Homemade Chicken Broth

For soups, deglazing pans, and healthy eating

paleo-chicken-soup Homemade Chicken Soup

If roasted chicken has become a regular part of your Paleo diet, you might be wondering what to do with the chicken once you've managed to get the meat off the bone. Instead of just tossing it, make chicken broth. It's highly nutritious and easy to make.

How to:

Place the entire chicken carcass in a large pot and cover with water (I use 3 Brita pitchers' worth of water)
Turn the heat up and let it come to a boil
Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes
Remove the chicken with tongs and discard
Put a sieve over a large bowl on a sturdy surface and pour the pot's contents into it
Discard the contents of the sieve
The broth can be stored in your refrigerator for use during the week or in the freezer (try ice cubes trays for quick and easy access)

Uses include:

Deglaze your pan

The brown bits of chicken stuck to the bottom of the pan (the fond), can easily be turned into a flavorful sauce by putting 1/2 cup chicken broth into the pan, turning up the heat and stirring as it reduces.

Add a little butter and any other flavorings (like Dijon mustard, white wine or lemon).

You'll have about 1/4 cup sauce. The less sauce, the more concentrated it will be. I have, on occasion, reduced my sauce too much and ended up with just a few (very strong) tablespoons. The reduction process happens fast.