Is chicken broth just boiled chicken water?

Not quite! True chicken broth involves more than just boiling chicken. A great chicken broth recipe includes not only chicken but aromatics like onion, garlic, celery, herbs, and a touch of acid to extract deep flavor. The result is a complex, savory liquid that tastes far more sophisticated than simple boiled water. It’s the foundation of dozens of comforting, flavorful dishes.

What is the secret to the best chicken broth?

The real secret to an unforgettable chicken broth recipe is balance. Use a mix of meat and bones, always add aromatics (like garlic, herbs, and celery), and never skip the splash of apple cider vinegar. This acid helps draw out the richness locked inside bones and brings clarity to the broth. A low, slow simmer makes all the difference. That’s why my easy homemade chicken broth tastes clean, bold, and satisfying every time.

Are chicken stock and broth the same?

They’re close, but not identical. Chicken stock is usually made from bones and simmered longer, resulting in a thicker, gelatinous texture. Chicken broth, on the other hand, is often made with meat and bones, yielding a lighter, more versatile liquid. This chicken broth recipe focuses on maximum flavor in less time, making it perfect for sipping, soups, and everyday cooking.

Is chicken broth healthier than stock?

In many cases, yes. While stock has more collagen due to long-simmered bones, chicken broth is lower in fat, lighter, and easier to digest. It hydrates better, works for clean eating goals, and still offers plenty of nutritional benefits. My easy homemade chicken broth also avoids preservatives and unnecessary sodium, making it a smarter, cleaner option than many commercial products.

Is broth just stock and water?

No — chicken broth is its own preparation, not a diluted version of stock. This chicken broth recipe uses intentional layers of flavor from meat, vegetables, herbs, and seasoning. Unlike stock, it’s often salted and ready to enjoy on its own. Whether you're sipping it or building a soup, broth stands on its own as a flavorful cooking staple.

Chicken Broth Recipe – Easy, Bold Flavor in 1 Pot

Description

This easy homemade chicken broth is rich, flavorful, and loaded with nutrients. Made with chicken bones, fresh herbs, and pantry vegetables like garlic, carrots, and onion, it’s the perfect base for soups, sauces, and more. Learn how to make chicken broth from scratch using simple, clean ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole chicken carcass or 2–3 lbs chicken bones (raw or cooked)
1 large onion, halved (skin on if organic)
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks with leaves
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 bay leaves
Handful of parsley stems or thyme
10 whole black peppercorns
12 cups cold water

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Instructions

Place chicken bones, vegetables, herbs, and aromatics in a large stockpot or Instant Pot.
Add cold water to cover ingredients completely (about 12 cups).
Add apple cider vinegar to help extract nutrients from the bones.
Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a very low simmer.
Skim off any foam that rises to the top using a spoon.
Simmer gently for 4–6 hours (or use Instant Pot on high pressure for 45 minutes).
Carefully strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into jars or containers.
Let cool before storing in the fridge or freezer. Add salt to taste only if desired.

Notes

Use roasted bones for deeper flavor.

For a clean broth, avoid stirring while simmering.

Freeze in 1-cup portions or ice cube trays for easy use in recipes.

Save scraps from recipes like roasted chicken or stuffed chicken breast for future broth.

Chef’s Note on Salting: I do not add salt during the simmer. This keeps the broth versatile for later use in recipes that might already have salty ingredients (like soy sauce, bacon, or cheese).

Pink Salt Variation: If you plan to sip this broth plain as a restorative drink, feel free to stir in 1/2 teaspoon of high-quality pink Himalayan salt after you have strained it into jars.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (or 45 min in Instant Pot)
Category: Basics, Broth
Method: Simmering or Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: American, Classic

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 35 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: Varies depending on added salt (typically 40–120mg per cup if lightly salted)
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg