If you’ve ever wanted to master a kitchen staple that brings warmth, depth, and a comforting aroma to your cooking, this Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe is exactly what you need. Made from simple, wholesome ingredients simmered slowly to coax every bit of flavor from the chicken and vegetables, it creates a rich, nourishing broth that can transform soups, sauces, and so much more. Once you try it, you’ll understand why a good homemade broth is the secret weapon for countless dishes and why this particular recipe holds a special place in my heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding natural sweetness, or providing beautiful color and aroma to the broth.
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or 2–3 lbs chicken parts: Using the whole bird or parts with bones ensures a deep, satisfying flavor thanks to the collagen and marrow.
- 12 cups cold water: Starting with cold water helps extract maximum flavor as the broth slowly heats up.
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped: These add a subtle sweetness and a touch of color that livens up the broth.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Celery delivers a refreshing, herbal note that balances the richness.
- 1 large onion, quartered (no need to peel): Onions bring depth and slight natural sweetness, enhancing the overall broth complexity.
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed: Garlic adds warmth and savory undertones without overpowering the broth.
- 1 bay leaf: This little leaf infuses a delicate earthiness that rounds out the flavor.
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns: Whole peppercorns add mild heat and subtle spice as they infuse.
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley: Parsley brightens the broth with a clean, fresh herbal scent.
- A few sprigs of thyme (or 1 tsp dried): Thyme complements the chicken wonderfully with its fragrant, woody aroma.
- 1 tsp salt (optional): Salt can be added to taste to enhance all the flavors without making the broth too salty.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Place Chicken in Stockpot
Start by placing your whole chicken or preferred chicken parts into a large stockpot and cover it with the cold water. Using cold water at this stage is crucial because it slowly draws out more flavor and gelatin from the bones as it heats. This foundation is what gives your broth that silky body and rich taste.
Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Boil and Skim Foam
Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the water to a gentle boil. As the broth heats, you’ll notice foam or scum rising to the surface—this is normal. Don’t skip skimming it off with a spoon; this step keeps your broth clear and improves the final taste by removing impurities.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Aromatics
Once the foam is removed, add in your chopped carrots, celery, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaf, peppercorns, parsley, thyme, and salt if using. These ingredients will infuse the broth with vibrant layers of flavor and aroma, turning a simple stockpot into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Simmer Slowly for 2.5 to 3 Hours
Reduce the heat to low and let your broth simmer gently, uncovered. Avoid boiling vigorously; a slow simmer helps extract all those savory notes while keeping the broth clear. Every so often, skim off any excess fat and foam that rises. Patience here truly pays off in flavor and texture.
Step 5: Strain and Cool
When your broth has simmered to perfection, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding the solids. For an extra-clear broth, you can strain it again through cheesecloth. Let the broth cool completely before refrigerating. Once chilled, skim off the fat from the surface if you prefer a lighter broth.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe
Garnishes
A simple bowl of homemade chicken broth becomes a comforting treat with the right garnishes. Fresh chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or even thinly sliced green onions add brightness and texture that elevate the drinking experience or complement your soup base perfectly.
Side Dishes
This broth pairs beautifully with homemade bread for dipping or alongside simple, light salads. For a more substantial meal, try serving it with a handful of egg noodles or dumplings right in the broth for a soul-satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe into a star at any gathering by serving it in individual mugs or mini bowls as an elegant appetizer. You can also freeze small portions into ice cube trays to melt into sauces, risottos, or even your morning eggs for an unexpected burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your broth has cooled, transfer it into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You’ll be amazed at how this homemade staple keeps well and is ready whenever you want to add a touch of homemade goodness to your meals.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing your broth is a fantastic option. Use freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for small portions, so you can thaw exactly what you need without waste. Frozen broth keeps beautifully for up to 3 months without losing that fresh, rich flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to use your broth, reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to preserve the delicate flavors. Avoid boiling again, as this can diminish the taste and clarity. A warm, fragrant broth is always a soul-warming delight to sip or cook with.
FAQs
Can I use just chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Using chicken parts like bones, wings, and necks works wonderfully and often intensifies the flavor and richness of your broth, making it economical and delicious.
Do I have to add salt when making this broth?
Salt is optional at this stage because you might want to control the seasoning depending on how you plan to use the broth. It’s best to add salt gradually when cooking with the broth rather than during simmering.
What’s the best way to make the broth clearer?
Skimming foam and fat during cooking, and straining your broth twice—once through a fine mesh sieve and again with cheesecloth—helps produce a crystal-clear broth that looks as good as it tastes.
Can I roast the chicken and vegetables before simmering?
Yes! Roasting at 400°F for about 30 minutes before simmering deepens the flavor with caramelized notes and gives your broth a richer color and taste.
How long can homemade chicken broth be stored?
Refrigerated, your broth stays fresh for up to 5 days. Frozen, it’s best used within 3 months for optimal flavor and quality.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe enough—it’s truly a game-changer in the kitchen. Whether you’re aiming for a soothing bowl of soup, a base for sauces, or a nutritious boost to any dish, homemade broth makes all the difference. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors that only slow simmered, lovingly prepared broth can offer. Your future self will thank you!
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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 rich, flavorful, and nourishing broth made by slow simmering a whole chicken or chicken parts with fresh vegetables and herbs. Perfect as a base for soups, stews, or sipping on its own, this broth is easy to prepare and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for convenience.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs) or 2–3 lbs chicken parts (bones, wings, necks)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, quartered (no need to peel)
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- a few sprigs of fresh parsley
- a few sprigs of thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
Liquids and Seasoning
- 12 cups cold water
- 1 tsp salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Pot: Place the whole chicken or chicken parts in a large stockpot and cover completely with 12 cups of cold water. This cold water start helps extract gelatins and flavors from the bones as the temperature rises.
- Bring to a Boil and Skim Foam: Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface to keep the broth clear and clean-tasting.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Add the peeled and chopped carrots, celery, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaf, whole black peppercorns, fresh parsley, thyme (or dried), and salt if using. These aromatics infuse the broth with depth and complexity.
- Simmer the Broth: Allow the broth to simmer uncovered for 2.5 to 3 hours. Continue to occasionally skim off any additional fat or foam that collects on the surface for a cleaner, better-tasting broth.
- Remove from Heat and Strain: After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding all solids including chicken bones and vegetables.
- Clarify (Optional): For an extra clear broth, strain it once more through cheesecloth to remove any remaining particulates.
- Cool and Store: Let the broth cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate. Once chilled, skim off any solidified fat from the surface if desired for a leaner broth.
Notes
- For a richer, deeper flavor, consider roasting 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.
- Freeze leftover broth in ice cube trays for convenient small portions.
- Use homemade chicken broth as a base for soups, risottos, sauces, or enjoy it as a nourishing warm drink.
