Basic Chicken Stock
A flavorful, versatile chicken stock infused with fresh vegetables and herbs, perfect for soups, stews, and rice dishes, suitable for home cooks and culinary enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large soup pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until chicken is tender, about 40 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pot and bone it.
- Return the bones to the soup pot and cook for another hour.
- Strain and cool the broth. Remove the fat so that the chicken stock is fat-free and all ingredients are removed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider roasting the chicken first. You can substitute the parsnips with turnips or even add mushrooms for an earthier taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves can enhance the stock's depth. If you don't have bouillon cubes, use homemade stock or broth to boost flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
This basic chicken stock serves as an excellent base for soups, stews, and sauces. Pair it with noodles for a comforting chicken noodle soup or use it in Barb'S Chili Chicken for a flavorful twist. You can also use it as a cooking liquid for grains like rice or quinoa to infuse them with more flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Let the chicken stock cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat over low heat for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Chicken Stock contains roughly 448 calories, with 17g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 928mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken bones for this stock?
Absolutely! Using leftover bones from a roast chicken can add even more flavor to your stock. Just ensure to include some fresh vegetables and herbs to balance the taste.
How can I make this stock vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bouillon cubes. Instead, use a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, celery, and herbs, simmering them in water for a flavorful vegetable stock.
Can I adjust the cooking time?
Yes, if you're using smaller pieces of chicken or a smaller bird, check for tenderness after 30 minutes. Cooking times can vary based on the size and type of chicken, so adjust accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).