The best part about homemade chicken stock? Enjoying Ina Garten’s perfect roast chicken recipe first!
It’s no big deal, I’ve only been meaning to put a homemade chicken stock recipe on the blog for like… 5 years now. Welp, better late than never, folks! I can’t stress enough how much better your soups, stews, sauces, and basically any recipe will taste when you use homemade chicken stock instead of the boxed or canned stuff. Let’s get into some of the info you need to know!
Chicken Broth vs. Chicken Stock
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two:
Chicken Broth:
Made from simmering the meaty parts of the chicken/turkey for a shorter amount of time.
Chicken Stock:
Made from simmering the bones (vs. meaty parts), for longer periods of time, (up to 24 hours.)
Chicken Stock tends to have a greater depth of flavor, as long-simmered bones release gelatin into the stock.
Best Vegetables for Chicken Stock
Carrots, Onions, and Celery are the most common vegetables used for making homemade chicken stock and are a great way to clean out your salad crisper! The white part of a leek may also be used. Certain vegetables such as beets should not be used as it will discolor the stock. Additionally, vegetables such as brussels sprouts or broccoli can overpower the flavor of the stock and are not ideal.
Seasonings for Chicken Stock
This recipe calls for fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaves, however you can also add rosemary and peppercorns. Fresh seasonings bring out the best flavor, however dry can be used if needed.
Can you Freeze a Chicken Carcass to Make Stock Later?
Yes! Wrap all of the leftover carcass, bones, and any meat in foil and place it in a labeled freezer bag to make stock another time! No need to defrost the chicken prior to making the stock, it will defrost perfectly as it simmers.
Storage
Chicken stock can be store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 9 months.
Tools for This Recipe
Large Stock Pot Skimmer Spoon Fine Mesh Strainer Soup Storage Containers or Canning Jars
