homemade chicken broth

Here’s a simple and flavorful homemade chicken broth recipe — perfect as a base for soups, stews, risottos, or just sipping warm!

🍲 Homemade Chicken Broth

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes

⏲️ Cook Time: 2–4 hours

🍽️ Makes: About 8 cups (2 quarts)

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs), or 2–3 lbs chicken bones/carcass

• 1 large onion, quartered

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

• 1–2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp black peppercorns

• A few sprigs fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, rosemary)

• Salt to taste (add near the end)

• 10 cups cold water (or enough to cover)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

• Place chicken or bones in a large stockpot.

• Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and herbs.

2. Add Water:

• Pour in cold water until ingredients are fully submerged.

3. Simmer:

• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

• Skim off any foam or impurities from the surface during the first 30 minutes.

4. Cook Low and Slow:

• Let simmer uncovered for 2 to 4 hours (longer for richer broth).

• Add water if too much evaporates.

5. Strain:

• Remove chicken/bones and vegetables with a slotted spoon.

• Strain broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot or large bowl.

6. Season:

• Add salt to taste. Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.

Tips:

• Use leftover roasted chicken carcasses for extra flavor.

• Save the cooked chicken meat for soups or salads!

• Store broth in airtight containers up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

• For a clearer broth, strain twice.