Chicken Broth Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Chicken Broth Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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I love that Chicken Broth is so easy to make that I never need to buy it from the store anymore. When I first started learning to cook, I had no idea that homemade staples would be not only this simple, but also cost effective. I’ve developed this delicious recipe made with lots of vegetables, spices, and chicken to create the perfect flavor.

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Yes you can make chicken broth at home! Below I let you know how to make chicken broth and use it in all of your soups this winter season!

Table of Contents

What’s in This Chicken Broth Recipe?

  • Whole Chicken: You’ll need 2 (5-pound) whole young roasting chickens for this recipe.
  • Water: Forms the base of the broth and soaks up all the delicious flavor from the chicken and spices.
  • Yellow Onions: Add a sweet and earthy flavor to the broth.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent aroma and earthy flavor.
  • Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness to the broth.
  • Celery: Adds a mild herbal flavor and saltiness.
  • Herbs and Spices: herbs de Provence, bay leaves, whole cloves, whole black peppercorns, and kosher salt infuse the broth with so much flavor.
  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds an umami boost to the broth that takes it to the next level.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

It’s important to remember that the stock will be slightly gelatinous once cooled (which is actually a good thing! It means it’s full of nutrient-dense collagen from the bones) but it will liquefy and add a rich, lovely flavor when heated.

Variations on Homemade Chicken Broth

There are so many easy ways to jazz up this chicken broth. I already made mine a bit more fun by adding herbs de Provence and soy sauce.

I also love to add chili peppers or red pepper flakes to give the broth a spicy kick, lemon juice and zest to give it a bright and refreshing flavor, ginger to give it a slightly spicy and sweet flavor (and aid in digestion), turmeric for a vibrant yellow color (and anti-inflammatory properties!), or miso for an umami boost (plus I love that it adds probiotics)!

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Serving Suggestions

I think this is the perfect base for so many soups, and I use it often because it’s a part of so many recipes. I always have some on hand so I can quickly make chicken noodle soup, crockpot Tuscan chicken soup, Italian wedding soup, egg drop soup, Buffalo chicken soup, or Zuppa Toscana.

It also comes in handy when making all kinds of holiday recipes, like stuffing and casseroles, so you’ll definitely need this stuff around. I use it in this Chicken and Rice Casserole and this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.

Recipe

Chicken Broth Recipe

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 20 minutes minutes

Cook: 4 hours hours

Total: 4 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

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Serves19 cups

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Chicken Broth is so easy to make, you won't need to buy it from the store anymore. This delicious recipe is made with lots of vegetables, spices, and chicken to create the perfect flavor. Learn how to make chicken broth and use it in all of your soups this winter season!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

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Email This Recipe

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Ingredients

  • 2 (5-pound) whole young roasting chickens
  • 6 quarts cold water
  • 3 yellow onions unpeeled and quartered
  • 1 head garlic unpeeled and halved; optional
  • 6 carrots washed, unpeeled, and quartered
  • 4 ribs celery with leaves washed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons herbs de Provence
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 12 whole cloves
  • 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a 16-20 quart stockpot, and cover with 6 quarts of water.

    2 (5-pound) whole young roasting chickens, 6 quarts cold water, 3 yellow onions, 1 head garlic, 6 carrots, 4 ribs celery with leaves, 2 tablespoons herbs de Provence, 4 bay leaves, 12 whole cloves, 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

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  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, 2½ hours.

  • Carefully transfer the chickens to two large bowls. Remove the chicken meat from the bones and set aside.

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  • After removing the meat from the bones, place them and the excess broth (from the bones) back into the stockpot. Season to taste – the broth should taste lightly salted.

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  • Continue cooking the broth another 1½ hours.

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  • While the broth reduces, cut or shred the chicken meat and save for other meals. (It freezes beautifully.)

  • After the stock is finished cooking, strain it over through a colander and discard the remaining solids.

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  • Refrigerate the stock overnight and remove the surface fat the next day.

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Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

Yield: 19 cups broth and 4 cups cooked chicken

  • The stock will be slightly gelatinous, but it will liquefy and add a rich, lovely flavor when heated.
  • This recipe was inspired by Ina Garten and Jacques Pepin.

