Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe – Sweet-Savory Masterpiece

by Julia
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August 7, 2023

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Unleash the magic of home cooking with our Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe, a liquid gold elixir that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. Begin by simmering a hearty ensemble of chicken bones, aromatic vegetables, and fresh herbs, letting the ingredients whisper tales of comfort into the pot. As the hours unfold, the broth transforms into a clear, savory masterpiece, infused with love and patience. Strain to perfection, yielding a versatile base for soups, sauces, or sipping. Embrace the homemade hug in a cup, where each sip is a return to the roots of cooking with heart and soul.

Unleash the magic of simmering Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe in your kitchen. Rich in nutrients, our DIY broth beats any store-bought version, offering a vibrant flavor unmatched by others. Perfect as a standalone dish or as a base for multiple delicacies, this broth brings you closer to culinary perfection.

Rediscover the quintessential comfort food, transforming simple ingredients into a heart-warming concoction.

Step by step, we’ll guide you in unlocking the essence of every chicken piece mixed with a mélange of vegetables and herbs. Expect your home to be filled with a soothing aroma, enticing your senses and promising a feast.

This not-so-secret recipe is your ticket to a healthier lifestyle, revamping ordinary meals into extraordinary dining experiences. Join us on this culinary journey, turning an everyday chicken into a remarkable broth, elevating your cooking prowess.

Immerse in the joy of preparing food that nourishes the soul. Ready to simmer? Let’s begin.

What Is A Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe?

Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe is a simple, nourishing recipe made by simmering chicken bones, pieces, or whole chicken with carrots, celery, onions, herbs, and spices. The mixture steeps for hours, extracting the rich flavors and nutrients from the chicken and vegetables.

The result is a clear, flavorful liquid, often used as a base for soups, stews, or sauces. Not only does it enrich dishes with its robust taste, but it also provides a nutritional boost, making your meals healthier and more satisfying.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Keto/Paleo The basic chicken broth recipe aligns with both Keto and Paleo diets. You could add healthy fats like olive oil or ghee to increase the fat content for Keto followers.
Gluten-Free/Whole30 The chicken broth is naturally gluten-free and Whole30 compliant. Just ensure that any added seasonings or spices are also gluten-free.
Vegetarian/Vegan Swap the chicken for a selection of hearty root vegetables, mushrooms, and seaweed to make a rich vegetable broth. The seaweed mimics the umami flavor usually provided by the chicken.

Recipe Directions

Mix chicken, water, garlic, parsley, salt, carrots, onion, thyme, and celery in a large pot.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low, partly cover, and let simmer for 2 hours until chicken falls apart.
Regularly scoop foam from the surface.
Strain broth into a large bowl, press solids to extract maximum liquid.
Pour broth into shallow containers, cool, then loosely cover and refrigerate overnight.
Remove congealed fat from the surface before serving.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

Add different herbs like rosemary or tarragon for unique flavor profiles.
Incorporate other root vegetables such as parsnips or turnips.
For a spicy kick, include chili flakes or fresh jalapeños.
Introduce a smoky touch with a bit of smoked paprika.

Add-Ons

Cooked noodles or rice can be added to a hearty chicken soup.
Add in cooked, shredded chicken for a chunkier version.
Toss in fresh or frozen vegetables for extra nutrition.
Include cooked legumes like chickpeas or lentils for a protein boost.

Toppings

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro.
Add a squeeze of lemon for a tangy freshness.
Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan for a savory touch.
Top with croutons for a delightful crunch.
A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream can add a creamy texture.

Can I Make The Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Absolutely, making chicken broth in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot is a convenient alternative to the traditional stovetop method.

Slow Cooker

Place all ingredients into your slow cooker.
Fill with water until it covers the ingredients by about an inch.
Cover and set to low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Once cooking time is complete, strain the broth and allow it to cool. Store as usual.
The slow cooker’s long, gentle cooking process is ideal for extracting flavors, making it perfect for broth.

