Recipe for Homemade Chicken Broth: The Secret to Better Soups, Rice & Sauce

A good recipe for homemade chicken broth can quietly transform your cooking. This broth isn’t just a background ingredient—it’s the foundation of flavor.

Made with chicken thigh bones and skins, fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, this broth delivers depth, richness, and balance without requiring hours of simmering.

Unlike store-bought broth, which is often overly salty or flat, this homemade version is clean, aromatic, and lightly seasoned.

That makes it perfect for everything from soups and sauces to cooking grains and vegetables.

Best of all, this recipe is approachable. It’s a quick bone broth method that delivers excellent flavor in under an hour—ideal for home cooks who want real results without an all-day commitment.

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Broth And Why It Matters

Skins and bones of 5 chicken thighs – Adds collagen, body, and deep chicken flavor

1 celery stalk, chopped – Subtle sweetness and aroma

4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced – Savory backbone

1 large sprig rosemary – Earthy, woodsy note

3-4 large sprigs thyme – Classic herbal depth

1 teaspoon salt – Light base seasoning

1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Gentle warmth

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Helps extract flavor and nutrients

4 cups fresh water, preferably bottled water – Clean, neutral broth base

Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Chicken Broth

1. Combine Ingredients

Add all ingredients to a large stockpot. Ensure the chicken bones are fully submerged in the water for even extraction.

2. Bring to a Rapid Boil

Bring the pot to a rapid boil and let it boil for 5 minutes. This jump-starts flavor release from the bones and aromatics.

3. Simmer Gently

Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 15–20 minutes. Avoid stirring too much to keep the broth clear.

4. Rest Off Heat

Turn off the heat and leave the pot covered on the burner for an additional 20 minutes. This resting period allows flavors to meld and deepen naturally.

5. Strain and Portion

Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into two 2-cup mason jars. Let cool slightly before sealing.

Storage & Shelf Life

Refrigerator: Store tightly sealed for 7–10 days

Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months (leave headspace in jars)

Gelled broth is a sign of collagen-rich bones

If the broth gels in the fridge, that’s a good sign—it means collagen was extracted. It will liquefy when reheated.

Culinary Insight: Why This Broth Has So Much Flavor

This recipe is a short-simmer chicken bone broth, meaning it extracts flavor efficiently without long cooking times.

Why it works:

Chicken thigh bones contain more connective tissue than breast bones
Apple cider vinegar gently pulls collagen and minerals into the broth
Fresh rosemary and thyme add complexity without overpowering

The result is a golden, aromatic broth with body and balance—perfect on its own or as a base.

How to Use This Recipe for Homemade Chicken Broth

Because it’s lightly seasoned, this broth adapts easily to many dishes.

Soups

Lemon chicken orzo
Vegetable or lentil soup

Chicken Soup With Ditalini

This broth is perfect for classic soups like Chicken Soup With Ditalini, where a clean, flavorful base makes all the difference.

Rice & Grains

Using homemade chicken broth adds depth and creaminess to grain-based dishes like Pumpkin Pecan Risotto With Dried Cranberries and Goat Cheese.

Pumpkin Pecan Risotto With Dried Cranberries and Goat Cheese

This homemade chicken broth can replace water when cooking pilaf, rice, quinoa, or couscous, adding depth and richness to simple grains.

Using homemade chicken broth instead of water to cook rice

Sauces & Cooking

Deglaze pans for gravies and pan sauces
Sauté vegetables instead of using oil

Simple Sipping

Warm and sip as a light, nourishing drink
Add ginger or turmeric for extra comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken bones?

Yes. Frozen bones can go straight into the pot.

2. Why add apple cider vinegar?

It helps extract collagen and minerals while enhancing flavor.

3. Is this the same as bone broth?

This is a quick bone broth. Traditional bone broth simmers much longer, but this method still delivers excellent results.

4. Can I make this unsalted?

Absolutely. Simply omit the salt and season later when cooking.

5. Why does my broth turn cloudy?

Cloudiness is harmless and usually caused by boiling too hard or stirring.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just scale ingredients and use a larger pot.

If you’re unsure how broth compares to stock, this guide on The Difference Between Stock And Broth explains when to use each.

This recipe for homemade chicken broth is proof that better cooking starts with better basics.

With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you’ll create a broth that elevates soups, rice, and sauces every time.

Recipe for Homemade Chicken Broth: The Secret to Better Soups, Rice & Sauce

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Broth And Why It Matters