10+ Chicken Broth Recipes to Warm Your Kitchen and Heart

Chicken broth is one of those simple, versatile staples that just makes everything taste better. Simmer chicken with some veggies and herbs, and you’ve got a cozy base that lifts soups, stews, and sauces.

You can totally whip up chicken broth at home with just a few basics. That way, you control the flavor (and the salt), and it just feels a bit more special.

Ingredients

• Chicken (whole or parts)
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Water
• Herbs (like parsley, thyme, or bay leaves)

Cooking Instructions

1. Put the chicken and veggies in a big pot.
2. Pour in enough water to cover everything.
3. Bring it to a boil, then turn it down to a gentle simmer.
4. Let it go for 1.5 to 3 hours on low (about 190°F / 88°C).
5. Strain out the solids.
6. Cool before you store or use it.

1) Classic Homemade Chicken Broth with Carrots and Celery

Making a classic chicken broth is pretty straightforward. Grab a whole chicken or some bones, toss in chopped carrots and celery, and let the magic happen.

Simmer it all slowly for a few hours. The veggies and chicken mingle, and the broth gets rich and aromatic.

Throw in some onion, maybe a couple garlic cloves, and salt if you want. Once it’s done, strain out the solids.

Use your fresh broth in soups, stews, or anywhere you need a little comfort.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3 pounds) or chicken bones
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, peeled and quartered
• 2 cloves garlic (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• 8 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Add chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to a big pot.
2. Pour in the water and bring it up to a boil.
3. Turn it down and let it simmer gently (about 190°F / 88°C).
4. Simmer for 3-4 hours, skimming off any foam.
5. Strain the broth and toss the solids.
6. Add salt if you want, and use it however you like.

For more details, check out the Homemade Chicken Broth recipe.

2) Slow Cooker Chicken Broth with Garlic and Herbs

The slow cooker makes broth almost effortless. Just pile in chicken bones, garlic, and some herbs.

Set it and forget it—let everything simmer away for 10 to 12 hours on low. The result? A super flavorful, comforting broth.

It’s great for sipping or as a base for soups and stews. The garlic and herbs really shine here.

Ingredients

• 1-2 pounds chicken bones
• 2 onions, quartered
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• Water to cover

Cooking Instructions

1. Put chicken bones and veggies in the slow cooker.
2. Add garlic, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
3. Fill with enough water to cover by about an inch.
4. Cook on low for 10-12 hours.
5. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.
6. Cool, then stash it in the fridge or freezer.

For more ideas, here’s a slow cooker chicken stock recipe.

3) Instant Pot Chicken Broth for Quick Simmering

If you’re in a rush, the Instant Pot is a lifesaver. You get deep flavor in a fraction of the time.

Just add chicken parts, veggies, and water. The pressure does the work, and you’ll have broth in about 30 to 60 minutes.

Chicken backs, wings, or carcasses all work. Strain it and use in your favorite recipes.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken backs or wings
• 2 medium onions, halved
• 1 large carrot, cut in half
• 1 celery stalk, broken
• 10 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Put chicken, onions, carrot, and celery in the Instant Pot.
2. Add water up to the max fill line.
3. Seal and set to high pressure for 30-60 minutes.
4. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
5. Strain and use, or chill for later.

4) Rich Chicken Broth with Onions and Thyme

Want a broth with a bit more oomph? Onions and thyme do wonders.

Leave the onion skins on for extra color and flavor. Carrots and peppercorns round things out without taking over.

Simmer everything with chicken bones or a whole bird for a few hours. You’ll get a broth that’s perfect for freezing and pulling out whenever you need it.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds bone-in chicken or chicken bones
• 2 whole onions, unpeeled and quartered
• 2 carrots, unpeeled and chunked
• 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns
• 10 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Put chicken and veggies in a big pot.
2. Add thyme, peppercorns, and water to cover.
3. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat.
4. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Strain through a fine sieve.
6. Cool before storing or freezing.

5) Chicken Broth with Turnips and Parsnips Twist

Turnips and parsnips add a sweet, earthy spin to your broth. It’s a nice way to change things up.

Start with chicken, onions, garlic, and celery. Toss in diced turnips and parsnips, and let it all simmer.

This version works great for soups or as a hearty base for stews. Plus, you get a little extra nutrition.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken or 4 chicken thighs
• 2 turnips, peeled and diced
• 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, quartered
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 cups water
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 bay leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Add chicken and water to a large pot.
2. Toss in onion, garlic, celery, turnips, parsnips, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Skim off any foam.
5. Strain and discard solids (or save the chicken for something else).
6. Use right away or cool and store.

