Comforting Chicken Stock Recipe – Easy Recipe Inside

As the aroma of simmering soup wafts through my kitchen, it stirs a potful of memories, taking me back to the cozy afternoons spent in grandma’s kitchen, her tales as comforting as the warm, flavorful broth she lovingly prepared.

This timeless allure of soup inspires my culinary journey – an exploration of flavors, textures, and the alchemy of ingredients simmered to perfection.

So today, I’m bringing you a chicken stock recipe that’s close to my heart. This isn’t just about a list of ingredients or a method; it’s about kindling nostalgia, and rediscovering the therapeutic joy of creating something soul-warming from scratch.

 Packed with wholesome goodness, this stock lays the foundation for a myriad of dishes, enriching them with its robust flavor profile.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, let’s embark on this soup journey together, crafting a stock that’s nourishing, flavorful, and steeped in homely comfort. 

You’ll discover how a simple chicken stock can transform your meals, and even whisk you back to your own cherished kitchen memories.

What Is Chicken Stock?

The purpose of this simmering process is to extract the flavors, nutrients, and collagen from these ingredients, creating a rich and savory base that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Chicken stock is a flavorful liquid made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and aromatics like herbs and spices in water over a certain period.

Key ingredients often include chicken bones (usually leftovers from a roasted or cooked chicken), onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaves.

The mixture is usually simmered for several hours, then strained to remove the solids, resulting in a clear, flavorful liquid.

Chicken stock is a staple in many kitchens because of its versatility. It can be used as a base for soups and stews, for braising meats, as a cooking liquid for grains, and to add flavor to sauces.

Homemade chicken stock is generally preferred by chefs for its superior flavor and nutritional value compared to store-bought versions.

Can You Vary The Soup With Other Ingredients?

The great thing about soup is its adaptability to various dietary needs. Here are a few ways you could alter the chicken soup recipe to fit different diets:

• Keto You’d want to focus on low-carb ingredients to make the soup Keto-friendly. Avoid adding starchy vegetables like carrots; add more leafy greens or cruciferous vegetables like kale or broccoli. You can also add more fats using bone-in, skin-on chicken, or a swirl of heavy cream at the end.
• Paleo Paleo diets exclude grains, dairy, and legumes, but the basic chicken soup recipe already fits these requirements. To add more nutrition, consider including more varieties of vegetables or using bone broth instead of water for extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free The basic chicken soup recipe is naturally gluten-free, containing no wheat-based ingredients. However, if you wish to add noodles to create a chicken noodle soup, make sure to use gluten-free noodles.
• Whole 30 This diet requires avoiding sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy, and dairy. Again, the basic chicken soup recipe fits these criteria. Just like with the Paleo version, you could add more variety of vegetables or use bone broth for additional nutrients.
• Vegetarian/Vegan To make a vegetarian or vegan version of chicken soup, you could use vegetable broth instead of chicken and add hearty vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash to make the soup more filling. Add beans or tofu for protein.

Recipe Directions

Preparation

• Remove giblets and any plastic timer.
• Rinse chicken with cold water.

Slow Cooker Method

• Place chicken and neck in slow cooker.
• Add onion, carrot, celery, peppercorns, bay leaf.
• Fill with water, leaving 2 inches at the top.
• Cook on HIGH for 3 hours.
• Remove and cool chicken and veggies.
• Simmer stock on HIGH, covered, 2 more hours.

Stovetop Method

• Put chicken and neck in a large pot.
• Add onion, carrot, celery, peppercorns, bay leaf.
• Cover with water.
• Boil, then simmer uncovered for 2 hours.
• Remove and cool chicken and veggies.
• Continue simmering stock on low for 1-1.5 hours.

Final Steps (Both Methods)

• Strain stock into a container and cool.
• Refrigerate; skim solidified fat.
• Portion into containers freeze for up to 3 months.
• Use the remaining chicken meat for other dishes.
• Enjoy homemade chicken stock!

Variations Add-Ons And Toppings

Variations

• Herb-infused Chicken Stock: Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage at the beginning of the cooking process for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Stock: For a kick of heat, add a couple of dried chilies or a few slices of fresh jalapeño.
• Asian-style Chicken Stock: Add ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and soy sauce for an Asian twist.

Add-Ons

• Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or squash to make a vegetable chicken soup.
• Grains: Adding cooked rice, barley, or quinoa can turn the stock into a hearty meal.
• Proteins: Add cooked beans, lentils, or chickpeas for a protein boost.

Toppings

• Herbs: Freshly chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can add freshness and color to your soup.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan or a dollop of cream cheese can add creaminess.
• Croutons: Homemade croutons can add a delightful crunch.

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

Both slow cookers and Instant Pots are excellent tools for making soup.

Slow Cooker

• Add all of your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work. The low and slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully over several hours, making for a delicious and aromatic soup.

