Appetizers & Starters > Soups & Broths > Broths & Consommés > Chicken Broth
Quick & Easy Chicken Broth from Scraps
<p>Don't throw away those leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps! This recipe shows you how to make a flavorful and nutritious chicken broth using ingredients you might otherwise discard. It's a great way to reduce waste and save money.</p>
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups Chicken bones (from a roasted chicken or cooked chicken pieces)
- 2 cups Vegetable scraps (onion peels, carrot tops, celery ends, garlic skins)
- 8-10 cups Water
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon Peppercorns
- to taste Salt
Gather Your Scraps
<p>Collect your chicken bones and vegetable scraps. Make sure the vegetables are clean and free of any spoiled parts.</p>
Combine Ingredients in a Pot
<p>Place the chicken bones, vegetable scraps, bay leaf, and peppercorns in a stockpot or large saucepan.</p>
Add Water and Simmer
<p>Pour 8-10 cups of cold water over the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 1-2 hours.</p>
Strain the Broth
<p>Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander into a bowl or container. Discard the solids.</p>
Season and Use
<p>Season the broth with salt to taste. Use immediately or store for later use.</p>
FAQ
-
What kind of vegetable scraps can I use?
<p>Good options include onion peels, carrot tops, celery ends, garlic skins, and parsley stems. Avoid using strong-flavored vegetables like broccoli or cabbage, as they can overpower the broth.</p> -
Can I use cooked chicken meat in the broth?
<p>You can add small pieces of cooked chicken meat to the broth during the last 30 minutes of simmering to add extra flavor and nutrients.</p> -
How long can I store the broth?
<p>Store the cooled broth in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.</p> -
Is this broth as flavorful as broth made with fresh chicken?
<p>While not as intensely flavored as broth made with a whole chicken, this broth is still flavorful and nutritious, especially considering it's made from scraps.</p>