Explore more about this twist here.

6) Healing Chicken Broth with Fresh Ginger and Garlic

Fresh ginger and garlic make this broth feel extra soothing. The aroma alone is enough to make you hungry.

Start with bone-in chicken breasts for a rich taste. Add a big chunk of ginger and a whole head of garlic, then let it all simmer.

This broth is perfect for sipping when you want something light but comforting.

Ingredients

• 2 bone-in chicken breasts
• 1 large piece of fresh ginger, sliced
• 1 whole head of garlic, halved
• 8 cups water
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: fresh lemongrass or shiitake mushrooms

Cooking Instructions

1. Put chicken, ginger, garlic, and water in a pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then turn down to low.
3. Simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
4. Add salt if you like.
5. Strain and serve warm.

Inspired by healing chicken ginger soup.

7) Chicken Bone Broth Simmered for Nutrient Richness

If you want a broth packed with nutrients, let those bones simmer for the long haul. The longer you cook, the more goodness you pull out.

Simmer for 12 to 24 hours if you can. Collagen will break down and give you a thicker, almost jiggly broth.

A splash of vinegar before cooking helps pull minerals from the bones. Keep it low and slow, and just let it bubble away.

Ingredients

• Chicken bones or frames
• Water
• 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or white)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Put chicken bones in a big pot.
2. Cover with water.
3. Add vinegar and let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Lower heat to 190°F (88°C)–200°F (93°C), simmer gently.
6. Cook for 12 to 24 hours, skimming off foam.
7. Add salt and pepper toward the end.
8. Strain before using or storing.

More tips in this nutrient-dense chicken bone broth recipe.

8) Chicken Broth with a Medley of Fresh Vegetables

You can throw together a pretty tasty chicken broth by tossing in fresh veggies—think carrots, celery, onions. They bring a mellow flavor and a bit of extra nutrition, all without much hassle.

It’s my go-to for a simple, healthy meal—especially if I’m not in the mood for anything complicated.

Start by sautéing the vegetables in a splash of oil until they soften up a bit. After that, pour in your chicken broth and crank up the heat until it boils.

Let it simmer so everything melds together. That’s where the magic happens.

If you want more color or flavor, toss in green beans, peas, or even kale. This kind of broth just feels right on chilly days and honestly, it’s hard to mess up.

Sometimes, I’ll shred up some cooked chicken and add it in if I want something heartier. Totally optional, but it does make it more filling.

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup green beans, cut
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup kale, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add green beans, peas, and kale. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

For more ideas, see this chicken broth with veggies recipe.

9) Weeknight Chicken Broth for Comfort Dishes

Chicken broth just makes weeknight meals easier. It’s warm, quick, and brings everything together without much effort.

You can whip up soups, stews, or even a cozy bowl of noodles in no time. It’s honestly a lifesaver after a long day.

Chicken broth gives dishes a richer, more homey taste. I love using it up when I have leftovers that need a little something extra.

Add in whatever veggies or herbs you’ve got for more comfort. On busy nights, I’m just grateful for something that feels soothing and doesn’t take forever.

Look for recipes that turn broth into dinner in under an hour—trust me, they’re out there.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat chicken broth in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add carrots and celery, cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in shredded chicken and egg noodles.
4. Simmer until noodles are cooked, about 8 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if using.
6. Serve hot for a quick, comforting meal.

For more quick recipes using broth, check out 22 comforting weeknight recipes with chicken broth.

10) Clear Chicken Broth with Simple Herbs

You don’t need much to make a light, tasty clear chicken broth. Just start with chicken, some fresh thyme, bay leaves, and a few peppercorns.

Let it simmer gently—don’t rush it. The herbs slowly infuse the broth with subtle flavor.

Skim any foam off the top to keep things looking clean and clear. It’s a small step, but it makes a difference.

I’ll have this broth on its own or use it as a base for other soups. It’s cozy, easy, and just feels good when you want something warm.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 10 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Put the chicken in a big pot.

2. Toss in thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Pour in enough water to cover everything.

3. Turn the heat up until it boils.

4. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat so it just simmers.

5. Keep an eye out for foam on top. Skim it off now and then—it’s not a big deal if you miss a little.

6. Let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The chicken should be cooked through, and the broth will look clear.

7. Strain the broth. Toss out the solids.

8. Use the broth however you like.