I love using it as a base in healthy soups, but once you learn how to make chicken broth from scratch, you’ll be adding it to every recipe that calls for water or broth. It’s a game-changer in terms of flavor – adding a rich, homey touch to everything from rice dishes to casseroles, and everything in between. You really can taste the difference with homemade!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for this homemade chicken broth recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Whole Chicken – Get a whole, raw chicken if you’re buying it for making chicken broth (the most cost-effective option), or you can use up leftover raw chicken pieces with bones. If using a whole chicken, cut into pieces and remove the giblets. Veggies – Celery, onions, and carrots add a simple, tasty mix of flavors that really brings the broth to life. Feel free to also throw in a few garlic cloves if you like. Fresh Herbs – I used a bay leaf, fresh thyme leaves, rosemary, and parsley sprigs. You can use dried versions, or try other herbs, like oregano. Spices – Sea salt and black peppercorns for a simple flavor boost. The amount of salt in my chicken broth recipe is about equivalent to reduced-sodium chicken broth, but you can adjust to your preference.
How To Make Chicken Broth
This section shows how to make homemade chicken broth, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
What Is The Difference Between Chicken Stock And Chicken Broth?
Chicken stock is made from bones, often roasted, and simmered for a longer time to extract collagen, resulting in a richer texture. Broth, on the other hand, is made from meat and vegetables, so it has a lighter texture and flavor. As it heats up, it gradually draws out the flavors from the chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
Storage Instructions
How to store: Cool the chicken broth recipe, transfer to mason jars or airtight containers, and store in the fridge. How long does chicken broth last in the fridge? Homemade chicken broth lasts in the fridge for about 4 to 5 days. Can you freeze chicken broth? Yes, you can freeze chicken broth. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Easy Recipes With Chicken Broth
Once you know how to make chicken broth at home, you’ll want to keep it on hand at all times for whipping up easy recipes that showcase its flavor. Here are some to try:
Soups – The base to just about any healthy soup recipe is chicken broth! It adds a savory depth to cheesy broccoli soup and roasted tomato soup, enhances the taste of classic egg drop soup, and brings out the veggies in a vegetable soup. Casseroles – Broth works well to form the base of sauces in many casseroles, like a cheesy broccoli casserole. Instant Pot – Use chicken broth instead of water in Instant Pot recipes to add extra flavor! I love using it for Instant Pot chicken and rice or just plain shredded chicken breasts. Sauces – Broth is a staple in my saucy chicken recipes. Try creamy chicken Florentine, a bold Cajun chicken, or if you want to get a little fancy, marry me chicken.
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