Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe

Introduction

Homemade chicken broth is a comforting and flavorful base for countless dishes. Using leftover chicken bones and fresh vegetables, this simple recipe creates a rich broth perfect for soups, sauces, or sipping on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 lb bones or leftovers from rotisserie chicken or whole cooked chicken scraps
• 4 stalks celery
• 4 whole carrots
• 1 head garlic, unpeeled and halved
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
• 1 whole onion
• 6 cups water
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a large pot.
2. Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
3. Step 3: Allow the broth to simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.
4. Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove solids.
5. Step 5: Let the strained broth cool to room temperature.
6. Step 6: Once cooled, skim off any fat that has risen to the surface.
7. Step 7: Store the broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use.

Tips & Variations

• Roast the bones and vegetables first for a richer, deeper flavor.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary along with thyme for added aroma.
• Use filtered water to ensure a clean, pure broth taste.
• For a clearer broth, strain again through cheesecloth.

Storage

Store homemade chicken broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the broth in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before using.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of bones?

Yes, you can use raw chicken, but the broth will take less time to cook and may have a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking time accordingly and ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Is it necessary to add salt to the broth?

Salt enhances the flavor, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer a low-sodium broth. Season to taste after cooking if needed.

Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

This homemade chicken broth recipe yields a rich and flavorful base made from rotisserie chicken bones and fresh vegetables simmered for hours. Perfect for soups, stews, sauces, or sipping on its own, this broth is easy to prepare and naturally nourishing.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: About 6 cups of chicken broth 1x
• Category: Soup Base
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Broth Ingredients

• 1 lb bones/leftovers from rotisserie chicken or whole cooked chicken scraps
• 4 stalks celery
• 4 whole carrots
• 1 head garlic (unpeeled and halved)
• 2 whole bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
• 1 whole onion
• 6 cups water
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken bones or scraps, celery, carrots, unpeeled halved garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, kosher salt, onion, water, and fresh thyme sprigs into a large pot to prepare for simmering.
2. Bring to Boil: Place the pot on the stovetop over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil to start the cooking process.
3. Simmer the Broth: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer gently for 2-3 hours. The longer you simmer, the more concentrated and flavorful the broth will become.
4. Strain the Broth: Remove the pot from heat and carefully strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl to remove solids and impurities.
5. Cool the Broth: Set the bowl aside to let the broth cool to room temperature, making it easier to handle the next step.
6. Skim the Fat: After cooling, skim off the layer of fat that has risen to the top for a cleaner, less greasy broth.
7. Store the Broth: Transfer the finished broth into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

• Use leftover roasted chicken bones or carcass for a richer flavor.
• Unpeeled garlic adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
• Simmering time can be extended up to 4 hours for maximum flavor extraction.
• Straining carefully ensures a clear broth without vegetable or bone fragments.
• Skimming fat is optional but recommended for a lower-fat broth.
• Frozen broth can be stored for up to 3 months and thawed as needed.
• Add salt at the end or adjust to taste when using the broth in recipes to avoid oversalting.

Keywords: homemade chicken broth, chicken stock, broth from rotisserie chicken, homemade soup base, chicken bone broth, easy chicken broth recipe