Simple and Nourishing Homemade Chicken Broth from Scratch
Homemade chicken broth is one of the simplest and most nourishing things you can make in your own kitchen. It not only tastes delicious and is incredibly versatile in recipes, but it packs incredible nutrient benefits. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a rich and flavorful broth that supports wellness, stretches your grocery budget, and reduces waste.
When I started making chicken broth from scratch, I couldn’t believe the difference in taste. I started buying more whole chickens just for the bones because I wanted to use the broth for everything. If you’re just beginning your from-scratch kitchen journey, making chicken broth from scratch is a wonderful place to begin. It is simple to prepare and one of the easiest swaps to make in your kitchen.
Benefits of Homemade Chicken Broth
Homemade chicken broth is one of my favorite things to keep on hand. It is wonderful in soups and stews, adding to rice for a powerful protein punch, or even just sipping on its own. Here’s just a few of the reasons why I love it so much:
- Deeply nourishing. One of the reasons I love homemade chicken broth is that it is deeply nourishing. As the broth simmer it pulls out the nutrients form the bones leaving a broth that is rich in collagen, minerals and amino acids that support digestion, heal the gut lining, and support overall wellness.
- Exceptional flavor. The flavor of homemade broth is unmatched. It is a rich, golden color with deep flavor and immediately adds to the rich flavors of whatever is paired with it.
- Frugal and resourceful. You can certainly use a whole chicken to make broth or you can use the leftover bones after you’ve already used the meat for a meal. This is a fantastic way to stretch the chicken a little further — and you’re grocery budget.
- Ingredient control. Often, store bought broths have added fillers, unnatural flavors, and preservatives. When you make broth at home, you know exactly what went into it.
Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Broth
The ingredients for homemade chicken broth are super simple, but you can add more if you like for extra nutritional benefits and flavor.
Simple ingredients
- Bones from one whole chicken
- Splash of apple cider vinegar (helps draw out minerals from the bones)
- Water (enough to cover the bones)
Optional add-ins to homemade chicken broth:
- Garlic cloves
- Vegetables such as onions, carrots, or celery
- Fresh or dried herbs
- Peppercorns
Equipment Needed for Homemade Chicken Broth
Making chicken broth is incredibly versatile and there are several different ways you can do it. The method you choose will determine exactly what equipment you need.
- Large stockpot
- Crockpot
- Instapot
- Mesh strainer
- Storage bags or jars
How to Make Chicken Broth from Scratch
Homemade chicken broth is incredibly forgiving and you really don’t even need a precise recipe. This is another reason why it is great for beginners: it is so simple to make using what you have on hand.
To make broth from scratch you will essentially cover the bones in water and allow to simmer for 8-12 hours. Below I’ll walk you through how to do this three different ways: the stovetop, crockpot, or instapot.
Once your broth has simmered, you will let it cool and strain off the bones. You can then portion it out to freeze or store in an airtight jar in the fridge.
Stove top chicken broth instructions
If you want to make homemade chicken broth on the stovetop, follow these instructions.
- Take your chicken carcass or bones and add them to a large stockpot.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, and any additional vegetables or seasonings.
- Cover with water.
- Bring to a gentle boil and then reduce to a low simmer.
- Allow to simmer for 8-12 hours. I like to do this overnight!
- After 8-12 hours, remove from heat and allow to cool a bit.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the broth off and into a separate container.
- Allow to fully cool and then portion out to freeze or store in an airtight jar in the fridge.
Slow cooker chicken broth instructions
Another simple, and less hands on way, to make chicken broth is using the slow cooker. This method is great if you want to truly start it and forget about it.
- Take your chicken carcass or bones and add them to a large crockpot.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, and any additional vegetables or seasonings.
- Cover with water.
- Turn the crockpot on low and allow to cook for 12-24 hours.
- Once the cook time is finished, turn the crockpot off and allow to cool a bit.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the broth off and into a separate container.
- Allow to fully cool and then portion out to freeze or store in an airtight jar in the fridge.
Instapot chicken broth instructions
The instapot method isn’t my first choice, but it works well if you are needing broth in a pinch and don’t want to wait a full 8-24 hours for homemade chicken broth.
- Add all ingredients to pressure cooker.
- Pressure cook on high for 3 hours.
- Let pressure release naturally and allow to cool a bit.
- Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the broth off and into a separate container.
- Allow to fully cool and then portion out to freeze or store in an airtight jar in the fridge.
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Chicken Broth
Store your homemade chicken broth in a mason jar or other airtight container in the fridge for easily adding to recipes all week long. Homemade chicken broth can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, sometimes I will stretch it to 6 days.
My favorite thing to do with chicken broth is to freeze my chicken broth in quart size freezer bags. I like to portion it out and put two cups of broth in each bag. Most recipes call for either two or four cups of broth so this works well. Freeze for up to six months.
Ways to Use Homemade Chicken Broth
Homemade chicken broth is so versatile. Here’s a few ideas:
- Use it in homemade soups and stews
- Use it to soak beans
- Replace water for broth when cooking rice
- Make gravies and sauces
- Make bone broth hot chocolate
- Sip on it as is for a nourishing drink
FAQs about chicken broth
What’s the difference between chicken stock and chicken broth?
Chicken broth is typically made with meat and has a lighter flavor, while chicken stock is made primarily from bones and is richer and more gelatinous. Many people use the terms interchangeably, although this blog post would technically be considered a chicken stock.
Can I make chicken broth from leftover bones?
Yes! This is my absolute favorite way to use up the bones and make the chicken stretch a little further.
How long should I simmer homemade chicken broth?
For the stove top or crockpot, you want to simmer the broth for at least 8-12 hours. The longer you cook it, the deeper and richer the flavors will be.
Do I need to add apple cider vinegar to the broth?
Apple cider vinegar is optional, however, it is helpful to draw out the minerals from the bones. You can’t even taste it once the broth is finished.
Conclusion
Homemade chicken broth is simple, nourishing, and a wonderful addition to your from-scratch kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try!
Other bog posts you might enjoy:
