Chef John's Homemade Chicken Stock

There's nothing like homemade chicken stock. It does take a long time to simmer, but the procedure is really quite simple.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 12 hr
• Total Time: 12 hr 10 mins
• Calories: 81 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 3 pounds chicken necks and backs
• 1 large onion, skin on, sliced into 6 segments
• 2 carrots, cut into chunks
• 1 stalk celery, cut into chunks
• 4 sprigs chopped fresh thyme
• 3 quarts cold water

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf in a large stockpot; pour water into pot. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, being careful not to let the mixture come to a boil. Once simmering, skim off any foam or impurities that accumulate on the surface of the water and reduce the heat to low.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Remove stockpot from heat and let cool for 1 hour.

Step 4

Pour stock through a fine strainer and transfer to food-safe containers.