Easy Homemade Chicken Broth
Table of Contents
Alright, let's get this show on the road! ever find yourself staring at a carton of shop bought chicken broth and thinking, "there's gotta be a better way?" honestly, there is! we're diving headfirst into homemade chicken broth today, and i promise you, it's easier than you think.
This isn't just about soup; it's about unlocking flavour town.
Liquid Gold: Why Make Chicken Stock From Scratch ?
Chicken stock from scratch isn't just for fancy chefs. it's about going back to basics. it's about knowing exactly what's in your food, and it makes your cooking taste like it's from a restaurant.
This liquid gold comes from generations who knew how to get the most flavour out of every ingredient. it's not just food; it's a legacy of good cooking.
This recipe is a doddle, even for a novice. most of the time is just simmering chicken broth , which is about 2 hours and 45 minutes total.
You'll get around 10 cups of proper flavour. perfect for batch cooking.
This Ain't Just Broth: The Good Stuff
One of the big chicken broth nutritional benefits ? it’s a brilliant source of collagen, great for your joints and skin! forget those expensive supplements, just sip on this! homemade bone broth is also packed with nutrients that store-bought stuff lacks.
Think sunday roast leftovers transformed. or that killer risotto you've always wanted to nail. this easy chicken broth recipe is your secret weapon.
This natural chicken broth will take your cooking from good to legendary! this is also perfect for when you have a cold coming on!
Next up? We'll dive into what you need to make this magic happen. Get your aprons ready and let's do this!
Right, let's get down to brass tacks! here's what you'll need to whip up a batch of proper homemade chicken broth .
Forget that watery stuff from the supermarket. this is the real deal.
Ingredients & Equipment
The Main Players
- Whole Chicken: 5-6 lbs (that's about 2.25-2.7 kg for my metric mates). Go for a good quality bird. You know? One that looks happy and plump. Quality is important for that rich flavour.
- Water: 8-10 cups ( 1.9-2.4 liters ). Enough to cover the chicken, really.
- Yellow Onion: ½ , unpeeled. Don't bother peeling it. The skin adds colour.
- Celery: 1 stalk . Just one will do.
- Carrot: 1 . Again, one's enough.
- Fresh Thyme: 3-4 sprigs . Adds a lovely herby note.
- Fresh Parsley: 8-10 sprigs . Don't be shy with the parsley.
- Garlic Cloves: 5 , unpeeled. Unpeeled garlic is softer.
- Bay Leaves: 2 . Essential for that classic broth flavour.
- Sea Salt: 2 teaspoons . Or kosher salt. Season to taste, innit?
- Black Peppercorns: 2 teaspoons . Whole ones, mind.
Seasoning: The Flavour Boosters
- Essential spice combinations: Thyme, parsley, bay leaf is your base. Trust me.
- Flavour enhancers and aromatics: Don't be afraid to add a bit of rosemary!
- Quick substitution options: Dried herbs work if you're out of fresh. Half the amount. A little goes a long way. You could even use Homemade chicken bouillon for an extra boost.
Gear You'll Need
- Large Stock Pot: At least 6 quarts ( 5.7 liters ). It needs to be big enough.
- Large Bowl: For the cooked chicken.
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Or cheesecloth lined colander. Clear chicken broth is the goal!
- Tongs: To handle the hot chicken. You can also use a fork or spoon.
Honestly, that's all there is to it. making chicken stock from scratch isn’t some fancy cheffy thing. it’s dead easy.
Just chuck it all in a pot and let it simmering chicken broth . you'll be amazed at the difference natural chicken broth makes.
Think of all those chicken broth nutritional benefits ! and that lovely chicken broth for soup … mmm! it is the base to easy chicken broth recipe
And you know what? i started making my own homemade bone broth after reading an article about it ages ago.
Never looked back! my grandma used to make slow cooked chicken broth , and now i get to enjoy the legacy too.
So, gather your bits and bobs, and let's get cooking! you won’t regret it, i promise.
Okay, love, let's get stuck in with making proper homemade chicken broth . Honestly, once you've tasted this, you'll never reach for those dodgy stock cubes again! Forget that shop bought rubbish, making chicken stock from scratch is easier than you think!
Prep Like a Pro!
Mise en Place? More Like "Get Sorted!"
Right, before we even think about turning on the hob, let's get our bits and bobs together. we're talking about having all your ingredients prepped.
That chicken rinsed, veg chopped. trust me, doing this saves a load of faff later on. it's essential mise en place, init?
Organization is Key!
Time saving organization tips? absolutely crucial, darling! chop those veggies roughly. half an onion, roughly chopped celery and carrot. you don't need to be doing fancy knife work here.
It's all going in the pot together. sorted!
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step
Ready to Roll: The Process
- Chuck your 5-6 lb (2.25-2.7 kg) whole chicken in a large pot.
- Add 8-10 cups (1.9-2.4 liters) water . Make sure the chicken is mostly covered.
- Pop in ½ yellow onion, 1 stalk celery, 1 carrot, 3-4 sprigs thyme, 8-10 sprigs parsley, 5 whole garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, 2 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons peppercorns. Boom.
- Bring the whole shebang to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer away nicely. Making proper simmering chicken broth is all about patience.
- Use a spoon to skim off any scum that floats to the top. This helps get you that lovely, clear chicken broth .
