Homemade Chicken Stock for Cooking

Transform your cooking with this rich and flavorful Homemade Chicken Stock, the ultimate kitchen essential for elevating soups, stews, sauces, and beyond! Made by simmering a hearty mix of chicken bones, aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, and a medley of fresh herbs and spices, this recipe delivers a nutrient-packed, golden-hued broth that’s worlds away from store-bought options. The slow, four-hour simmering process draws out deep, concentrated flavors and gel-like collagen, resulting in a stock that’s both nourishing and versatile. Whether you’re creating a comforting chicken noodle soup or a velvety risotto, this easy and cost-effective homemade chicken stock is an absolute game changer for your culinary repertoire. Store it in the fridge or freezer to always have this liquid gold on hand!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:255 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 whole (about 3-4 lbs) chicken carcass or chicken pieces
• 2 medium celery stalks
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 1 medium parsnip (optional)
• 5 sprigs fresh parsley
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 10 whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 16 cups cold water

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the ingredients: Roughly chop the celery, carrots, and onion into large chunks. Smash the garlic cloves with the side of a knife but leave the skins on.

Step 2

In a large stockpot, place the chicken carcass or chicken pieces, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, and parsnip (if using).

Step 3

Add the parsley, thyme, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and salt to the pot.

Step 4

Pour in the cold water, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged.

Step 5

Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a slow simmer.

Step 6

Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first 30 minutes of simmering. Use a spoon for this to ensure a clearer stock.

Step 7

Cover the pot partially with a lid and let it simmer for about 3-4 hours, checking periodically to ensure the ingredients remain submerged. Add more water if needed.

Step 8

After simmering, remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 9

Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or another pot. Discard the solids.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired.

Step 11

Let the stock cool completely, then refrigerate. Once chilled, skim and discard any solidified fat that forms on the surface.

Step 12

Store the stock in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Use within 4-5 days if refrigerated, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4747.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1263.3

Total Fat 69.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 362.9mg	0%
Sodium 3001.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 68.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.5g	0%
Total Sugars 18.6g
Protein 89.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 482.7mg	0%
Iron 8.4mg	0%
Potassium 2531.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.9%

Protein: 28.4%

Carbs: 21.7%