Homemade chicken broth recipe is one of those timeless kitchen skills that instantly elevates your cooking. It’s simple, nourishing, deeply flavorful, and far superior to anything you can buy in a carton. Whether you’re making soup for a cozy evening, cooking rice with extra depth, or sipping broth on a cold day, learning how to make chicken broth at home is a skill you’ll use again and again.
This guide is designed to be complete, practical, and human, not robotic. You’ll learn why homemade broth is better, how to make the best homemade chicken broth recipe, and how to adapt it for the stovetop, slow cooker, or homemade chicken broth recipe Instant Pot method. Along the way, you’ll also discover storage tips, common mistakes, and health-focused insights that most recipes skip.
What Is Chicken Broth?
Chicken broth is a light, savory liquid made by gently simmering chicken and aromatics in water. It forms the backbone of countless dishes, from soups and stews to sauces and grains.
Unlike heavily seasoned stocks or long-simmered bone broths, chicken broth is:
- Faster to make
- Lighter in body
- More versatile in everyday cooking
At its core, chicken broth relies on chicken flavor, aromatics, and time, not complexity.
Chicken Broth vs Chicken Stock vs Bone Broth
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there are important differences.
| Type | Main Ingredients | Cooking Time | Texture | Best Use |
| Chicken Broth | Chicken meat, bones, vegetables | 1.5–3 hours | Light, clear | Soups, rice, sauces |
| Chicken Stock | Mostly bones | 4–6 hours | Richer, gelatinous | Sauces, reductions |
| Bone Broth | Bones only | 12–24 hours | Very gelatinous | Drinking, nutrition |
For everyday cooking, a homemade chicken broth recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavor, speed, and versatility.
Why Make Homemade Chicken Broth?
Once you try homemade, it’s hard to go back.
Better Flavor and Control
Store-bought broth often contains excess sodium, preservatives, and vague “natural flavors.” When you make it yourself, you control every ingredient.
Cost-Effective and Sustainable
Homemade broth makes use of leftover bones, vegetable trimmings, and even rotisserie chicken carcasses. It turns scraps into something valuable.
Health-Focused and Nourishing
While not a miracle cure, homemade chicken broth provides hydration, amino acids, and natural gelatin that support overall well-being.
“A pot of broth on the stove is the quiet confidence of a home kitchen.”
Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Broth
A great broth doesn’t require many ingredients. In fact, restraint is what creates clarity and balance.
Core Ingredients
- Chicken (whole chicken, bones, or carcass)
- Onion
- Carrot
- Celery
- Garlic
- Bay leaf
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
- Black peppercorns
- Cold water
Optional Additions
- Leek greens
- Mushroom stems
- A splash of apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals)
Important: Avoid overpowering spices. Broth should support dishes, not dominate them.
Best Chicken Parts to Use for Broth
The chicken you choose shapes the final flavor.
Whole Chicken
Produces a balanced broth with both flavor and light body. Ideal for beginners.
Bones or Carcass
Creates deeper flavor and more gelatin. Perfect if you’ve roasted a chicken already.
Rotisserie Chicken Leftovers
An easy, popular method that delivers surprisingly rich results.
Each option works beautifully. The best homemade chicken broth recipe is the one that fits what you already have.
Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe (Step-by-Step)
This is a classic, stovetop method that delivers consistent results.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken or 2–3 pounds of bones/carcass
- 1 large onion, halved
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 6–8 peppercorns
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Cold water to cover
Instructions
- Place chicken and vegetables into a large stockpot.
- Cover with cold water, leaving a few inches at the top.
- Slowly bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2–3 hours.
- Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve.
- Cool completely before storing.
Bold tip: Never boil vigorously. A slow simmer keeps broth clear and flavorful.
Cooking Time and Yield
A standard batch yields about 8–10 cups of broth.
| Method | Time | Yield |
| Stovetop | 2–3 hours | 8–10 cups |
| Slow Cooker | 6–8 hours | 8–10 cups |
| Instant Pot | 45 minutes + release | 7–9 cups |
Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe Instant Pot Method
If time is short, this method delivers excellent results.
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
- Cover with water to the max fill line.
- Cook on High Pressure for 45 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release.
- Strain and cool as usual.
This homemade chicken broth recipe Instant Pot approach is ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing quality.
Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe
A few small details make a big difference.
- Start with cold water for better extraction.
- Keep heat low to avoid cloudy broth.
- Add salt after cooking, not before.
- Skim foam early for clarity.
- Taste near the end and adjust gently.
These techniques consistently produce the best homemade chicken broth recipe, batch after batch.
Why Is My Chicken Broth Cloudy or Gelatinous?
Cloudiness usually comes from boiling too hard or stirring excessively. It’s harmless but affects appearance.
Gelatinous broth, on the other hand, is a good sign. It means collagen has naturally released from the bones. Once warmed, it will return to liquid form.
How to Store Homemade Chicken Broth
Proper storage preserves flavor and safety.
Refrigerator Storage
- Lasts 4–5 days
- Store in airtight containers
Freezer Storage
- Lasts up to 6 months
- Freeze in jars or ice cube trays for convenience
Label containers with dates to avoid waste.
How to Use Homemade Chicken Broth
This is where broth truly shines.
- Soup and stew bases
- Cooking rice, quinoa, or lentils
- Deglazing pans for sauces
- Sipping warm on cold days
- Meal prep staple for the week
Once you have it on hand, you’ll find endless uses.
Health Benefits of Homemade Chicken Broth
While it’s not medicine, homemade chicken broth supports everyday wellness.
- Hydration from warm fluids
- Amino acids that support muscles
- Natural gelatin for texture and satiety
- Comforting and easy to digest
It’s especially popular during cold seasons and recovery days.
READ MORE >>> How to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss in 1 Week
Homemade vs Store-Bought Chicken Broth
| Feature | Homemade | Store-Bought |
| Sodium Control | Full | Limited |
| Flavor | Fresh and rich | Often flat |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Ingredients | Transparent | Often vague |
This comparison alone convinces many people to try making it once—and never look back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink chicken broth every day?
Yes, as part of a balanced diet.
Can I reuse the bones?
Once, though flavor will be lighter.
Should I salt before or after cooking?
Always after, for better control.
Can chicken broth go bad?
Yes. If it smells sour or looks off, discard it.
Is homemade chicken broth good for kids?
Absolutely, especially when lightly seasoned.
Final Thoughts
Making your own broth isn’t about perfection. It’s about simplicity, nourishment, and flavor. This homemade chicken broth recipe is forgiving, adaptable, and deeply rewarding. Whether you choose the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot method, you’re creating something that transforms everyday meals into something special.
Once you master this, you’re not just following a recipe—you’re building a foundation for better cooking.
