March 5, 2025

Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe: How to Make a Nutritious, Flavorful Broth

Learn how to craft your own homemade chicken stock with this easy-to-follow recipe. Packed with deep flavors and essential nutrients, this versatile ingredient enhances soups, sauces, and stews. Ditch the store-bought versions and savor the homemade difference!

The History and Cultural Significance of Chicken Stock

Chicken stock has been a culinary staple for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations that used bones and scraps to create nourishing broths. From traditional Asian bone broths to European consommés, nearly every culture has a version of this rich and healing liquid. Historically, chicken stock was valued for its ability to extract nutrients from bones and vegetables, providing sustenance during lean times.

In traditional Chinese medicine, chicken broth was revered for its healing properties, while in European kitchens, it became the foundation for hearty soups and stews. Today, homemade chicken stock is also appreciated for its sustainability, reducing food waste by repurposing leftover bones and vegetable scraps.

Why Homemade Chicken Stock is More Popular Than Ever

With the rise of health-conscious cooking, homemade chicken stock has regained popularity. Social trends favoring whole foods and minimal processing have encouraged home cooks to take control of their ingredients. Additionally, the wellness community promotes chicken stock for its collagen content, believed to support skin, joint, and gut health.

Unlike store-bought versions, which often contain added preservatives and sodium, homemade chicken stock allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavor to your liking. It’s also a cost-effective way to use up leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps, making it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

The foundation of a great chicken stock lies in simple, nutrient-rich ingredients:

Chicken Bones (Raw or Cooked) – Provide gelatin, collagen, and deep umami flavor.
Onion – Adds natural sweetness and depth.
Carrot – Contributes a touch of sweetness and nutrients like beta-carotene.
Celery – Enhances aroma and balances flavors.
Bay Leaf – Infuses a mild herbal note.
Black Peppercorns – Adds subtle heat and complexity.
Salt – Enhances overall flavor while allowing control over sodium levels.
Water – Extracts flavors and nutrients from the ingredients over time.

For added depth, consider incorporating seasonal herbs like thyme, parsley stems, or a touch of turmeric for an anti-inflammatory boost.

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Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe

This homemade chicken stock recipe is easy to make and yields 4 quarts of flavorful broth, perfect for soups, stews, and sauces. Made with a mix of raw and cooked chicken bones and scraps, along with aromatic vegetables and seasoning, this chicken stock is a versatile kitchen staple that can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Course Sauces, Stocks, and Accompaniments

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Servings 12

Author N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN

Ingredients

2 pounds raw and/or cooked chicken bones and scraps
½ cup onion chopped
½ cup carrot chopped
½ cup celery chopped
4 quarts water
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black peppercorns

Instructions

In a large stock pot (8 or 10 quart), add chicken bones and scraps, chopped onion, carrot, and celery.
Add water to cover the ingredients by 1 inch.
Season with a bay leaf, salt, and black peppercorns.
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour or more, until the broth is rich and flavorful.
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer, discarding the solids.
Allow the broth to cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Notes

Enjoy your homemade chicken stock in your favorite recipes for added flavor and nutrition!

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Stock

Homemade chicken stock is more than just a flavorful addition to meals; it offers significant health benefits:

Rich in Collagen – Supports joint health, skin elasticity, and digestion.
Packed with Minerals – Contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus for strong bones.
Hydrating and Replenishing – Naturally rich in electrolytes, aiding hydration.
Protein Boost – Contributes to muscle maintenance and immune function.

Creative Serving Ideas

Chicken stock is a culinary workhorse with endless possibilities:

Soups & Stews – Use as a base for chicken noodle, minestrone, or beef stew.
Sauces & Gravies – Enhance pan sauces, demi-glace, or classic gravy.
Grain Cooking Liquid – Replace water when cooking rice, quinoa, or farro for extra flavor.
Savory Oatmeal – Cook steel-cut oats in chicken stock for a hearty, umami-rich breakfast.
Braised Vegetables – Simmer carrots, leeks, or cabbage in stock for a nutrient-dense side dish.

Food Safety Considerations

Cool the stock quickly by placing the pot in an ice bath before transferring it to the fridge.
Store properly in small containers to ensure even cooling and freshness.
Reheat to a rolling boil before using in recipes.
Label & Date containers before freezing to track freshness.

Why Homemade Chicken Stock is Worth the Effort

Making chicken stock at home is an easy and rewarding way to enhance your cooking while reducing food waste. With superior flavor, better nutrition, and complete ingredient control, homemade stock is a game-changer for any home cook. Give it a try and discover why this centuries-old tradition is still a kitchen essential today!