Homemade chicken broth is a culinary treasure, adding depth and richness to soups, stews, and sauces. But let’s face it, traditional recipes can be time-consuming and intimidating. This simplified chicken broth recipe delivers incredible flavor without the fuss, making it the perfect base for all your culinary creations.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (or a combination of chicken backs, wings, and necks)
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 whole black peppercorns
- 10 cups cold water
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prep your chicken and vegetables, ensuring a good mix of bony pieces and aromatic vegetables.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 1-2 hours, skimming off any foam that forms.
- The longer you simmer, the deeper the flavor. For a richer broth, aim for 3-4 hours.
- Once simmered, remove the chicken and vegetables from the broth. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any impurities. Season with salt to taste.
- Use your homemade broth immediately, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
