Homemade Chicken Broth
A comforting and flavorful chicken broth made from fresh ingredients, perfect for soups, stews, and more.
Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Slotted spoon
- Fine-mesh sieve
- airtight containers
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
- 1 whole Chicken (3-4 pounds) Provides the base flavor and richness.
- 2 large Onions, quartered Adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 medium Carrots, chopped Brings a hint of sweetness and color.
- 3 stalks Celery, chopped Adds a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- 4 cloves Garlic, smashed Enhances the broth with a robust taste.
- 1 leaf Bay leaf Adds a subtle herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns Gives a gentle heat.
- Salt to taste Salt Added towards the end of cooking for the best flavor.
- 12 cups Water Needed to extract all the flavors.
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients. Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot. Add the quartered onions, chopped carrots, chopped celery, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaf, and black peppercorns.
- Pour in 12 cups of water, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Cover and let the broth simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add salt to taste.
- After simmering, carefully remove the chicken pieces and vegetables from the pot using a slotted spoon. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot or large bowl.
- Allow the broth to cool completely. Transfer it to airtight containers for storage.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Homemade chicken broth is a versatile base for soups, stews, and sauces. Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables and herbs to customize the flavor.