Instant Pot

Add all the ingredients to your Instant Pot.
Fill with water until it reaches the pot’s maximum fill line.
Close the lid, ensure the vent is set to the sealing position, and pressure cook on high for 60 minutes.
Let the pressure release naturally, strain the broth, and allow it to cool—store as directed.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Both store-bought and homemade broths have their place in the kitchen, and the choice between them depends on factors like time, convenience, and personal preference.

Store-Bought Broth

This is a convenient option when you’re short on time or need a small amount for a recipe. It’s ready to use and has a consistent flavor. However, it’s crucial to check the labels when buying; many commercial broths contain high sodium levels, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Look for organic, low-sodium versions for a healthier choice.

Homemade Broth

When time allows, homemade broth is a fantastic option. It’s economical, especially using leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps. You have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a cleaner, healthier broth. Plus, homemade broth’s flavor is often richer and more complex than store-bought versions.

How To Serve?

Serving homemade chicken broth can be done in a variety of ways depending on your preferences:

As a standalone soup: Warm it up, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a twist of black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon, and serve in a bowl or mug.
Base for Soups and Stews: Use it as a foundation for other soups, stews, or chili. It adds depth of flavor and richness that water or store-bought broths can’t match.
Cooking Liquid: Use it as a cooking liquid for grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous to impart more flavor.
Sauces and Gravies: Reduce it for a more concentrated flavor to use as a base for sauces and gravies.
Braising: It’s great for braising meats and vegetables, adding a flavor boost to your dishes.
Steaming: You can use it to steam vegetables for a subtle flavor enhancement.

Perfect Side Dishes

Crusty Bread: Freshly baked bread or a toasted baguette is perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich broth.
Salad: A light, crisp salad would complement the warm, hearty broth. Choose ingredients that balance the flavors of your broth.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A comforting side that pairs beautifully with a steaming bowl of broth.
Steamed or Roasted Veggies: They add texture and nutrition to your meal.
Rice or Quinoa: A small bowl of steamed rice or quinoa can add substance, making the broth a heartier meal.
Pasta: A side of simple buttered pasta works well, especially if the broth is served as a main dish.

Storage And Make Ahead

Make ahead: Prepare the chicken broth ahead of time and allow it to cool to room temperature before storing.
Strain thoroughly: Strain the broth to remove any solids and achieve a clear, smooth consistency.
Portion control: Consider portioning the broth into smaller containers before storing to make it easier to use as needed.
Use airtight containers: Store the broth in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from permeating.
Label containers: Clearly label the containers with the date of preparation for easy identification and to ensure you use the oldest broth first.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

When it comes to leftover solids from a recipe, repurposing them is the way to go. After all, why would you want to waste all that cooked food?

For example, we can’t agree with some recipes when they suggest discarding the solids, including the chicken and vegetables. Instead, we always reuse them.

To do this, you first must strip any remaining meat off the chicken carcass and set it aside for later use. You can then put all the solids into a large pot or stockpot along with cold water, bay leaves, and peppercorns.

Bring this to a boil for about an hour or two over medium heat before straining through cheesecloth or a sieve into a bowl. This resultant liquid can later be used as homemade stock in soups or stews.

By doing so, you get nutritional value from your leftovers and save money in the process!

TIPS

Choose the Right Squash: Look for butternut squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a matte skin without any blemishes or soft spots. This ensures freshness and optimal flavor.
Roasting for Depth of Flavor: Consider roasting the butternut squash before adding it to the soup. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the squash, enhancing its sweetness and adding depth of flavor to the soup.
Variety of Spices: Experiment with different spices to add complexity to your soup. Common spices that pair well with butternut squash include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Add them sparingly at first and adjust to taste.
Balance Sweetness with Acid: Butternut squash can be quite sweet, so balancing the sweetness with a touch of acid can elevate the flavors. A splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice towards the end of cooking can help brighten the soup.
Creamy Texture: For a creamy texture without adding cream, consider incorporating coconut milk or cashew cream instead. These dairy-free alternatives lend richness and silkiness to the soup while keeping it vegan-friendly.
Layer Flavors: Build layers of flavor by sautéing aromatics like onions, garlic, and shallots before adding the squash and broth. This step enhances the depth of the soup’s flavor profile.