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If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your soups, sauces, or any recipe that calls for deep, nourishing flavor, this Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe is your answer. It’s a beautifully simple process that transforms humble chicken parts and fresh veggies into a liquid gold full of warmth, comfort, and that unmistakable homemade goodness you just can’t get from store-bought broth. Whether you’re simmering this broth for your family’s favorite soup or using it as a cooking base, it’s pure kitchen magic made easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step in crafting the richest, most flavorful broth. Each element contributes a special layer of taste and aroma that makes this Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe truly shine.
- Whole chicken or chicken parts: Using bones, wings, or necks adds incredible body and depth to your broth.
- Cold water: Starting with cold water ensures a slow, gentle extraction of flavor as the broth heats.
- Carrots: Peeled and chopped, they bring natural sweetness and color.
- Celery stalks: Their subtle crunch and earthiness balance the flavor profile perfectly.
- Large onion: Quartered with skin on for that beautiful savory base and a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Smashed to release their aromatic oils into the broth.
- Bay leaf: Adds a gentle herbal note that lingers softly.
- Whole black peppercorns: Provide a hint of warm spice without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley: A few sprigs brighten and refresh the broth.
- Thyme (fresh or dried): Offers an earthy, slightly minty depth that complements the chicken.
- Salt (optional): Enhances all the natural flavors without stealing the spotlight.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Start the Simmer
Begin by placing your whole chicken or chicken parts in a large stockpot, then cover everything with cold water. Bringing this slowly to a gentle boil over medium-high heat is key — it helps draw out the rich flavors while keeping the broth clear. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and carefully skim off any foam that rises to keep your broth clean and fresh tasting.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Herbs
Next, it’s time to add your peeled carrots, celery, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaf, whole peppercorns, fresh parsley, thyme, and salt if you’re using it. These ingredients infuse your broth with vibrant layers of flavor that make every spoonful so satisfying. Keep the pot uncovered and let everything simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, occasionally skimming off any fat or foam that collects at the top for a beautiful, clear broth.
Step 3: Strain and Cool the Broth
Once your broth has simmered to perfection, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool just a bit. Then strain it through a fine mesh sieve to separate all the solids from that golden liquid. For an even clearer broth, pass it through cheesecloth once more. Let it cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator, where the fat will rise to the surface, making it easy to skim off if you prefer a leaner broth.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe
Garnishes
A bowl of homemade broth is like a warm hug, and a few thoughtful garnishes only enhance the experience. Freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives add a lively color and fresh aroma. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor, while a sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds a hint of spice that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This broth shines alongside simple comfort foods like crusty bread, buttery crackers, or a light salad with crisp greens. It’s also an exquisite partner to a stew or roasted vegetables, turning any meal into a wholesome celebration of flavor and warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Use this Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe as a base for delicate risottos or infused into grain dishes like quinoa for complexity. Freeze individual portions in ice cube trays to add bursts of rich flavor easily to sauces and stir-fries. Even a clear broth served in a fancy glass with a sprig of herbs makes for an elegant appetizer that feels special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your broth has cooled, store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. This way you have that comforting homemade flavor ready to boost your meals throughout the week without any extra hassle.
Freezing
Homemade broth freezes wonderfully and can last for up to three months. For easy access, freeze your broth in ice cube trays or small containers, then transfer the cubes to a larger freezer bag so you can grab just the right amount without thawing the whole batch.
Reheating
Reheat your broth gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Avoid boiling to preserve the subtle flavors and aroma you worked so hard to develop. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm over low heat with a lid on for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use only chicken bones or parts instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Using bones, wings, or necks is actually a fantastic way to make a rich broth packed with gelatin and flavor, especially if you want to save a whole chicken for another recipe.
How long should I simmer the broth for the best flavor?
The magic happens with a slow simmer between 2.5 to 3 hours. This is enough time to extract deep flavor without the broth becoming bitter or cloudy.
Is it necessary to roast the chicken and vegetables before simmering?
Roasting is optional but highly recommended if you want a deeper, more caramelized flavor. It adds richness and complexity that turns good broth into an unforgettable one.
Can I make this broth in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Using a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours is an easy hands-off method that develops excellent flavor while you go about your day.
How do I keep my broth clear and not cloudy?
Starting with cold water, skimming foam and fat regularly, and straining through a fine sieve (or cheesecloth) are the best ways to keep your broth crystal clear and visually appealing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own broth — it’s comforting, nourishing, and simply delicious in every way. This Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe is a wonderful kitchen ritual that fills your home with irresistible aromas and creates a base for countless meals that bring people together. Dive in, savor the process, and enjoy every drop of that golden goodness.
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Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 cups
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This homemade chicken broth recipe yields a flavorful, nutrient-rich broth made from simmering a whole chicken or chicken parts with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, this broth is wholesome, freezer-friendly, and can be customized for richer taste by roasting the ingredients beforehand.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs) or 2–3 lbs chicken parts (bones, wings, necks)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, quartered (no need to peel)
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- A few sprigs of thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt (optional)
Liquids
- 12 cups cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the whole chicken or chicken parts into a large stockpot and pour in 12 cups of cold water, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.
- Bring to Boil and Skim Foam: Heat the pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer and skim off any foam or impurities that float to the surface with a spoon or ladle.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Add the peeled and chopped carrots, celery stalks, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaf, whole black peppercorns, fresh parsley, thyme, and salt if using to the pot.
- Simmer the Broth: Allow the broth to simmer uncovered gently for 2.5 to 3 hours. Occasionally skim off fat and foam that collect at the surface to keep the broth clear and clean in flavor.
- Cool and Strain: After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly for easier handling. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding the solids. For extra clarity, strain the broth again through cheesecloth.
- Chill and Remove Fat: Let the broth cool completely before refrigerating. Once chilled, use a spoon to skim off any fat that has solidified at the top, if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, roast the chicken and vegetables at 400°F for 30 minutes before simmering.
- Store the broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Use ice cube trays to freeze small portions of broth for easy use in recipes later.
