Homemade Chicken Broth (3 Cooking Methods)

By: Rachel TiemeyerPosted: 1/26/23Updated: 1/26/23

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Use a leftover chicken carcass, veggies, fresh herbs, and seasonings to make this simple chicken broth recipe on the stovetop or in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed, but you can tweak this based on what you have on hand.

1-2 chicken carcasses or 3-4 lbs chicken parts/necks (like what’s leftover from Crock Pot Whole Chicken or Roasted Chicken and Vegetables)
1 large onion, quartered
4 carrots, roughly chopped
4 stalks of celery, roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
1-2 fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
Handful of fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
About 9-10 cups water (enough to cover all ingredients)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is all about flexibility–using the ingredients you have on hand and cooking the broth using your method of choice (stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot). Here’s how to make your broth…

Step 1: Add Ingredients

Place 1-2 chicken carcasses (or 3-4 lbs chicken parts), veggies, fresh herbs, and enough water to cover the carcass in a large stock pot, 6+ quart slow cooker, or 6+ quart Instant Pot.

Step 2: Cook the Broth (3 Methods)

You have three choices for cooking this broth…

Stovetop Method: Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 hours.

overhead shot of carcass, vegetables, and water in a pot to make broth

Crockpot Method: Cover with the lid and slow cook on LOW for 8-12 hours.

Instant Pot Method: Lock and seal the lid. Cook at high pressure for 45 minutes with a quick release.

overhead shot of turkey carcass, vegetables, and water in Instant Pot to make broth

Step 3: Strain the Chicken Broth

Using a colander/strainer over a large bowl or pot, strain out the solids from the broth. Let cool on the counter for up to 2 hours only (then must be refrigerated to be safe!).

Step 4: Use or Store It

After the broth is cool, either refrigerate and use within 3-5 days, or divide into freezer containers–like mason jars, Souper Cubes, or Pyrex containers with lids (leave at least 1-inch headroom for expansion)–and freeze for up to 3 months.

How Long Does Chicken Broth Last in the Fridge?

Chicken broth lasts for 3-4 days in the fridge, according to USDA’s recommendations for how to store leftovers safely. That’s why we are big proponents of freezing chicken broth in 2-cup increments. That way the broth will last up to 3 months (oftentimes longer!) and can thaw safely and quickly using one of these methods for use in recipes.

How to Freeze & Thaw Broth

To Freeze: Cook and fully cool the broth. Divide into freezer containers–like mason jars, Souper Cubes, or Pyrex containers with lids (leave at least 1-inch headroom for expansion)–and freeze for up to 3 months.

To Thaw: Thaw in the fridge for 24-48 hours or using the defrost setting on the microwave.

Tip: I prefer to freeze it in 2 cup increments, making it faster to thaw and a good portion size for recipes.

Use Chicken Broth in These Recipes

This homemade chicken broth can be used in any recipe that calls for chicken broth or stock. Try it in some of these Thriving Home favorites…

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and wild rice soup in a white bowl with a spoon

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Rachel Tiemeyer

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Rachel dreams about creating recipes (literally) and uses her husband, her 3 kids, and even the neighbors as guinea pigs several nights a week. She believes that good food has the power to bring families and friends closer together and continues to wake up excited about her job each day, even after 10+ years!