Craving a warm, comforting bowl of chicken broth that practically makes itself? Look no further! Our Quick Chicken Broth in a Crockpot is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a rich, flavorful broth that’s perfect for sipping or as a base for your favorite soups and stews. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as this savory delight simmers away, filling your kitchen with warmth and inviting comfort. Ready to discover how to create this culinary masterpiece? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 8 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping carrots, celery, and onion into rough pieces. Place the chopped vegetables into the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful base.
- Rinse the whole chicken pieces under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat or unwanted parts to ensure clean flavor.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces on top of the chopped vegetables in the crockpot, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Add bay leaves, then pour 8 cups of cold water over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are mostly submerged.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the ingredients to enhance the broth's seasoning.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to low heat setting. Allow the broth to simmer slowly for 4 hours, which will help extract maximum flavor from the chicken and vegetables.
- After cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken pieces using tongs and set aside. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove vegetable and herb remnants.
- Let the broth cool slightly, then skim off any excess fat from the surface using a spoon. Transfer to storage containers and refrigerate or use immediately.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for a fresh, whole chicken and organic vegetables. Quality ingredients make a world of difference in your broth.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the broth to simmer on low heat for the full 4 hours. This slow cooking process extracts maximum flavor from the chicken and vegetables.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra layer of flavor. Just toss them in with the other ingredients!
- Skim the Fat: After cooking, let the broth cool slightly before skimming off any excess fat. This will result in a lighter, healthier broth.
- Store Wisely: If you have leftovers, store the broth in airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for several months—perfect for quick meals later!
- Make It a Meal: Use the broth as a base for soups or risottos. Add noodles, rice, or your favorite vegetables to create a hearty dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 96kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: mg
