A Chicken Stock Recipe You Are Going to Love!
I love this chicken stock recipe. It is the most important foundation for many of my recipes. I use this chicken stock in recipes, such as hearty soups to savory sauces. I even use it as its own delicious broth. While store-bought chicken stock can be convenient, there’s nothing quite like homemade chicken stock.
Chicken stock made from scratch has a richer flavor and more complex aroma than its store-bought counterpart. This is because a homemade chicken stock is made with whole chickens, rather than just the parts typically used for commercial stock.
In addition, homemade chicken stock is simmered for a longer period of time, allowing the flavors of the chicken and vegetables to fully develop. So, if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy chicken stock recipe, don’t be afraid to try making it at home. You may just be surprised at how much better it tastes than store-bought.

The Best Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 pounds Chicken Bones and Parts back, neck, carcass, thighs
- 4 to 5 medium Onions - chopped coarsely
- 2 Leeks - rinsed well to remove sand cut into 1/2 inch pieces (use green & white parts)
- 2 whole Celery - cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- Enough water to cover all the ingredients plus 2 extra inches
- 10 to 12 Carrots scrubbed and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
- 12 sprigs Parsley including stems
- 4 sprigs fresh Thyme
- 2 large Bay Leaves
- 14 whole Black Peppercorns
Instructions
- Makes 4 Quarts
- In a large stockpot, combine all the ingredients. Add enough cold water to cover all ingredients. Bring the water to a boil and reduce to medium to VERY low temperature, this will help prevent clouding the stock. Do not cover the pot. When it comes to a boil, let the stock simmers for about 4 to 5 hours -- just bubbles gently. You don't have to stand around in the kitchen and supervise the stock as it cooks.
- AS LONG AS IT COOKS VERY SLOWLY!!!
- Turn off the heat and let the stock cool for 30 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken bones and veges and discard. Then, strain the stock through a fine sieve or colander lined with a double layer of cheesecloth.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours
- The next day scrape all visible fat and discard. Divide the stock into various sized freezer containers. The stock will keep for 2 or 3 days in the refrigerator, many months in the freezer.