Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of homemade chicken broth that not only nourishes your body but also warms your soul. Welcome to the world of "No Brainer Chicken Broth," where simplicity meets deliciousness! This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you crave something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create a rich, flavorful broth that will elevate any dish or stand alone as a soothing soup. Ready to discover the secret to the ultimate comfort food? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have your taste buds singing!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 120 mins
Total Time: 125 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 10 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients needed for the No Brainer Chicken Broth. Ensure you have a large pot or stockpot ready for cooking.
- Rinse the whole chicken under cold running water, removing any giblets from the cavity if present. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- In the large pot, heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the quartered onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chopped carrots and celery to the pot, stirring them into the onion. Sauté the vegetables for another 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
- Carefully place the rinsed whole chicken into the pot, breast side up, on top of the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in 10 cups of water, ensuring that the chicken is fully submerged. If necessary, add more water to cover the chicken completely.
- Add the two bay leaves, and season the broth with salt and pepper to taste. Start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper, adjusting later if needed.
- Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 2 hours.
- During the cooking process, occasionally skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface using a ladle or spoon. This will help to keep the broth clear.
- After 2 hours, check the chicken for doneness. The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone. If necessary, allow it to simmer for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it on a cutting board to cool slightly.
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another large pot or bowl, discarding the vegetables and bay leaves. This will leave you with a clear, flavorful broth.
- Shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. You can add the shredded chicken back into the broth or save it for another use.
- Adjust the seasoning of the broth with additional salt and pepper to taste, if necessary. Serve hot as a comforting soup or use it as a base for other recipes.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your broth largely depends on the quality of the chicken and vegetables. Opt for organic or free-range chicken for a richer taste.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing the broth to simmer gently for a full 2 hours (or longer if you can) helps extract maximum flavor from the chicken and vegetables. Patience is key!
- Skim the Foam: During cooking, impurities may rise to the surface. Skimming off this foam not only keeps your broth clear but also enhances its overall flavor.
- Season Gradually: Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, then taste and adjust as needed. This way, you can avoid over-seasoning your broth.
- Save the Leftovers: The shredded chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or tacos. Don’t forget to save the broth for soups, risottos, or as a base for sauces.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, let the broth cool completely before refrigerating it. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to remove them before straining the broth.With these tips, you’re all set to create a delicious and heartwarming No Brainer Chicken Broth that will impress your family and friends!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 30mg
