🍲 Chicken Broth Recipe: 5 Tips for the Richest Flavor Ever!
This homemade chicken broth recipe delivers unmatched flavor and depth using simple, whole ingredients. Whether you're making soup, risotto, or sipping it for comfort, this rich, golden broth brings warmth to any dish. Learn the 5 expert tips that make this broth go from basic to bold!
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven (at least 6–8 quarts)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Large bowl or pitcher (for straining broth)
- Skimmer or slotted spoon
- Ladle
- Storage containers or mason jars
- Optional: Slow cooker or pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken or 2–3 lbs chicken parts: backs, wings, thighs, carcass
- 2 carrots roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks roughly chopped
- 1 large onion quartered (leave skin on for golden color)
- 4 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar helps extract collagen
- 10 –12 cups cold water
- Salt to taste add at the end if using broth for recipes
Instructions
Prep the Ingredients:
- Place chicken, vegetables, herbs, and vinegar into a large pot. Cover with cold water, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
Bring to a Simmer:
- Slowly bring to a simmer over medium heat. As it heats, skim off foam and impurities with a spoon or skimmer.
Simmer Low & Slow:
- Once it reaches a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low. Cover slightly and simmer for 4–6 hours (or 8 hours on low in a slow cooker). Avoid boiling—this clouds the broth.
Strain the Broth:
- Remove large solids with tongs, then strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl.
Cool & Store:
- Let cool completely. Store in jars or containers. Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
⭐️ 5 Tips for the Richest Flavor Ever:
Use Chicken with Bones & Skin: That’s where the collagen and richness come from. Roast the Chicken First (Optional): Adds caramelized depth. Add Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps draw nutrients from bones. Leave Onion Skins On: Naturally deepens the broth’s golden hue. Simmer Gently, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer yields a clear, rich broth without bitterness. 💡 Tips:
Freeze in Ice Cube Trays for quick use in sauces or sautéing veggies. Use leftover bones and veggie scraps for zero waste broth! Want more collagen? Add 1–2 chicken feet to the pot.
Use Chicken with Bones & Skin: That’s where the collagen and richness come from. Roast the Chicken First (Optional): Adds caramelized depth. Add Apple Cider Vinegar: Helps draw nutrients from bones. Leave Onion Skins On: Naturally deepens the broth’s golden hue. Simmer Gently, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer yields a clear, rich broth without bitterness. 💡 Tips:
Freeze in Ice Cube Trays for quick use in sauces or sautéing veggies. Use leftover bones and veggie scraps for zero waste broth! Want more collagen? Add 1–2 chicken feet to the pot.