Jan'S Chicken Stock
Jan's Chicken Stock is a rich, savory broth made from simmering a whole chicken with vegetables and aromatics, perfect for adding depth to soups, stews, or enjoyed on its own. Its hearty flavor and comforting warmth make it ideal for home cooks seeking a versatile homemade base.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place all ingredients, except the chicken liver, into a large pan.
- Bring to a boil.
- Turn heat to simmer and cook for 2 hours.
- Remove the chicken and strain the broth.
- Use the broth for soup, stew, or enjoy it as is.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme and parsley to the stock. If you don’t have a whole chicken, using chicken bones or carcasses can also work well. Adjust the amount of chicken bouillon based on your taste preference; you can reduce it for a milder flavor. This stock is versatile and can be used in dishes like Cheesy Chicken Pie or Chicken 'N' Biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken stock serves as a fantastic base for soups, stews, and sauces. Consider using it in recipes like Elegant Butternut Squash Soup for a rich flavor. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a light meal. You can also use the stock to cook grains like rice, enhancing their flavor significantly.
Storage & Reheating
Once the stock has cooled, transfer it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pour the stock into a pot and warm it over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. You can also thaw frozen stock overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jan'S Chicken Stock contains roughly 96 calories, with 4g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1322mg per serving (57% 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 vegetable scraps in this chicken stock?
Absolutely! Vegetable scraps like onion skins, carrot peels, and celery ends can add depth and additional nutrients to your stock. Just make sure they’re clean and add them along with the other ingredients for a more robust flavor.
What if I don't have a whole chicken?
If a whole chicken isn’t available, you can substitute with chicken backs, thighs, or wings. Using a mix of bones and meat will still yield a flavorful stock. You can also use rotisserie chicken carcasses for convenience.
How can I tell when the stock is done?
The stock is ready when it has a rich, golden color and a fragrant aroma. After simmering for about two hours, taste it; the flavors should be well-developed. If it tastes weak, continue simmering for additional time.
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).