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Chef John's Classic Chicken Stock from Scratch

Chef John's Classic Chicken Stock from Scratch yields a clear, golden broth with a gentle richness drawn from simmered chicken bones, onions, carrots, and herbs. Its clean, layered flavor makes it perfect for soups, risottos, and sauces, and it's an ideal make-ahead base for weeknight dinners or special-occasion cooking.

  • Prep10 mins
  • Cook12 hrs 30 mins
  • Serves12
  • DifficultyEasy
Chef John's Classic Chicken Stock from Scratch
  1. 1

    Place the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf in a large stockpot; add the water to the pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, taking care not to let it boil. Once it begins to simmer, skim off any foam or impurities from the surface and lower the heat to low.

  2. 2

    Let the mixture gently simmer on low for 12 hours, skimming off any foam as needed.

  3. 3

    Take the stockpot off the heat and allow it to cool for 1 hour.

  4. 4

    Strain the stock through a fine strainer and pour it into food-safe containers.