Hearty Chicken Broth

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
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There's something deeply comforting about a pot of homemade chicken broth bubbling away on the stove. This hearty chicken broth is the backbone of countless soups and recipes, offering warmth, flavor, and nourishment with every sip. It's perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a comforting culinary hug.

Ingredients for Hearty Chicken Broth

The star of the show is the whole chicken, which provides depth and richness. Using the entire bird ensures a full-bodied flavor that you just can't get from pre-cut pieces. The carrots add a subtle sweetness, while the celery contributes a hint of earthiness. A large onion brings a touch of sharpness, balancing the broth. Garlic infuses it with aromatic warmth. A single bay leaf introduces a mild herbal note, complemented by thyme which adds a fresh, woodsy aroma. Finally, don't forget the parsley for a pop of color and gentle peppery flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a richer broth, roast the chicken and vegetables before boiling.
  • Skim the foam frequently during the initial boil for a clearer broth.
  • Freeze leftover broth in ice cube trays for easy portioning.

Serving Suggestions

This broth is a fantastic base for chicken noodle soup — just add some cooked pasta and vegetables. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for a simple, satisfying meal. Alternatively, use it as a cooking liquid for grains or a base for sauces to elevate your dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, but the broth will be less flavorful. Whole chicken adds a richer taste due to the bones and skin.
How long does the broth last in the fridge?
It should keep well for about 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
Is it okay to freeze the broth?
Absolutely! It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some room in the container as it expands when frozen.

Hearty Chicken Broth Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab your largest stockpot to ensure everything fits comfortably. Place the whole chicken into the pot and cover it with about two quarts of water. Bring this to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. As it heats up, keep an eye on the surface — you'll notice some foam forming. Skim this off with a spoon to keep the broth clear.

Once boiling, toss in the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let it do its magic for about an hour and a half. This slow cooking extracts all the goodness from the ingredients.

After simmering, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Let it cool for a bit until it's easy to handle. Once cooled, shred the meat from the bones and set it aside. Discard the bones — they've done their job.

Now, strain the broth to remove the solids, ensuring a smooth, clear liquid. Return the strained broth to the pot and add the shredded chicken back in. Stir in the parsley and thyme, letting the broth simmer for another 10 minutes to meld those final flavors together.

Before serving, taste your broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and robust flavor that you'll savor in every spoonful.
  • Simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find.
  • A versatile base for other recipes or delicious on its own.
  • Can be made ahead and frozen for future use.

Ingredients

4 lbs whole chicken
2 quarts water
2 large carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, quartered
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp thyme

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large stockpot, add chicken and water, bringing it to a boil. Skim off any foam.
2. Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
3. Remove chicken, let it cool, then shred meat and discard bones.
4. Strain the broth, returning it to the pot with shredded chicken.
5. Stir in parsley and thyme, simmer for another 10 minutes.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

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