cool slightly before refrigerating. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For a leaner broth, skim the solidified fat from the top before using.
Notes
- For a richer, deeper broth flavor, roast the chicken and vegetables at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes before adding to the pot and simmering.
- The cooked chicken meat can be reserved to use in soups, casseroles, or other dishes to reduce waste.
