Skip to main content

Chicken Stock

4.9

(19)

If there were just one stock I'd encourage you to make, this is it. Why? Because it is the foundation of more soups and sauces than any other stock I use.

For this recipe, you'll need a large stockpot, a colander, and a fine-mesh strainer (or a colander lined with cheesecloth).

This recipe is a component of Grill-Roasted Rack of Lamb in Red Mole and Tamarind Barbecued Duck with Smoky Plantain Crema .

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 7 cups

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon virgin olive oil
3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
1 large onion, roughly chopped
3 large stalks celery, roughly chopped
1 head garlic, cut horizontally in half
8 ounces mushrooms, roughly chopped
1 cup dry white wine
6 sprigs thyme
6 sprigs Italian parsley
6 basil leaves
2 bay leaves, broken in half
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, toasted
3 to 4 pounds chicken bones, wings, backs, and/or necks
10 to 12 cups water, or enough to cover

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the butter and olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. When the butter begins to foam, add the carrots, onion, celery, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

    Step 2

    Add the white wine and stir, then add the herbs, peppercorns, chicken bones, and water and bring just to a simmer. Turn the heat to low, skim off any impurities that have risen to the surface (don't stir or the stock will be cloudy), and simmer, uncovered for 2 1/2 hours.

    Step 3

    Strain the stock first through a colander, then through a fine-mesh strainer (or cheesecloth-lined colander) into a stainless steel bowl or container. Chill the stock in an ice-water bath. (This not only kills harmful bacteria, it prevents you from having to put steaming-hot stock into your refrigerator — and inadvertently heating it and its contents.) Then refrigerate until chilled, or, preferably, overnight.

    Step 4

    Skim any fat from the top of the stock, and transfer to airtight containers. The stock will keep for 3 days in the refrigerator, or you can freeze it for up to 6 months.

Reprinted with permission from New World Kitchen by Norman Van Aken. © 2001 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.
Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This pasta starring summer corn achieves its savory, creamy sauce thanks to one special ingredient: buttermilk powder.
This fast stir-fry dish pairs minced pork and fragrant basil with hot Thai chiles and a crispy fried egg.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
Juicy steak, crisp lettuce, and a blender dressing come together for a breezy summer dinner.
This frozen cocktail uses instant espresso for a strong flavor and unbeatable convenience.