Recipe

Rich Homemade Chicken Broth

A deep, golden, flavor-packed chicken broth made with accessible ingredients and low drama technique. Freezer friendly, weeknight powerful.

By Matt Campbell

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4.9

A large stockpot filled with golden chicken broth gently simmering with chicken bones, onions, carrots, and celery on a stovetop

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If your soups have ever tasted like they forgot to put on pants, this is the fix. Rich homemade chicken broth is one of those quietly life-changing kitchen habits, because it makes everything taste like you tried harder than you did. Noodles, risotto, beans, pan sauces, gravy, even just a mug of broth with a squeeze of lemon when you feel a little dramatic and in need of comfort.

This version is built for real life. You can make it with a leftover roast chicken carcass, a store-bought rotisserie bird, or a mix of chicken backs and wings from the butcher counter. The goal is the same: a clean, savory broth with body, not a murky pot of salty regret.

A wooden cutting board with roughly chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic next to a raw chicken carcass ready for making broth

Why It Works

Big flavor from simple stuff: Roasting the bones and vegetables first gives you deeper, toastier notes without adding fancy ingredients.
Gelatin-rich body: Wings, backs, and feet (optional but powerful) bring collagen, which makes broth feel silky and full.
Clear, clean taste: A gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, keeps the broth from turning cloudy and harsh.
Season later: This broth is intentionally low salt so you can reduce it or use it in recipes without accidentally creating a sodium situation.

Storage Tips

How to Store It

Fridge: Cool completely, then refrigerate in a covered container for up to 4 days. The fat may solidify on top. That is a good thing. It acts like a natural lid. Scoop it off to use for cooking, or leave a thin layer to protect the broth.
Freezer: Freeze up to 4 months. Portion it like you actually use it: 1 cup, 2 cup, and 1 quart containers. Silicone muffin tins also work for broth pucks you can toss into sauces.
Fast cooling tip: Set the pot in the sink in an ice bath and stir every few minutes. Broth cools faster and spends less time in the temperature danger zone.
Concentrate option: Simmer strained broth uncovered to reduce by one third to one half, then freeze. Dilute with water when you use it.

Common Questions

FAQ

Do I have to roast the bones first?

No, but it is the difference between “nice” and “why does this taste like a restaurant?” Roasting adds browned flavor and deeper color. If you want a lighter broth for delicate soups, skip roasting and go straight to a gentle simmer.

Why shouldn’t I boil broth?

A hard boil emulsifies fat into the liquid and knocks particles loose, which makes broth cloudy and can taste slightly bitter. Aim for a lazy simmer with small bubbles and occasional movement.

How do I make it more gelatinous?

Use collagen-rich parts: wings, backs, necks, and feet if you can find them. Also keep the simmer gentle and do not dilute with too much water. When chilled, it should look like jiggly savory Jell-O. That is the good stuff.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes. Roast first for flavor, then:

Slow cooker: 8 to 12 hours on low.
Instant Pot: 45 minutes on high pressure for a carcass, 60 minutes for lots of raw bones. Natural release 20 minutes.

When should I salt it?

Salt at the end, or salt the dish you are making with the broth. If you salt early and then reduce, things can get aggressively salty fast.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Large stockpot (8 to 12 quart) with lid
Rimmed baking sheet (for roasting)
Fine mesh strainer
Large bowl or second pot for straining
Slotted spoon or tongs
Measuring cup or ladle
Storage containers or freezer bags

I started making broth after one too many soups that tasted like hot, beige water pretending to be dinner. The first time I chilled a pot of homemade broth and it turned into a wobbling golden gel, I felt like I had accidentally unlocked a kitchen cheat code. Now it is my favorite midnight fridge activity: staring at leftovers, whispering “I can fix this,” and turning a random pile of bones into tomorrow’s very impressive noodles.