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Why This Homemade Chicken Broth Works
Chicken broth is usually a convenience product. Many don’t think twice about what kind they’re throwing into the shopping cart. Homemade sounds like overkill and besides, who has time for homemade broth? …..I do!
Honestly, it isn’t too time-consuming. You just throw it all in one pot and simmer for a long time, and you’ll have a delicious broth. Homemade really is unparalleled: it doesn’t have the sodium overload most purchased varieties have, and the flavor will make your soups and sauces stand out! Make it ahead and have it in the freezer!
I know using and discarding the whole chicken seems odd and almost wasteful, but all the flavor and goodness will be used up. This can be frozen for up to one year so I love making it ahead and pulling it out for adding to soup during the winter. I know this doesn’t work for everyone, but I love knowing exactly what went into my broth. And come on – taste it, and you’ll know the difference, too!
Follow These Tips
Serving & Storage
To serve – Serve steaming hot in a mug with a little salt and pepper for sipping, or use as the base for soups, risottos, and sauces. Skim any extra fat from the top if you prefer a lighter broth.
To store – Cool completely, then store in jars or containers in the fridge for up to 10 days. Freeze in containers or freezer bags, leaving headspace, for up to 3 months. You can also freeze in ice cube trays for small portions.
More Soup Recipes to Try
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Homemade Chicken Broth
Ingredients
- 3 stalks celery
- 2 carrots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 onions
- 4 bay leaves
- carrot tops (from above carrots, if available)
- 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley
- 1 sprig sage
- 1 3-4 lb chicken
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp peppercorns
- 5 qt water
Instructions
- Clean and very roughly chop celery and carrots and place in a large 12-quart stockpot.3 stalks celery, 2 carrots
- Peel garlic and add to the pot along with the cleaned onion and bay leaves.3 cloves garlic, 2 onions, 4 bay leaves
- Tie together the carrot tops (if using), parsley, and sage with butcher's twine and add to the pot.carrot tops (from above carrots, if available), 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, 1 sprig sage
- Next, place in the chicken. A good quality organic chicken will have the best flavor.1 3-4 lb chicken
- Sprinkle in the salt and peppercorns then add the 5 quarts of water or as much as needed to ensure the chicken is covered and the pot is almost full.2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp peppercorns, 5 qt water
- Place on stove and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a gentle simmer, which will produce a clearer broth.
- Simmer for 3-4 hours until the broth is reduced slightly and the chicken falls apart.
- Remove from heat, let cool, then strain into another pot.
- Chill overnight. This will separate the fat from the broth.
- Once chilled, remove the layer of fat and pour the broth into airtight freezer containers. Date, label, and place in refrigerator or freezer.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
This sounds so perfect! Love your site <3