This is the chicken stock recipe I make more than any other. It’s easy and fast enough to make in a hurry and the flavor is so perfect that I make it even when I have ample time.
Homemade Chicken Stock
Too many home cooks shy away from making their own stocks and broths because they assume it’s a time consuming or labor intensive process. Why do it when we have so many brands of canned and shelf-stable stocks of every kind and flavor available at the grocery store?
The answer is easy: because homemade chicken stock tastes so good! There’s nothing wrong with canned stocks. I also use them from time to time and they’re convenient to keep around for when I run out of my homemade stash. That said, making your own chicken stock really is worth it. Homemade chicken stock is flavorful, savory and can be perfectly customized to suit your tastes. Got leftover chicken bones or the remains of a whole cooked chicken? Put it to work before discarding it to save on the cost of buying canned chicken stock from the store. I enjoy playing with different herb and spice blends in my homemade stock. I also love that I can control the saltiness level! Canned broths tend to be higher in sodium and often require me to think ahead and adjust the amount of salt called for in each recipe. With homemade broth, you can add as much or as little salt as you like or even omit it altogether.
Stock vs. Broth
What’s the difference between chicken stock and chicken broth? They may seem identical at first glance but there are a few key differences. Stock is made from the bones or leftover carcass of a chicken. Chicken broth is usually made from the chicken meat itself. Simmering the bones to make stock extracts a different kind of chicken flavor and may result in a thicker fuller “mouth feel” than broth which runs thinner. Broth tends to be lighter in color than stock and canned chicken broth is often much saltier. I use stock in all kinds of soups, stews, and sauces because I love the flavor. You can substitute broth for stock in most recipes and visa versa but keep in mind that it might affect the flavor and texture slightly.
Making Chicken Stock
Call me lazy, but all you really need to do to make chicken stock is add water to chicken bones and let it all simmer. I’m listing optional ingredients below, but feel free to just add water and leave it at that! Adding a few vegetables to your stock as it simmers can add a ton of delicious flavor. My favorites are carrots, celery and onions and I sometimes add parsley too for a little bit of herbiness. Thyme and rosemary are other great additions to your stock if you’re looking for more of an herbed flavor. Peppercorns can add a little spice. Feel free to play around with different combinations each time you make this homemade stock. This stock can be simmered for just a couple of hours or for as long as 24 hours. It can be made on the stove-top or in the crock-pot.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stock
Chicken Stock is a fantastic recipe to make in your crock pot or other favorite slow cooker. I’m always in favor of recipes that don’t require a ton of fuss or monitoring and this one definitely fits the bill. To make homemade chicken stock in the crock pot, simply toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook on low (or simmer) for at least 8 – 12 hours. I’ve even left it in the crock pot for 24 to 48 hours! All you need to do while the stock is simmering is check the pot every now and then to make sure the stock isn’t running too dry.You know your stock is done when the color turns a rich golden brown. The texture will be slightly gelatinous and may become more so as it’s cooled. Other than the occasional check in, you can go about the rest of your day and have a batch of delicious homemade chicken stock with hardly any effort at all. Slow cookers or crockpots are an appliance of which I have more than one. If you are an avid slow cooker user like I am, you might understand the need for more than one. So, let’s talk about my favorites: First up is this 6-quart slow cooker that has a locking lid. These crockpots are fantastic for transporting foods. Mine has gone everywhere from church potlucks to barbecues, game nights to Thanksgiving dinner. However, fair warning, these slow cookers run crazy hot. Low is closer to a boil than a simmer, the warm setting actually simmers. So trust me when I say HIGH is high. My everyday slow cooker is this 8-quart Crockpot. It’s my go-to appliance for cooking large roasts and big batches of chili. Fun fact: did you know that a full 4-quart cooker, actually cooks more slowly than a half-full 8-quart cooker? For just cooking a few pounds of chicken to shred for enchiladas or other smaller recipes, this 3-quart version is perfect. Thanksgiving has become a breeze since I have mastered how to hold all of the side dishes using these medium-sized round slow cookers. If you aren’t a fan of the idea of keeping more than one slow cooker in the house, these CrockPockets are a game-changer when it comes to preparing and holding multiple dishes at the same time. They slide into a standard 6-quart crockpot, dividing it into two sections that are perfect for serving different side dishes or keeping taco fillings warm for parties.
Chicken Stock Recipe
If you have never made your own chicken stock, don’t be intimidated. It really is simple enough for anyone to do. You can always add spices, salt and pepper after the stock is made, when you are ready to use it. Chicken stock is a staple ingredient for home cooks and I use it in tons of recipes including Chicken with Mushrooms, Chicken Marsala , and Chorizo Lentil Soup. It’s a great way to add moisture to homemade bread stuffing and as a base for almost any kind of soup you can imagine. Homemade Chicken stock is perfect for making Chinese Egg Drop Soup. The uses for homemade chicken stock are endless!
