Easy & Versatile Homemade Chicken Broth

Homemade chicken broth is a versatile kitchen staple that enhances the flavor of countless dishes. From soups and stews to sauces, this simple yet rewarding recipe creates a rich, flavorful base for meals like chicken noodle soup, wonton noodle soup, chicken pho, and more. My son and I are huge soup lovers, so I always keep a batch of this broth in the fridge or freezer, ready to whip up quick and comforting meals.

With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can make a batch to use immediately or store for later, giving you a go-to base for fast, wholesome family meals. I’ve kept the aromatics and seasoning simple so the broth works across a variety of dishes and cuisines. You can easily customize it by adding more aromatics to suit your recipe—like ginger, cinnamon, and star anise for the rich, fragrant flavors of chicken pho.

Homemade Chicken Broth

Thuy

An easy and versatile homemade chicken broth that can serve as the base for a variety of meals like chicken noodle soup, wonton noodle soup, chicken pho and more.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Cuisine American, Chinese, Vietnamese

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole (free range) chicken about 3-4 pounds
• 4 cups water per pound of chicken
• 1 large onions (or 2 small ones)
• 2 large shallots
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

 

• Soak the chicken in a hot saltwater bath for about 15 minutes. This helps clean the chicken and gives you a clearer broth.
• In a large stockpot, bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it boil for 10 minutes, skimming off any foam or scum that rises to the surface.
• Toss in the onions, shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, and peppercorns. Lower the heat and let it simmer for another 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool enough to handle. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container if not using immediately—refrigerate or freeze for future meals.
• If desired, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. If not used immediately, pour the clear broth into jars or containers for storage.

Notes

• Cool & Store: Let the broth cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. When cooled, the fat will solidify on the surface. This layer is packed with flavor and acts as a natural preservative, so don’t discard it!
• Storage Tips: You can store the broth in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or freeze it for up to 3 months. For easy use, consider freezing in smaller portions.

Keyword chicken broth, chicken pho, chicken soup, wonton noodles soup

Leave a Comment

Have you tried making your own chicken broth before? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments below! If you give this recipe a go, let us know what delicious meals you created with your homemade broth.