Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe

Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe is rich, flavorful and perfect for soups, stews or sauces. Making stock at home is simple and rewarding.

Many cooks love Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe because it adds deep flavor to meals without extra salt or preservatives.

If you want to learn How to make Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock, this guide will walk you through every step. The Ingredients for Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock are easy to find and simple to use, making it a must-have kitchen staple.

My Experience With This Recipe

I made this chicken stock on a chilly afternoon. The aroma of simmering chicken and vegetables filled the kitchen. The stock was golden, clear and full of flavor.

I used it in a chicken noodle soup and the taste was incredible. It was better than store-bought stock in every way.

My family loved the rich, savory flavor. Now, I always keep some homemade stock in the freezer for quick meals. It’s comforting, healthy and versatile.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock
• Servings: 8 cups
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Course: Base / Stock
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 50 kcal per cup

Equipment List

• Large stockpot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Strainer or fine-mesh sieve
• Large bowl or container
• Measuring cups
• Ladle

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 pounds) or chicken bones
• 2 large onions, peeled and quartered
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or a few sprigs of fresh thyme
• 10 cups cold water
• Salt to taste (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Chop carrots, celery and onions. Halve the garlic head. Rinse the chicken or chicken bones under cold water. This ensures a clean and flavorful stock.

2. Place Chicken in Stockpot

Put the whole chicken or bones into a large stockpot. Add all chopped vegetables, garlic and herbs. Pour in 10 cups of cold water.

3. Bring to a Simmer

Place the pot over medium heat. Slowly bring the water to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling to keep stock clear and prevent cloudiness.

4. Skim Foam and Impurities

While simmering, skim off foam or scum that rises to the top using a spoon. This keeps the stock clean and visually appealing.

5. Simmer Gently

Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2–2.5 hours. Stir occasionally. The long, gentle simmer extracts maximum flavor from chicken and vegetables.

6. Strain the Stock

Remove the chicken or bones and vegetables. Strain stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or container. Discard solids or save meat for other recipes.

7. Cool and Store

Allow stock to cool slightly. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days or freeze in portions. Use within 3 months for best flavor and freshness.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock

• Use cold water for clearer stock.
• Skim foam regularly to keep stock light.
• Roast bones beforehand for deeper flavor.
• Avoid salt while cooking; season when using stock.
• Simmer slowly for maximum extraction of flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Boiling too fast, making stock cloudy.
• Using too few bones or vegetables for weak flavor.
• Skipping skimming, leaving impurities in stock.
• Not cooling properly before freezing.
• Over-simmering chicken, causing bitter flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Use Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock as a base for soups, stews, sauces, risotto or gravies. It adds rich flavor to chicken noodle soup or vegetable soup.

You can also use it to cook rice or grains for extra taste. Stock enhances almost any savory dish and makes meals more comforting.

Variations You Can Try

• Add leeks, parsnips or mushrooms for unique flavor.
• Use turkey bones to make turkey stock.
• Roast vegetables and bones before simmering for deeper flavor.
• Add fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or sage for aromatic stock.
• Make a low-sodium version by omitting salt completely.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in the refrigerator up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Use ice cube trays for small portions.
• Reheat gently over low heat to prevent over-reduction.
• Stir occasionally when reheating for even temperature.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Cup
Calories	50 kcal
Protein	6 g
Fat	2 g
Carbohydrates	1 g
Sodium	50 mg (unsalted)

Health Benefits

Homemade chicken stock is nutritious and natural. It provides protein, minerals and collagen. It supports gut health, hydration and joint health.

Free from preservatives or excess sodium, it is ideal for healthy cooking. Using stock in recipes enhances flavor without processed additives.

FAQs about Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock

1. Can I use leftover bones?

Yes, leftover roasted or raw chicken bones work perfectly. They still provide rich flavor for stock.

2. Can I make stock in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours for deep flavor.

3. Should I salt the stock while cooking?

It is better to add salt when using stock in recipes. This prevents over-salting.

4. Can I freeze the stock?

Yes, freeze in portions. Use ice cube trays for small amounts. Thaw before use.

5. How long can I keep stock in the fridge?

Keep in a sealed container for up to 3–4 days. Longer storage should be in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe is simple, flavorful and versatile. Now you know How to make Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock step by step.

The Ingredients for Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock are easy to find and budget-friendly.

Try this recipe today to add rich, natural flavor to soups, sauces and meals. Homemade stock is a kitchen staple that elevates everyday cooking.