Nothing beats a good homemade chicken broth, especially when the cold weather sets in. It's the ultimate comfort food, the kind that reminds us of old-fashioned remedies and cozy days spent under a blanket. But it's not just about nostalgia. This broth is a true wellness potion, packed with collagen, ideal for strengthening your joints, improving your skin's elasticity, and boosting your immune system. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make and far better than any store-bought version.
Forget dehydrated stock cubes and tasteless bouillon. With this recipe, you'll discover the true flavor of authentic chicken broth, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Follow the instructions, and you'll create a rich, flavorful broth that's incredibly good for your body and mind. This recipe is perfect for making a delicious base for soups, risottos, or simply enjoying on its own for ultimate comfort.
And if you're looking for an extra boost to your well-being, you can add a touch of shilajit resin to your broth once it has cooled slightly. Shilajit, rich in minerals and fulvic acid, will amplify the benefits of your broth and provide you with sustained energy. Remember, always use high-quality shilajit resin, like the kind you can find on our Purlema website, to reap all its benefits.
Ingredients
For approximately 2 liters of broth:
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg), preferably organic
- 2 liters of cold water
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces
- 2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
- 1 yellow onion, cut into quarters
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 bouquet garni (thyme, bay leaf, parsley)
- 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon of coarse salt (or more, to taste)
- Optional: an extra chicken carcass for a richer broth
- Optional: a small piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (helps extract collagen)
Instructions
- Preparing the chicken: Place the whole chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven. If you are using an extra chicken carcass, add it as well.
- Adding the vegetables and herbs: Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bouquet garni, black peppercorns and, if desired, ginger.
- Cover with water: Pour cold water into the pot, making sure the chicken and vegetables are completely submerged. Add the cider vinegar if using.
- First boil: Bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Regularly skim off any foam that forms on the surface using a skimmer. This step is important to obtain a clear and transparent broth.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and simmer for at least 3 hours, ideally 4 to 6 hours for a broth richer in collagen. The longer the cooking time, the more flavorful and nutritious the broth will be.
- Removing the chicken: After the cooking time, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Let it cool slightly before deboning. You can use the chicken meat for other preparations (salads, sandwiches, etc.).
- Strain the broth: Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a clean cloth. This will remove the vegetables and aromatics and result in a clear, homogeneous broth.
- Seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Cooling and skimming (optional): Let the broth cool completely. You can then refrigerate it for a few hours. The fat will solidify on the surface, making it easy to skim off with a spoon. This step is optional, but it results in a lighter broth.
- Serving and storage: Your homemade chicken broth is ready! You can enjoy it as is, or use it as a base for soups and other culinary preparations. Don't forget, you can also add a pinch of shilajit resin (available on Purlema) to your warm broth for an extra boost of well-being.
Chef's Tips
- For an even tastier broth, sauté the vegetables in a little olive oil before adding them to the broth.
- Feel free to add other vegetables according to your taste (leeks, turnips, etc.).
- Keep the chicken bones in the freezer and use them to make a stock later.
- For a vegetarian version, use root vegetables and mushrooms for a flavorful broth.
- If you add shilajit, make sure the broth has cooled slightly to avoid altering its properties. Visit our Purlema Infos blog to learn more about the benefits of shilajit and our other exciting articles. Also, check out our other recipes on the Purlema Recipes blog and explore a healthy and balanced lifestyle on Purlema Lifestyle .
Conservation
Homemade chicken broth will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. For optimal preservation, freeze it in individual portions, allowing you to thaw only the amount you need.
