Delightful Homemade Chicken Broth (Healthy Intense Flavor)

Nothing beats a hot bowl of homemade fresh and simple chicken broth for settling an upset stomach or providing warmth and comfort on a cold winter night.

Making your chicken broth doesn’t have to be difficult, either – with just a few simple ingredients and tools, you can quickly make your own fresh, delicious broth. 

Whether you’re looking for a tried-and-true recipe to whip up regularly or want to tweak the ingredients to your taste, making chicken broth can be a fun and rewarding experience.

What Is A Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe?

Homemade Chicken Broth is always a great option to have on hand to enhance the flavor of your cooking. Not only will it add intense flavor and moisture to any dish, but it’s also healthier than store-bought broth – no added preservatives or sodium! 

This basic recipe yields a light, flavorful broth that can be used in various ways. Use it as a base for soups and stews, a flavoring agent for pan sauces, or add richness to casseroles and other one-dish meals. 

The traditional method simmers chicken bones and vegetables on the stovetop for three hours until all the goodness has been extracted. 

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Homemade chicken broth is incredibly adaptable to various dietary needs:

• 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.

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?

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

Pairing side dishes with homemade chicken broth makes it a fulfilling meal. Here are some options:

• 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

• Cool Down Quickly: After preparing Homemade Chicken Broth, cool it rapidly to room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Strain and Store: Strain the broth to remove any solids, then store it in airtight containers to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Place the containers of broth in the refrigerator promptly after cooling to ensure food safety.
• Consume Within 3-4 Days: Enjoy the stored broth within 3-4 days of refrigeration for optimal taste and quality.
• Make Ahead: Plan ahead by preparing the broth in advance and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat when ready to use for soups, sauces, and more.

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

• Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality chicken bones, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs for the best flavor.
• Slow Simmer: Allow the broth to simmer gently over low heat for several hours to extract maximum flavor from the ingredients.
• Skim the Surface: Regularly skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking for a clearer broth.
• Add Acid: Enhance flavor and help extract nutrients by adding a splash of acidic liquid like vinegar or lemon juice.
• Cool and Store Safely: Cool the broth completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent bacterial growth.

NUTRITION TABLE