Homemade Chicken Broth - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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This homemade chicken broth recipe is a keeper and you will love all the many uses you can get out of it! Chicken broth is a staple cooking ingredient used in soups, casseroles, sauces, and many more everyday recipes.

Making chicken broth at home allows you to make a lot to store for later. Whenever I make this recipe, I have plenty of broth to last me a couple of weeks. I simply store it in the fridge to use throughout the week for recipes like our favorite soup, this yummy pasta, or this easy stir fry recipe.

What is Chicken Broth?

Chicken broth is the liquid created from simmering chicken and vegetables. You can also add herbs and spices for additional flavor. My recipe uses lots of veggies and herbs, but feel free to get creative and use the veggies and herbs that sound good to you! Sometimes I switch out the herbs depending on what I have on hand.

I love making homemade versions of store-bought ingredients because I am able to control the flavors and what goes in them. I also love that I can play with the seasonings and spices to make it the way that I want it. Try my homemade version of the best alfredo sauce, this cheese sauce that can be used in so many ways, or this easy teriyaki sauce that I always have on hand.

Chicken Broth Recipe Ingredients

Homemade chicken broth is so easy and can be prepped in 10 minutes! You will love using this broth in your recipes because it adds so much flavor. The exact measurements for these ingredients are below in the recipe card.

• Whole Chicken:One whole chicken that is about 6 pounds.
• Yellow Onions: Onion adds so much flavor! Feel free to use shallots or any other kind of onion you desire.
• WholeCarrots: Cut the carrots into 2-inch pieces. No need to peel them!
• Celery Stalks: I use the whole stalk including leaves.
• Garlic Cloves: Garlic is a must!
• Parsley: Fresh is best.
• Thyme: For added flavor.
• Rosemary: For added flavor.
• Salt: I love that I can control the sodium in this recipe.
• Whole Black Peppercorns: For added flavor.
• Water: Essential! The flavors from the chicken, veggies, and herbs absorb into the water creating the chicken broth.

How to Make Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is such an essential cooking ingredient and you will love being able to make your own right at home. There are so many uses for chicken broth. Follow my instructions below because I walk you through how easy it is. I can’t wait for you to learn. It’s easier than you think, and homemade tastes incredible.

1. Add Chicken, Veggies, and Herbs to a Pot: Place the chicken in the bottom of a large stock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients on top and around the chicken.
2. Cover With Water and Bring to a Boil: Cover everything completely with water and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once your water has come to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for about 4 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Remove the Chicken: Carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot. Shred and debone the chicken then discard the carcass and use it as desired for recipes.
5. Strain the Broth: To strain the broth, remove all of the ingredients from the pot using a slotted spoon. Carefully strain the chicken broth into a large container. Continue to strain if needed to remove any remaining ingredients.
6. Use For Recipes: Use the broth as needed for recipes or store it in the refrigerator for later use.

What’s the Difference between Broth and Stock?

Most people think broth and stock are the same, but they are made differently. They can have the same uses, but it’s interesting to learn the difference in how they are made. Stock is made from bones, while broth is made mostly from meat and vegetables. Using bones in stock creates a thicker liquid and it takes much longer to make. Broth is a thinner liquid and the outcome is much lighter in color and more flavorful.

Storing Leftovers

Storing homemade chicken broth is different than storebought pantry broth. Be sure to keep it in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve its freshness because it doesn’t have any added preservatives that store-bought chicken broth requires. Follow my instructions below for storing and freezing your homemade broth.

• In the Refrigerator: Store homemade broth in an air-tight container or jars `in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• In the Freezer: To extend the freshness, store the broth in the freezer in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 6 months.
• To Reuse: Allow the chicken broth to sit on the counter and come to room temperature before using because fat can sometimes settle on top as it cools.

More Delicious Recipes Using Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is useful and delicious in so many recipes. Once you make this easy homemade chicken broth recipe I have some great recipes for you to try! You will love the versatility that chicken broth can have in your cooking.

Dinner

Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken

20 mins

See Also

A Fool-Proof Recipe for Chicken Broth - Nourished Kitchen14 Recipes With Chicken Broth You’d Never Think to Make - The Kettle & Fire Blog

Soup Recipes

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

35 mins

Dinner

White Chicken Enchiladas

35 mins

Dinner

Lemon Salmon Piccata

25 mins

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Homemade Chicken Broth

By: Alyssa Rivers

This homemade chicken broth recipe is a keeper and you will love all the many uses you can get out of it! Chicken broth is a staple cooking ingredient used in soups, casseroles, sauces, and many more everyday recipes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 cups

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 whole chicken, about 6 pounds
• ▢ 1 yellow onions, chopped
• ▢ 2 whole carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces
• ▢ 4 celery stalks, including leaves, cut into 4 inch pieces
• ▢ 4 whole garlic cloves
• ▢ 1 bunch of parsley
• ▢ 10 sprigs of thyme
• ▢ 5 sprigs of rosemary
• ▢ 2 tablespoons salt
• ▢ 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
• ▢ water

Instructions

• Place the chicken in the bottom of a large stock pot. Add the rest of the ingredients on top and around the chicken.

• Cover everything completely with water and bring to a boil over high heat.

• Once your water has come to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for about 4 hours. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot. Shred and debone the chicken and use it as desired for recipes.

• To strain the chicken stock, remove all of the ingredients from the pot using a slotted spoon. Carefully strain the chicken stock into a large container. Continue to strain if needed to remove any remaining ingredients.

• Use the chicken stock as needed for recipes or store in the refrigerator for later use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 217kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 18gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 1814mgPotassium: 237mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 279IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

As an expert in cooking and recipe development, I can provide you with information related to the concepts used in the article you provided. I have extensive knowledge and experience in creating homemade chicken broth, as well as understanding the difference between broth and stock. Let's dive into the details!

Chicken Broth: A Versatile Cooking Ingredient

Chicken broth is a liquid that is created by simmering chicken and vegetables together. It is commonly used as a base in soups, casseroles, sauces, and other everyday recipes. The homemade version of chicken broth offers flexibility in terms of flavors and ingredients, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Broth

The recipe calls for the following ingredients:

1. Whole Chicken: A 6-pound whole chicken serves as the main protein source for the broth.
2. Yellow Onions: Chopped onions add flavor to the broth. Shallots or other types of onions can be used as well.
3. Whole Carrots: Carrots are cut into 2-inch pieces and added to the broth. Peeling them is not necessary.
4. Celery Stalks: The entire celery stalk, including the leaves, is used for additional flavor.
5. Garlic Cloves: Garlic adds a distinct taste to the broth.
6. Parsley: Fresh parsley is recommended for optimal flavor.
7. Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs are added to enhance the taste of the broth.
8. Salt: The amount of salt can be adjusted according to personal preference.
9. Whole Black Peppercorns: Peppercorns contribute a hint of spiciness to the broth.
10. Water: Water is essential for creating the base of the chicken broth, allowing the flavors from the chicken, vegetables, and herbs to infuse.

Making Homemade Chicken Broth

The process of making chicken broth involves the following steps:

1. Place the whole chicken in a large stock pot.
2. Add the chopped onions, carrot pieces, celery stalks, garlic cloves, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and whole black peppercorns to the pot.
3. Cover the ingredients completely with water.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
5. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, uncovered, for approximately 4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken. Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot and shred and debone it. The chicken can be used in various recipes.
7. Strain the broth by removing all the ingredients from the pot using a slotted spoon. Pour the broth into a large container and strain it again if needed to remove any remaining ingredients.
8. The homemade chicken broth is now ready to be used in recipes or stored in the refrigerator for later use.

Broth vs. Stock: Understanding the Difference

While many people use the terms "broth" and "stock" interchangeably, there is a slight difference in how they are made. Stock is typically made by simmering bones, such as chicken bones, along with vegetables and herbs. This process results in a thicker liquid and requires a longer cooking time. On the other hand, broth is primarily made from meat and vegetables, resulting in a thinner and lighter-colored liquid with a more pronounced flavor. The homemade chicken broth recipe provided in the article falls into the "broth" category.

Storing Leftover Homemade Chicken Broth

Homemade chicken broth should be stored differently from store-bought pantry broth due to the absence of added preservatives. To preserve its freshness:

1. In the Refrigerator: Store the homemade broth in an airtight container or jars in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
2. In the Freezer: For longer-term storage, transfer the broth to an airtight container or ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
3. Reusing the Broth: Before using the refrigerated or frozen broth, allow it to come to room temperature. This allows any fat that has settled on the top to re-incorporate into the liquid.

More Recipes Using Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavors of various recipes. Here are some delicious recipe suggestions that make use of chicken broth:

• Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken: This recipe combines chicken, lemon, garlic, and chicken broth for a flavorful and quick dinner option.
• Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: A comforting soup made with sausage, tortellini, and chicken broth.
• White Chicken Enchiladas: These enchiladas are filled with chicken and topped with a creamy sauce made with chicken broth.
• Lemon Salmon Piccata: A citrusy salmon dish that incorporates chicken broth into the sauce for added depth of flavor.

I hope this information helps you understand the concepts used in the article and provides you with a solid understanding of homemade chicken broth. Let me know if you have any further questions!