Instant Pot

• An Instant Pot can be a lifesaver if you’re short on time. This versatile appliance can make soup in a fraction of the time it takes on the stove or in a slow cooker. It’s also excellent for making bone broths or stocks, as the high pressure can extract more flavor and nutrients from the bones.

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

You can certainly use store-bought broth, which works perfectly fine in many recipes. It’s a great shortcut when you’re short on time. However, the homemade chicken stock has its unique benefits.

Making your own chicken stock allows you to control the ingredients and their quality.

It often has a deeper flavor and is less salty than many store-bought versions. Also, homemade stock can be a cost-effective way to use leftover bones and vegetable scraps.

In short, if you have the time and resources, homemade stock can improve the flavor of your dishes.

But a good-quality store-bought broth can get the job done if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to look for low-sodium options to control your dish’s seasoning.

How To Serve

Serving soup in an appealing and satisfying way involves both presentation and pairing. Here are some tips:

• Use the right dishware: Serve soup in a wide and shallow bowl rather than narrow and deep. This allows for a better view of the soup’s ingredients and makes eating easier.
• Garnish wisely: A bit of garnish can make a world of difference. Consider adding a sprig of fresh herbs, a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of cheese, or some freshly ground pepper on top. Add some texture with croutons or toasted nuts if your soup is smooth.
• Serve with complementary sides: Depending on the type of soup, you can serve it with a slice of crusty bread, a side salad, or a sandwich.
• Temperature matters: Ensure your soup is served hot. If it’s a cold soup, ensure it’s served chilled straight from the refrigerator.
• Serve in stages: A light soup can be a great appetizer if you’re serving multiple courses. For heavier soups, serve as a main course.

Perfect Side Dishes

The perfect side dishes can enhance your soup and make it a satisfying meal. Here are some ideas:

• Sandwiches: A classic grilled cheese is a popular choice, but consider branching out to something like a ham and brie baguette, turkey club, or a veggie wrap. The sandwich can be tailored to complement the flavors in your soup.
• Salads: A crisp salad can provide a refreshing contrast to a hot, hearty soup. A more robust salad might be for a lighter soup with grains or protein.
• Bread: Freshly baked bread is a wonderful accompaniment to soup. Try a crusty baguette, fluffy dinner rolls, or a hearty whole-grain loaf. For something different, consider cornbread or cheese scones.
• Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: For a healthy and filling option, serve a side of roasted root vegetables or lightly steamed seasonal greens.
• First course: If the soup is part of a larger meal, it can be a great first course. Pair it with a main dish that complements the flavors in the soup, but is light enough.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: After cooking, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers.
• Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: When ready to consume, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently heat from frozen on the stovetop.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the soup base in advance, storing it without adding any delicate ingredients like noodles or greens until ready to serve.
• Customization: Customize individual servings with fresh ingredients upon reheating for optimal taste and texture.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

Leftover soup provides many opportunities for creative and delicious meals! Here are some suggestions:

• Create a new soup: Add ingredients to change the flavor profile. Adding different proteins, veggies, or even a can of diced tomatoes can turn your leftover soup into a new culinary experience.
• Pasta Sauce: Puree leftover vegetable soup to create a flavorful pasta sauce. You can also reduce chunkier soups on the stove to make a rich, concentrated sauce.
• Rice or Grain Dish: Use the soup as a flavorful cooking liquid for rice or other grains. It will infuse the grains with a depth of flavor water or broth can’t provide.
• Casserole: Use the soup as a base for a casserole. Add protein, vegetables, and a topping like cheese or breadcrumbs, then bake until bubbly and golden.
• Stir-Fry or Curry: Add some protein and vegetables to your wok or frying pan, pour in the soup as a sauce, and cook until everything is well combined and heated through.

TIPS

• Use a Variety of Vegetables: Besides onions, carrots, and celery (the classic trio for stock), consider adding other vegetables like leeks, parsnips, or even mushrooms for added depth of flavor.
• Toast Your Herbs and Spices: Before adding them to the pot, lightly toast your herbs and spices in a dry pan to release their oils and intensify their flavors. This step can make a significant difference in the overall taste of your soup.
• Add Fresh Herbs at the End: While dried herbs are great for long simmering, adding fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill at the end of cooking will provide a burst of fresh flavor and brightness.
• Use Homemade Stock: If possible, use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought. Homemade stock tends to have a richer flavor and allows you to control the sodium content.
• Simmer Slowly: Don’t rush the simmering process. Let the soup gently simmer over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and develop fully. This can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours or even longer for a richer flavor.
• Skim the Fat: If you’re using chicken with skin or bones, skim off any excess fat or impurities that rise to the surface during simmering. This will result in a cleaner, clearer broth.
• Add Acid: A splash of acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, added towards the end of cooking can help brighten the flavors of your soup and balance out the richness of the broth.

Nutritional Table