Chicken and Veg Broth Recipe for Healthy Homemade Soup

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of homemade chicken and vegetable broth. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving a nourishing base for your favorite soups, or just want to enjoy a flavorful, wholesome drink, this recipe is a kitchen essential.

Made with fresh chicken, aromatic vegetables, and herbs, this broth is packed with nutrients and pure, natural goodness. The slow simmering process extracts rich flavors and creates a soothing elixir that’s both delicious and restorative.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be tailored to your taste or dietary needs.

In this post, I’ll guide you through a detailed recipe for making the perfect chicken and vegetable broth from scratch. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and yields a delicious liquid gold you’ll want to keep on hand all year round.

Let’s dive in and discover why this classic broth deserves a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken and vegetable broth recipe is a labor of love that pays off with every sip. Here’s why it stands out:

• Natural and wholesome: No preservatives or artificial flavors, just pure ingredients.
• Rich in flavor: Slow-simmered chicken bones and fresh vegetables create a deep, savory taste.
• Versatile base: Perfect for soups, stews, risottos, or sipping on its own.
• Health benefits: Packed with collagen, vitamins, and minerals that support immunity and joint health.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the veggies and herbs based on what you have available.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken carcass or 2-3 lbs chicken bones (preferably from organic or free-range chicken)
• 3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
• 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 large onion, quartered (no need to peel)
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped (optional for sweetness)
• 1 small bunch fresh parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• 10 whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 12 cups cold water

Equipment

• Large stockpot or slow cooker (at least 6-quart capacity)
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Large bowl for straining broth
• Ladle for serving
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Storage containers (glass jars or freezer-safe containers)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken bones: If you have a whole chicken carcass, break it down into smaller pieces for better extraction. You can also use raw bones or leftover bones from a roasted chicken.
2. Combine ingredients in stockpot: Place the chicken bones in the pot along with chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and parsnip if using. Add fresh parsley, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and salt.
3. Add water: Pour in 12 cups of cold water, ensuring the bones and vegetables are fully submerged. Starting with cold water helps extract more collagen and flavor.
4. Bring to a simmer: Heat the pot over medium-high heat until you see gentle bubbles forming. Avoid boiling, as vigorous boiling can make broth cloudy and bitter.
5. Skim foam and impurities: As the broth begins to simmer, use a spoon to skim off any foam or scum that rises to the surface. This step ensures a clear broth.
6. Reduce heat and simmer: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially with a lid and let it cook for at least 4 hours, preferably 6-8 hours for a richer broth. You can also do this in a slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours.
7. Check occasionally: Add water if the broth level drops too much, making sure bones remain covered.
8. Strain the broth: Remove the pot from heat and carefully strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl to remove solids.
9. Cool and store: Let the broth cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Once chilled, skim off any solidified fat from the surface if desired. Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days or freeze for longer shelf life.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: Roasting the chicken bones and vegetables at 400°F for 30-40 minutes before simmering adds a deep, caramelized flavor to your broth.

• For a clearer broth, avoid stirring while simmering and always skim the foam diligently.
• Add more herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to change the flavor profile.
• Include mushroom stems or dried shiitake mushrooms for an umami boost.
• Use leftover chicken skin for extra richness, but remove some fat after cooling if you prefer a lighter broth.
• Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar before simmering to help extract minerals from the bones.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and vegetable broth can be enjoyed on its own as a warm, healing drink, especially during cold weather or when you need a light nourishment boost. It also serves as a fantastic base for many dishes:

• Use it in place of water when cooking rice or quinoa to infuse flavor.
• Add cooked noodles, shredded chicken, and fresh herbs for a comforting chicken noodle soup.
• Use it as the liquid in risotto or grain bowls for added depth.
• Incorporate it into sauces and gravies to enhance richness.
• Freeze into ice cube trays to add small amounts of broth to smoothies or sautéed vegetables.

For more hearty and wholesome recipes, be sure to check out our Pcos Chicken Recipes for nourishing meal ideas, or try the comforting Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a protein-packed dinner. If you love incorporating vegetables in unique ways, the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe is a delightful choice.

Conclusion

Making your own chicken and vegetable broth at home is a rewarding experience that elevates your cooking and supports your well-being. With just a handful of simple ingredients and some patience, you get a flavorful, nutrient-rich broth that’s infinitely better than store-bought versions.

This broth not only tastes amazing but also offers numerous health benefits, making it a fantastic addition to your kitchen routine.

Whether you’re sipping it straight from the bowl or using it as a base for your favorite recipes, homemade broth is an invaluable culinary staple. Next time you have leftover chicken bones or want to boost your meals with natural flavors, give this recipe a try.

Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you!

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