The Best Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making your own chicken broth at home is easier than you think, and the results are worth every minute. You’ll love how simple it is to create a rich, flavorful broth using just a few ingredients. It’s budget-friendly, letting you make the most of leftover chicken bones and veggies. Plus, it’s free from additives, so you know exactly what’s going into your soup. And the best part? Your kitchen will smell amazing while it simmers!
Recipe
Homemade chicken broth is a versatile and nourishing base for soups, stews, and a variety of dishes. It’s simple to make and allows you to control the ingredients for a healthier, flavor-packed result.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds) or chicken carcass/bones
2 large carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or dill) (optional)
12 cups cold water
Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Place the chicken or bones in a large stockpot. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and apple cider vinegar.
- Pour the cold water over the ingredients, ensuring everything is submerged.
- Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 3-4 hours, occasionally skimming off any foam and fat.
- If using a whole chicken, remove it after 1 hour, shred the meat, and return the bones to the pot to continue simmering.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or container. Discard the solids.
- Season with salt to taste. Let the broth cool before storing.
Notes:
- Broth can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months.
- For a richer flavor, roast the chicken bones and vegetables before simmering.
Equipment:
Large stockpot, fine-mesh sieve, large bowl or container
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 3-4 hours
Cuisine:
Universal
Serving:
Makes approximately 10-12 cups
Nutrition
Homemade chicken broth is a nutritious and flavorful base for many dishes. It’s rich in essential nutrients that support overall health.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 86 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Calcium | 15 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing homemade chicken broth with crusty bread or fluffy rice because they soak up the flavors so well. You can also serve it with steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Don’t forget crackers or a sprinkle of herbs to add that extra touch!
Pairing Suggestions
A warm bowl of chicken broth is like a cozy hug, and it’s even better when paired with the right dishes. I love serving it with a slice of crusty bread or buttery crackers for dipping—they soak up the flavor perfectly. Adding a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the meal with a fresh crunch. For heartier options, I’ll toss in cooked rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables, turning the broth into a filling soup. Sometimes, I even pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort combo. These pairings make the broth the star of the meal.
Complementary Dishes
When you’ve got a pot of homemade chicken broth simmering on the stove, it’s easy to turn it into a complete meal by adding a few simple sides. I love pairing it with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping, or even a side of fluffy rice that soaks up the broth beautifully. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables like carrots and zucchini. For heartier meals, I drop in some noodles or shredded chicken to make it a soup. It’s amazing how versatile broth can be—just add what you’ve got!