- Simmer it gently for 2 hours . We're aiming for a super slow cooked chicken broth .
- Let it cool for a bit before fishing out the chicken. Don't burn your fingers!
Now, strain the broth to get rid of all the bits. And there you have it, glorious homemade chicken broth .
Pro Tips for Perfect Broth
Expert Shortcuts, Innit?
Want the really good stuff? Roast the chicken carcass before simmering. It adds a deep, richer flavour. Trust me, it's a game changer!
Watch Out! Common Mistakes
Don't boil it too hard! A gentle simmer is key. Otherwise, your broth will be cloudy. Honestly, nobody wants cloudy broth.
Right then, that's all folks! this easy chicken broth recipe will transform your cooking. it's cheaper and better than the shop bought stuff.
Plus, you can feel smug knowing you made it yourself. and remember to check out the chicken broth nutritional benefits .
Get it simmering, get it straining, and get ready to taste perfection. enjoy, you lovely lot! you'll be making homemade chicken bouillon in no time!
Alright, let's get down to the nitty gritty of the easy chicken broth recipe , shall we? these are my recipe notes , my little insider tips and tricks.
I learned these the hard way, so you don't have to! honestly, i've ruined my fair share of simmering chicken broth .
Recipe Notes: Your Broth Bible
Serving Up Some Inspiration
Okay, so you've got this amazing clear chicken broth . now what? think of it as a blank canvas! for plating, i love a simple bowl.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. a single crouton floating on top? fancy, innit? as for sides, a crusty baguette is always a winner.
To drink? a crisp white wine pairs beautifully. or just a cuppa, let's be honest.
Storing That Liquid Gold
Listen up. we’re talking about food safety. once cooled, your natural chicken broth will keep in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Pop it into airtight containers or jars. got more than you need? no worries! freezing is your friend. ladle it into freezer safe bags or containers.
It'll be good for up to 6 months. when reheating, make sure it reaches a safe temperature. don't want any dodgy tummies!
Mix It Up, Buttercup
Want to shake things up a bit? going low-carb? use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice in your chicken soup.
Need it veggie? try using mushroom stalks, onion skins, and carrot tops for a flavorful veggie broth. for a seasonal twist, add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes in the autumn.
It's all about experimenting!
Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty: Nutrition
Okay, i'm no dietician. but i can tell you that chicken broth nutritional benefits are great. it's low in calories, but packed with nutrients.
Think electrolytes, collagen, and amino acids. perfect when you're feeling a bit under the weather. this homemade bone broth can do wonders.
It is also perfect for a hearty chicken broth for soup . just remember the values may vary slightly, especially the sodium if you use a lot of salt for this homemade chicken bouillon .
Right then, there you have it. my little guide to making the most of your homemade chicken broth . now go forth and get simmering! don't be afraid to make mistakes.
That's how you learn. and hey, even if it's a bit wonky, it'll still be better than the shop bought stuff.
I promise! homemade always tastes better. plus, you are actually making chicken stock from scratch .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is making Homemade chicken broth really worth the effort? I mean, the shop bought stuff is so convenient.
Absolutely, guv'nor! While shop bought broth might be quicker, nothing beats the flavour and goodness of homemade. You control the ingredients, avoid any nasty additives, and the depth of flavour is just incomparable.
Think of it as the difference between a proper Sunday roast and a microwave meal - both fill you up, but one is infinitely more satisfying!
My Homemade chicken broth always comes out cloudy. What am I doing wrong?
Cloudy broth is a common problem, but easily fixed! The key is to maintain a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. A vigorous boil emulsifies the fats and proteins, making the broth cloudy. Also, be sure to skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first 5-10 minutes of simmering.
Think of it like skimming the fat off gravy - it’s all about getting rid of the gunk!
Can I use chicken carcasses instead of a whole chicken for making Homemade chicken broth?
Yes, absolutely! Using chicken carcasses (bones) is a great way to make broth and reduce waste. In fact, many cooks prefer using carcasses as they tend to yield a richer, more intensely flavored broth. Just make sure the bones are from cooked chicken and that they are clean and free of excess fat.
It's like getting a second life out of that Sunday roast chicken!
How long does Homemade chicken broth last in the fridge and can I freeze it?
Your homemade chicken broth will happily keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, provided it's stored properly in an airtight container. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet! It can be frozen for up to 6 months in freezer safe containers or bags.
I often freeze mine in individual portions using ice cube trays for easy use in recipes a proper time saver!
What can I do with the chicken after I've made the broth? It seems a shame to waste it.
Wasting perfectly good chicken is a crime against the culinary gods! Shred the cooked chicken and use it in soups, salads, sandwiches, tacos, or even a classic chicken pot pie. It's also fantastic tossed with a bit of BBQ sauce and served on slider buns.
Consider it a two-for-one deal delicious broth and a ready-made chicken component for other dishes!
Can I adapt the recipe for Homemade chicken broth if I'm on a low-sodium diet?
Definitely! The beauty of making your own broth is that you can control the sodium content. Start by using less salt than the recipe calls for. You can always add more at the end if needed, but you can't take it away.
You can also use salt substitutes or focus on layering flavour with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and pepper. Remember, you can always add flavour less sodium is much more difficult to deal with later!
Easy Homemade Chicken Broth
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 30-50 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 1-3g |
| Fiber | 1-2g |