Whole chicken or chicken bones: Approximately 3-4 pounds of chicken or chicken bones.
Water: About 16-20 cups of water to cover the chicken adequately.
Vegetables: 2 large onions, 3 carrots, and 3 celery stalks, all roughly chopped.
Herbs: A small bunch of fresh parsley, 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme, and 2 bay leaves.
Seasonings: 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of whole peppercorns.
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Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Clean the chicken: If using a whole chicken, remove any giblets, rinse the chicken under cold running water, and pat it dry with paper towels. If using chicken bones, ensure they are clean and devoid of excess fat.
Cut the chicken: If using a whole chicken, cut it into parts - legs, wings, and breasts. This helps in better flavor extraction during cooking.
Selecting and Preparing Vegetables
Chop the vegetables: Peel and roughly chop the onions, carrots, and celery stalks into medium-sized pieces. The vegetables will add flavor and depth to the broth.
Prepare the aromatics: Peel and smash a few cloves of garlic to enhance the flavor. Set aside for later use.
Cooking Process
Boil the chicken and vegetables: In a large pot, place the chicken or chicken bones. Add the chopped vegetables, garlic, and herb bundle. Pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients adequately.
Bring to a gentle boil: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during this process.
Simmer and cook: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Straining and Storing
Strain the broth: Once the broth is rich and flavorful, remove the chicken and vegetables, and strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or another pot.
Store the broth: Allow the broth to cool to room temperature. Store it in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for several months.
Notes
u003cliu003eUse a mix of chicken parts for the best flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon't over-salt initially, you can adjust the seasoning later.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eAdd a tablespoon of vinegar during cooking to help extract minerals from the bones.u003c/liu003e
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Chicken Broth
Amount per Serving
Calories
350
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.