Homemade Chicken Broth
Homemade chicken broth is easy, delicious, and so much cheaper than buying broth at the store. I make a big batch and freeze to use later. I freeze in quart sized containers for soups, and smaller containers for when I just need a small amount. I don't add salt to my broth. Instead I wait until I add the broth to a dish and then salt to taste. 
How to make Chicken Broth
I use a whole chicken, but you can also use chicken parts (wings, thighs, backs.) We raise our own meat chickens so the size of the chicken is never the same. You just need it to fit in your stockpot.
There's something so comforting about broth simmering on the stove. The smell is delicious and I keep thinking about all the healthy ingredients that my family will be eating later.
Not only do I use the broth, but I also use the meat from the chicken. After the broth has simmered for 2-3 hours, I pull out the whole chicken and let it cool. When it's cool enough to touch, I pull all the meat off and discard the bones, skin and fat. I use the meat for soups or other meals that use shredded chicken.
If you are looking for other types of broth recipes, check out Instant Pot Bone Broth.
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Chicken Broth
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (free range and organic)
- 1 whole onion (yellow or white)
- 3 whole celery stalks
- 2 whole carrots with ends trimmed (unpeeled)
- 8 sprigs parsley
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 10 quarts water
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a large stock pot.
- Simmer for approximately 2 hours over low heat.
- Remove chicken, let cool and save chicken meat for another use.
- Let pot of broth cool in refrigerator. You want broth cool enough to handle. After about 1 hour, remove from fridge, and strain all items through a sieve.
- Pour into freezer safe containers and freeze.
Notes
Nutrition
Mark Rudy says
How would I adjust this for the Ninja Foodie, pressure cook? I have the larger Foodie FYI thank you
Kathy says
Hi Mark,
I have another broth recipe using an electric pressure cooker - https://www.beyondthechickencoop.com/instant-pot-bone-broth/
Fred G says
Sounds a lot better than store bought
Janae says
Can this be canned as well? If so, I wouldn't want to cool it down, correct?
Kathy says
Hi Janae,
I have not canned this before. If you do can it, you would want to keep it hot and process it in a pressure canner, not a hot water bath.
yummycrumble says
This looks great! I need to do this!
Kathy says
Thanks. It really is easy and doesn't require much, just time to simmer.
Kathy says
Thanks Carolyn! I'm just getting started and have lots of ideas and am having fun. Still need to get my chickens on here! Thanks for checking it out!
Carolyn Ketchum says
I had to come over and check out your blog because the name is awesome! Thanks for commenting on my chocolate soufflé!