How To: Make Chicken Stock

Follow these steps and learn how to make your own flavorful chicken stock.

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Ingredients

Making homemade chicken stock from scratch is surprisingly easy and way more flavorful than using store-bought. All you need is chicken bones, roughly chopped vegetables, herbs and water.

Stockpot Basics

Choose a pot taller than it is wide. Toss in chicken bones, wings and giblets, but never the liver. This will cloud the stock.

Skimming Is Key

Add water to cover the bones and wings and bring to a boil. Then lower to a simmer. Skim off film and fat on the surface. The stock should have no fat at all.

Aromatics

Add equal parts carrots and celery and double the onions. Toss in a bundle of herbs; these aromatics add more flavor. Let the stock simmer 45 minutes to 2 hours. The longer it cooks, the more concentrated the flavors.

Strain, Strain, Strain

Strain the stock and let it cool to room temperature. Remove any fat with a slotted spoon.

Storage Tips

Store your homemade stock in the fridge or freezer depending on when you're going to use it. Use it within 3 days or freeze up to 6 months.