Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe

Name: Homemade Chicken Broth
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 305 min
Ingredients: 8 large chicken drumsticks, (bone in-skin-on); 2 liters water; 1 large onion, (peeled, ends removed and cut into halves); 2 stalks celery, (cut in half); 3 carrots, (peeled and chopped); 2 cloves garlic, (peeled); 1 tsp peppercorns; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp salt; 1 pod star anise ((optional))

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This homemade chicken broth recipe is made with bone-in chicken drumsticks, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and a small pod of star anise for extra aroma. It simmers slowly until rich and flavorful, making it perfect for soups, stews, gravy, and so much more.

Chicken Broth

I love how easy, healthier, and flavorful homemade chicken broth is! Just toss all the ingredients into a large pot, let it simmer over medium-low heat for 5 to 6 hours, and voilà!

I make this chicken broth with drumsticks because the bones and skin add extra flavor while keeping the recipe affordable. Once you learn how to make chicken broth, you can use it as a base for so many dishes.

I prefer to keep the spices minimal so I can use the broth in all sorts of recipes. If you like to add an aromatic touch, I recommend using a single pod of star anise; it adds a mild, warm flavor to the broth.

You'll Need

ingredients for homemade chicken broth with drumsticks and vegetables.

Chicken: I use chicken drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on for extra flavor.
Veggies: I kept it simple with carrots, celery, onion, and a few garlic cloves.
Seasonings: Add peppercorns, bay leaves, salt and star anise (optional).
Water: Just enough to cover everything in the pot. I use cold water.

Find the quantities in the recipe card.

How To Make Homemade Chicken Broth

Step 1: Boil the water in a large pot over medium-high heat; as soon as it is boiling, add the chicken and boil for 8-10 minutes (skim off the foam and fat using a large spoon).

adding carrots celery onion garlic and bay leaves to chicken broth.

Step 2: Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrots, bay leaves, star anise and peppercorns and then turn down the heat and, cover the pot and allow the broth to simmer for about 5-6 hours.

straining homemade chicken broth through a colander.

Step 3: Use a colander to strain the broth; Strain it twice to ensure the broth is smooth and free from any bits. And keep the meat to use in other dishes.

Stir in the salt and allow the broth to cool completely.

Step 4: Add the salt and then allow it to cool completely. Skim the fat if you want (you can use a fat separator).

Pro Tip: The 2 liters of water were reduced to just one quart and one pint. If you'd like a larger batch, feel free to double or triple the recipe.

How To Store Chicken Broth

FoodSafety.gov lists soups and stews as 2-3 days in the fridge in a well-sealed glass jar and 2-3 months in the freezer.

If you like to freeze the broth, I recommend avoiding glass jars as they often crack or even explode in the freezer. Instead, I recommend using plastic containers or ziplock bags.

storing the homemade chicken broth in jars.

FAQs

How to make clearer chicken broth

Do not hard-boil it or skim the foam off the top. Also, strain it twice for a clearer broth.

How long should chicken broth simmer?

Simmer for 5–6 hours for a deep flavor.

What are the best chicken parts for broth?

The best chicken parts for broth are those with bones and skin, such as carcasses, thighs, drumsticks, and wings.

What to Make With Chicken Broth

Below are some recipe suggestions for using chicken broth.

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