Storage:Store chicken broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cup Calories: 72kcal (4%) Carbohydrates: 5g (2%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 6g (9%) Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0.001g Cholesterol: 5mg (2%) Sodium: 437mg (19%) Potassium: 141mg (4%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 2g (2%) Vitamin A: 3868IU (77%) Vitamin C: 4mg (5%) Calcium: 40mg (4%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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How to Make Chicken Broth Step by Step

Cook the Chickens: Place 2 (5-pound) whole young roasting chickens, 6 quarts of cold water, 3 quartered yellow onions, 1 halved head of garlic, 6 quartered carrots, 4 halved ribs of celery with the leaves, 2 tablespoons of herbs de Provence, 4 bay leaves, 12 whole cloves, 2 teaspoons of whole black peppercorns, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce in a 16-20 quart stockpot, and cover with 6 quarts of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 2½ hours.

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Remove the Meat: Carefully transfer the chickens to two large bowls. Remove the chicken meat from the bones and set aside.

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Season the Broth: After removing the meat from the bones, place them and the excess broth (from the bones) back into the stockpot. Season to taste – the broth should taste lightly salted.

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Reduce the Broth: Continue cooking the broth for another 1½ hours. While the broth reduces, cut or shred the chicken meat and save it for other meals. (It freezes beautifully.)

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Strain the Broth: After the stock is finished cooking, strain it over through a colander and discard the remaining solids.

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Chill the Broth: Refrigerate the stock overnight and remove the surface fat the next day.

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover chicken broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan set over medium-low heat until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze leftover chicken broth in individual portions in airtight containers or Ziplock bags for up to 3 months. You can toss it right into a hot pan if it is in small portions, or thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for larger portions.

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Is chicken stock the same as chicken broth?

Broth and Stock are made in a similar way, but still, chicken stock and chicken broth are not exactly the same. Both are liquids made by boiling chicken bones and/or meat along with vegetables. The difference is that chicken stock tends to be less seasoned, and is perfect as a base to make sauces, gravies, etc. Chicken broth, on the other hand, is well-seasoned and full of flavor, so it’s ready to consume as is.

Can you use chicken broth instead of chicken stock?

Chicken stock and stock broth are very similar, and they can generally be used interchangeably. In a pinch, if you don’t have one, use the other.

Is chicken broth good for you?

Chicken broth is a nutritious food that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also believed to have health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving digestion.

Can you make chicken broth without bones?

Yes, you can make chicken broth without bones by using chicken meat or a combination of chicken meat and bones.

Is chicken broth gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, omit the soy sauce or replace it with tamari or coconut aminos.

Can you use broth instead of water when cooking rice or pasta?

Yes, using chicken broth instead of water when cooking rice or pasta can add extra flavor and depth to the dish.

More Soup Recipes To Try

  • Chicken Soup
  • Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Hash Brown Potato Soup
  • Beer Cheese Soup
  • Ham and Bean Soup
  • Cabbage Soup

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Chicken Broth Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between chicken stock and chicken broth? ›

Stock is generally made from bones, and broth is generally made from flesh. In both cases, they are often supported with aromatic vegetables, but in the case of stock, left unseasoned for maximum flexibility in recipes, whereas broth will usually contain at least salt and pepper.

What can I substitute for chicken broth in a recipe? ›

Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for chicken broth if you want to keep the dish vegetarian or vegan. It adds flavor and moisture to your soups and stews. Beef Broth: Beef broth can be used as a substitute, although it will impart a slightly different flavor to the dish.

Can I use chicken broth instead of condensed chicken broth? ›

Intensity Requirement: If you're aiming for a bold and concentrated flavor, opt for condensed chicken broth. For milder, well-balanced dishes, traditional chicken broth is the way to go. Space and Storage: Consider your kitchen space and storage limitations.

How do you make chicken broth taste better? ›

Add salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer to enhance the flavors. Be cautious with the salt if the store-bought broth is already salty. Fresh herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary, add a handful of them to the broth during the simmering process.

