Why You’ll Love Homemade Chicken Stock

Making chicken stock from a rotisserie or leftover roast chicken is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding! After enjoying your chicken dinner, you can turn the leftover bones into a flavor-packed, nutritious broth. Simply combine the carcass with some vegetables, herbs, and water in your choice of cooking method—be it stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker—and let it simmer.

The result is a rich, savory stock that can form the cornerstone of many delicious dishes. Plus, don’t forget to save those pan drippings and skin for an extra burst of flavor! Once your stock cools, the fat can easily be removed and saved for later use.

What’s in Chicken Stock (Bone Broth)

• Chicken carcass: Use the leftover carcass from a roasted chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, add in 2-3 chicken feet and a chicken neck for extra collagen and a silky texture.
• Celery, carrots, and onion: These aromatic veggies create a neutral but deeply flavorful broth. You can also throw in a few garlic cloves or a piece of ginger for additional flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar: This ingredient is essential as it helps extract all those beneficial minerals and nutrients from the bones.
• Spices and herbs: Use whole black peppercorns, a bay leaf, salt, and fresh parsley, including the stems. Fresh or dried thyme and rosemary are optional add-ins for added depth of flavor.

How to Make Chicken Stock

1. Smash the Bones (Optional)

The first step is optional but recommended. Smashing the chicken bones with a mallet (or pliars) releases more gelatin and flavor, leading to a rich and robust stock. Just pound the bones enough to crack them without turning them into dust.

2. Simmer the Broth

In a large stock pot, combine the chicken carcass (plus optional chicken feet and neck), water, apple cider vinegar, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring this mix to a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer. Aim for at least 3 hours, but feel free to simmer for up to 12 hours for an even richer flavor. During this time, skim any foam that rises to the top and add more water if necessary.

3. Add In Your Veggies

Now, add in the celery, carrots, onions, and any fresh herbs you like. Let the mixture simmer on low for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours. Once done, allow it to cool slightly before straining. First, pour the broth through a colander to catch the big chunks, then switch to a fine mesh sieve (or even cheesecloth for super clarity) to catch the smallest bits.

4. Store Your Stock

Transfer the strained stock into glass jars and seal them tightly. Don’t forget to leave some room at the top in case it expands when frozen!

Chicken Stock Variations

Instant Pot Chicken Stock

For a quick and easy version, use your Instant Pot. Simply add the chicken parts, vegetables, and seasonings. Cover with enough water (about 8-10 cups), seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for around 1.5 hours. Allow for natural pressure release, which usually takes about 30 minutes.

Slow Cooker Chicken Stock

To utilize a slow cooker, follow the stovetop instructions. Set it on low and let it cook for 10-12 hours. Add your veggies during the last 2 hours to keep their flavor fresher.

Chef’s Tips for the Best Bone Broth

1. Pound the chicken bones: This helps release gelatin, resulting in a richer broth.
2. Use apple cider vinegar: This enhances extraction of minerals and nutrients from the bones.
3. Flavor neutrality: Keep vegetables neutral to allow the chicken flavor to shine through.
4. For clarity: Avoid boiling; keep the temperature at a low simmer to ensure a clear broth.
5. Add veggies late: Add them in the last 1.5 hours to prevent bitterness and cloudiness.
6. Preserve the fat: The layer of fat that forms on top helps preserve your broth when stored in the refrigerator.

Storing Your Bone Broth

Store your delicious stock in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you store it with a thick layer of fat on top, it can last for up to two weeks.

For longer storage, freeze the broth in wide-mouth glass canning jars, but remember to leave an inch of space at the top for expansion. Ensure that the broth is completely cooled before freezing.

Ways to Use Homemade Chicken Stock

This nutritious stock is a fantastic base for all kinds of soups and stews. You can also sip it on its own when you need a comforting drink. Additionally, it works great for cooking grains like rice or risotto!

Explore our collection of soup recipes that use chicken stock for inspiration!

Chicken Stock FAQs