To make chicken broth, start by placing chicken (whole or pieces) in a large pot and covering it with cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and skim off any foam. Add vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery, along with herbs such as parsley, thyme, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Simmer gently for at least 1 hour, up to several hours for richer flavor. Remove the chicken once cooked, strain the broth, chill it overnight to remove fat, and store or use as desired.
Basic Steps to Make Chicken Broth
- Place raw chicken and cold water in a large pot, bring to boil, then lower to simmer and skim foam.
- Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, salt, and optional herbs like parsley, thyme, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns.
- Simmer on low heat for 1 to 5 hours, longer for more flavor.
- Remove chicken, strain broth through a fine sieve.
- Chill broth overnight, then remove solidified fat from the surface.
- Store broth in fridge or freeze for future use.
This process yields a flavorful, homemade chicken broth great for soups, stews, sauces, or as a comforting beverage.