Which tastes better chicken stock or broth? ›

As a result, stock is usually a healthier product, delivering a richer mouth feel and deeper flavor than broth. Stock is a versatile culinary tool that can deliver taste to any number of dishes. Darker in color and more concentrated in flavor than broth, it's ideal for use in soups, rice, sauces and more.

Which is healthier chicken stock or broth? ›

And the Winner Is..

Stock! Whether homemade or store-bought it has more protein and usually less sodium per serving as compared to broth. Plus, the flavor is just better which means you'll start with something tastier and will hopefully use less salt to taste at the end.

What happens if I use water instead of chicken broth? ›

Fortunately, we're here to let you in on a game-changing secret: Water makes a more than acceptable replacement for chicken stock in most soups, stews, sauces, and braises. And in many cases, water actually produces a better-tasting result.

Can I use bouillon instead of broth? ›

Bouillon for Broth

If you don't have any kind of broth on hand, you can resort to bouillon cubes or granules to make a broth substitute. To create the equivalent of 1 cup of broth, combine 1 cube or 1 teaspoon of granules with 1 cup of boiling water and mix until the bouillon dissolves.

Can you use water instead of broth? ›

The simple answer is yes, it's usually okay to substitute vegetable stock with water. In most recipes that call for vegetable stock, its main advantage over water is that it provides flavor, which is especially important if you're making vegetarian or vegan food that's missing the richness from meat.

What is stock vs broth? ›

"Traditionally, broth is a slightly reduced stock with further aromatics and seasonings added to it, such as whole spices or more pungent vegetables," says. Broths are also made with animal flesh, along with bones—whole chickens or chicken parts, for example—but may also be made with just meat alone.

Why can't you dilute chicken broth? ›

It's worth noting that diluting chicken broth will also decrease its flavor and sodium content. It's recommended to taste the broth after dilution and adjust seasoning as needed, such as with salt, pepper, herbs, or spices.

Can you drink Campbell's chicken broth? ›

All of our Swanson broths can be enjoyed as a beverage. Swanson Sipping Bone Broths are specially made to be consumed as a beverage. Please visit https://www.campbells.com/swanson/sipping-bone-broth/ to see a complete list of our sipping varieties. We recommend heating broths before drinking them.

Why does my chicken broth taste weird? ›

If your homemade chicken stock tastes bad, there are a few ways to try to fix it: Skim off any impurities: If there are any bits of meat or impurities floating on top of the stock, skim them off with a spoon or ladle. This can help improve the overall flavor.

Why does my chicken broth taste bad? ›

Not cooking it for the right amount of time

Cooking time also matters when you're preparing chicken broth. You want to cook the ingredients together long enough for the chicken and vegetables to have a chance to impart their flavors to the mixture in the pot, but not too much beyond that.

Why do you put lemon juice in chicken soup? ›

Lemons are a chicken soup game changer. Why? They brighten up and balance the salty, rich flavors of the dish, and make all of the ingredients come into line. Like a vinaigrette on a salad, the pickle on a burger, and the sour cream in a coffee cake, a squeeze of lemon gives chicken soup a game-changing brightness.

Do you add water to chicken broth when making soup? ›

Directions. Bring broth and water to a simmer over medium-high heat in a large soup kettle. Meanwhile, separate chicken meat from skin and bones; reserve meat. Add skin and bones to the simmering broth.

Which is thicker chicken broth or stock? ›

Stock is thicker than broth. Typically, a person making stock uses animal bones rather than meat and boils the bones or cartilage in water over a period of 3-8 hours, depending on the bones used. This allows the bone marrow and collagen to release into the water, creating a liquid with a thick, gelatinous consistency.

Is chicken bouillon and chicken broth the same? ›

Bouillon is made by removing the water from chicken broth, leaving all the flavor of the broth without the volume. Bouillon is typically sold as a loose powder or compact cube, which can be redissolved in boiling water to create an instant broth.

Which is better chicken stock or chicken bone broth? ›

All that extra time on the stove pulls nutrients out of the bones, rendering the broth thicker, healthier and more gelatinous than a stock. While frequently used as an ingredient in soups and other dishes, both stock and bone broth are also sippable by themselves. The latter is increasingly popular on restaurant menus.

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