There’s something magically soothing about a pot of homemade Chicken Broth simmering away on the stove—its rich aroma floats through the kitchen, promising warmth, deep flavor, and a world of comfort in every spoonful. Whether you sip it as is or use it to elevate soups, risottos, or gravies, making Chicken Broth from scratch transforms humble ingredients into liquid gold. It’s one of those kitchen staples that gives back tenfold, nourishing both body and soul. Let’s walk through every step together so you can always have this versatile elixir on hand!
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of classic Chicken Broth is how easily a handful of kitchen staples—bones, vegetables, a few aromatics—meld together into something far greater than the sum of their parts. Each element brings its own magic, so don’t skip any, and feel free to use what you have on hand for a personal touch.
- Chicken bones or carcass: Roasted, raw, or leftover, these bring the deep chicken flavor and body to your broth.
- Water: Simple, but essential—use good filtered water for the cleanest flavor.
- Onion, quartered: Adds gentle sweetness and depth; no need to peel, the skin gives extra color.
- Carrots, chopped: Carrots lend just a hint of natural sugar to balance the savory notes.
- Celery stalks, chopped: Celery brings bright, clean, herby undertones that keep the broth tasting fresh.
- Garlic cloves, smashed: The backbone of savory broth, garlic infuses warmth and subtle complexity.
- Bay leaf: This little leaf imparts earthiness and elevates everything without ever overpowering.
- Whole black peppercorns: For gentle heat and a rounded, aromatic finish in every sip.
- Apple cider vinegar: Just a splash, but it helps draw out those nourishing minerals from the bones.
- Salt to taste: Season at the end so you can adjust it to perfection for your recipes, or enjoy as a flavorful sipper.
How to Make Chicken Broth
Step 1: Assemble the Pot
Start by placing your chicken bones or carcass into a large stockpot. Add ten cups of fresh water, making sure everything is nicely submerged. This is where the base of your Chicken Broth begins—clear, clean, and ready to soak up all those flavors.
Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Boil and Skim
Over medium-high heat, bring the pot to a soft boil. Watch carefully for foamy bits that rise to the top, and skim them off with a ladle or spoon. This quick step keeps your Chicken Broth clear and gives it a pure, delicate taste.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Simmer Slowly
Toss in the quartered onion, carrots, celery, smashed garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, and apple cider vinegar. There’s no need to be too precise—these flavorful veggies and spices will all be strained out later. Now, reduce the heat as low as it’ll go. The magic really happens here: let your Chicken Broth quietly bubble away, uncovered, for four to six hours. Top up with extra water as needed to keep those bones under the surface, and give it a gentle stir every now and then for good measure.
Step 4: Strain for Liquid Gold
Once your house smells positively heavenly and the broth has taken on a rich golden color, it’s time to strain. Pour the broth through a fine mesh sieve or a couple of layers of cheesecloth into a large bowl or container. Press the vegetables and bones gently with a spoon to extract every last drop, then discard the solids.
Step 5: Season and Store
This is when you taste and add salt to your Chicken Broth. Start slow—you can always add more, depending on what you’ll use it for. Let your broth cool, then transfer to airtight containers for the fridge or freezer. Congratulations! You now have the best base for homemade soups, risottos, and cozy mugs on chilly days.
How to Serve Chicken Broth
Garnishes
The finishing touch makes all the difference. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or a twist of cracked pepper. For a luxurious touch, swirl in a pat of butter or a drop of good olive oil just before serving—these simple extras truly enhance the Chicken Broth experience.
Side Dishes
A bowl of warm, homemade Chicken Broth pairs beautifully with slices of toasted sourdough or a simple grilled cheese sandwich. For added sustenance, consider serving it alongside a crisp salad, or toss in some rice, noodles, or poached eggs directly into your steaming mug for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Chicken Broth in elegant teacups for a cozy dinner party amuse-bouche, or pour it into thermoses for a picnic or winter walk. You can ladle it over cooked grains and roasted veggies for a nourishing, broth-bowl lunch, or stir in a handful of baby spinach or fresh herbs right at the table for instant color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Chicken Broth cool to room temperature before storing it in airtight containers. In the fridge, it will keep beautifully for about five days—just give it a good shake or gentle stir before reheating to combine any separated fat or sediment.
Freezing
Chicken Broth freezes like a dream! Portion it into freezer-safe jars or silicone trays for easy, single-serving use. Leave a little room at the top of containers to allow for expansion. Once frozen, broth cubes can be popped into sauces, grains, or quick soups straight from the freezer.
Reheating
When you’re ready for a warm cup, simply reheat Chicken Broth on the stovetop over gentle heat, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just cover the container loosely and heat in short bursts, making sure not to boil the broth as that can dull the delicate flavor.
FAQs
Can I use Chicken Broth as a base for other soups?
Absolutely! Chicken Broth is a fantastic foundation for countless soups and stews—from classic chicken noodle to bold, spicy ramen. Its versatility truly shines here.
What’s the purpose of adding apple cider vinegar?
The splash of apple cider vinegar helps extract valuable minerals and nutrients from the bones during simmering, giving your Chicken Broth a richer flavor and added nutrition.
Can I make this Chicken Broth in a slow cooker?
Yes, simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. It’s especially hands-off and convenient if you want to make Chicken Broth overnight.
Why should I roast the bones first?
Roasting the bones before simmering brings out deep, caramelized notes and makes your Chicken Broth taste even richer and more flavorful, resulting in an irresistibly robust broth.
Is there a way to clarify Chicken Broth for a crystal-clear result?
If you’re after a perfectly clear broth, pour your strained Chicken Broth through several layers of cheesecloth, or even through a coffee filter. Always skim regularly during simmering, too!
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy that comes from making your own Chicken Broth—a nourishing, delicious staple that can transform even the simplest dishes. Don’t wait for a special occasion; try it soon and enjoy the satisfaction of creating pure, homemade comfort by the mugful or the ladle!
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Chicken Broth Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a flavorful and nutritious chicken broth at home with this simple recipe. This homemade broth is perfect for sipping on its own or using as a base for soups and sauces. With just a few ingredients and some time, you’ll have a delicious broth ready to enhance your culinary creations.
Ingredients
Chicken Broth:
- 1 whole chicken carcass or 2–3 pounds chicken bones (with some meat)
- 10 cups water
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: Place the chicken bones in a large stockpot, add water, and bring to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
- Add Ingredients: Include onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer uncovered for 4 to 6 hours.
- Strain and Season: Strain the broth, discarding solids. Season with salt to taste. Let cool before storing.
Notes
- For a richer broth, roast the bones at 400°F for 30 minutes before simmering.
- Apple cider vinegar helps extract minerals from the bones.
- This broth can be sipped on its own or used as a base for soups and sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg