Making chicken broth from scratch is one of those kitchen skills that instantly elevates your cooking. Whether you’re crafting a comforting soup, a rich stew, or a flavorful sauce, homemade chicken broth adds depth and warmth that store-bought versions just can’t match. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy and rewarding to make. Let me walk you through the process of making delicious chicken broth from scratch with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Why Make Chicken Broth From Scratch?
Store-bought chicken broth is convenient, but it often contains added sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors. When you make your own broth, you control every ingredient, ensuring a fresh, natural, and nutrient-rich base for your meals. Homemade broth is packed with vitamins and minerals extracted from the chicken bones and vegetables during slow simmering. The flavor is richer, more complex, and perfectly customizable to your taste.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Chicken Broth
Here’s a basic list of ingredients that form the foundation of a great homemade chicken broth:
– Chicken: 2-3 pounds of bone-in chicken pieces like thighs, drumsticks, wings, or a whole chicken. Bones and skin add richness and body to the broth.
– Vegetables: Onions (quartered), carrots (peeled and cut into large pieces), celery stalks (cut into chunks).
– Herbs and spices: Fresh or dried bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and peppercorns. Garlic cloves add a lovely depth.
– Water: Enough to cover the ingredients in your pot, usually about 2 quarts.
– Salt: To taste, added near the end of cooking.
You can also experiment by adding leeks, mushrooms, or other herbs like rosemary or oregano for different flavor profiles.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Broth From Scratch
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing and chopping your vegetables into large chunks. If you’re using raw chicken pieces, no need to cut them too small—large pieces work best. Place the chicken, vegetables, herbs, and spices into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
Step 2: Add Water and Bring to a Boil
Pour cold water over the ingredients until everything is fully submerged, usually about 2 quarts. Slowly bring the pot to a boil over medium heat. As the water heats, you’ll notice foam or scum rising to the surface—skim this off with a spoon to keep your broth clear and clean-tasting.
Step 3: Simmer Gently
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the broth cook uncovered for about 3 to 4 hours. The slow simmer extracts all the flavors from the chicken bones and vegetables, creating a rich and hearty broth. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the broth clear and prevent cloudy flavors.
Step 4: Strain the Broth
After simmering, remove the large pieces of chicken and vegetables with tongs or a slotted spoon. Pour the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl to remove any smaller bits. You can save the cooked chicken meat for other recipes.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Let the broth cool completely. Once cooled, skim off excess fat from the surface if you prefer a leaner broth, or leave some for added richness. Store your broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it for up to three months. Freezing in ice cube trays is a handy way to portion it out for future use.
Tips for the Best Chicken Broth
– Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for maximum flavor and richness.
– Don’t rush the simmering process; the longer it cooks, the more flavorful and nutrient-dense your broth becomes.
– Skim foam regularly to keep your broth clear and clean-tasting.
– Customize herbs and veggies based on your preference, but keep it simple to let the chicken flavor shine.
– Save leftover broth for soups, risottos, sauces, or even sipping warm on a chilly day.
Delicious Ways to Use Your Homemade Chicken Broth
Once you have your homemade chicken broth ready, the possibilities are endless:
– Use it as a base for classic chicken noodle soup.
– Add it to stews, chilis, or casseroles for extra depth.
– Cook grains like rice or quinoa in broth instead of water for more flavor.
– Use it to deglaze pans and make rich pan sauces.
– Enjoy a warm cup on its own for a comforting, nourishing drink.
Making chicken broth from scratch is a simple act that brings big rewards in flavor and nutrition. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a versatile kitchen staple that makes every meal better.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!