Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe

This homemade chicken broth is easy to make and tastes so good! All you need is a rotisserie chicken, water, and time. How simple is that?!

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Have a rotisserie chicken and don’t want the leftovers to go to waste? Make broth! Not only is the flavor delicious, but making your own broth is rewarding as well. Leftovers don’t go to waste and you’ll have many uses for your new broth! A favorite recipe of mine is my Pork soup and wild rice soup. This recipe includes homemade chicken broth loaded with vegetables and a creamy sauce that will leave you wanting more. So delicious and perfect for a Fall dinner. Sounds good? Get the recipe here!

Ingredients

To make a flavorful chicken broth, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Whole chicken or chicken bones
  • Water
  • Vegetables (onions, carrots, celery)
  • Herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaves)
  • Seasonings (salt, peppercorns)

Steps to Prepare Homemade Chicken Broth

Preparing the Chicken

Start by cleaning and rinsing the chicken thoroughly. If using bones, ensure they are clean and devoid of excess fat.

Selecting and Preparing Vegetables

Chop onions, carrots, and celery into medium-sized pieces. These vegetables add depth and flavor to your broth.

Choosing Herbs and Seasonings

Select fresh parsley, thyme, bay leaves, and a few peppercorns. These will infuse the broth with aromatic flavors.

Cooking Process

Place the chicken or bones in a large pot, add water, and bring to a gentle boil. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.

Straining and Storing

After simmering for a few hours, strain the broth to remove solids, leaving a clear, flavorful liquid. Store the broth in airtight containers.

Benefits of Homemade Chicken Broth

Homemade chicken broth offers several benefits:

  • Rich in nutrients like collagen and amino acids
  • Supports digestion and gut health
  • Provides a base for various soups, stews, and sauces

Comparing Homemade Chicken Broth with Store-Bought

Homemade chicken broth is superior to store-bought as it’s made with fresh ingredients, free from preservatives, and customizable to your taste.

Tips for a Flavorful Homemade Chicken Broth

  • Use a mix of chicken parts for the best flavor.
  • Don’t over-salt initially; you can adjust the seasoning later.
  • Add vinegar to help extract minerals from the bones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-boiling the broth can make it cloudy and less flavorful.
  • Using too much salt at the beginning makes it difficult to adjust the seasoning later.

How to Store

If you have leftover broth or don’t plan on using it right away, you can store the broth in an air-tight container and refrigerate it for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Making homemade chicken broth is a rewarding and simple process that elevates your cooking. The rich, aromatic broth adds depth of flavor to various dishes and provides numerous health benefits. With minimal effort and a few key ingredients, you can enjoy the goodness and taste of homemade chicken broth.

FAQ

How long does homemade chicken broth last in the refrigerator?

Generally, homemade chicken broth can last up to 4-5 days when refrigerated in a sealed container.

Can I use chicken bouillon cubes instead of homemade broth?

While possible, using homemade chicken broth provides a richer and fresher flavor compared to bouillon cubes, which may contain additives.

Can I use the leftover chicken from making the broth in other dishes?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken from making the broth can be used in salads, sandwiches, or stirred into soups.

Can I customize the herbs and vegetables in my homemade chicken broth?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and vegetables to tailor the flavor of your chicken broth to your liking.

Homemade Chicken Broth

Maureen Gil
This homemade chicken broth is easy to make and tastes so good! All you need is a rotisserie chicken, water, and time. How simple is that?!
5 from 1 vote
Rate this Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salads
Cuisine American
Servings 3 Quarts
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Whole chicken or chicken bones: Approximately 3-4 pounds of chicken or chicken bones.
  • Water: About 16-20 cups of water to cover the chicken adequately.
  • Vegetables: 2 large onions, 3 carrots, and 3 celery stalks, all roughly chopped.
  • Herbs: A small bunch of fresh parsley, 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves.
  • Seasonings: 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of whole peppercorns.

* I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions
 

Preparing the Chicken

  • Clean the chicken: If using a whole chicken, remove any giblets, rinse the chicken under cold running water, and pat it dry with paper towels. If using chicken bones, ensure they are clean and devoid of excess fat.
  • Cut the chicken: If using a whole chicken, cut it into parts - legs, wings, and breasts. This helps in better flavor extraction during cooking.

Selecting and Preparing Vegetables

  • Chop the vegetables: Peel and roughly chop the onions, carrots, and celery stalks into medium-sized pieces. The vegetables will add flavor and depth to the broth.
  • Prepare the aromatics: Peel and smash a few cloves of garlic to enhance the flavor. Set aside for later use.

Cooking Process

  • Boil the chicken and vegetables: In a large pot, place the chicken or chicken bones. Add the chopped vegetables, garlic, and herb bundle. Pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients adequately.
  • Bring to a gentle boil: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during this process.
  • Simmer and cook: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Straining and Storing

  • Strain the broth: Once the broth is rich and flavorful, remove the chicken and vegetables, and strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or another pot.
  • Store the broth: Allow the broth to cool to room temperature. Store it in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for several months.

Notes

u003cliu003eUse a mix of chicken parts for the best flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon't over-salt initially, you can adjust the seasoning later.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eAdd a tablespoon of vinegar during cooking to help extract minerals from the bones.u003c/liu003e
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Chicken Broth
Amount per Serving
Calories
350
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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