Every great soup, sauce, or risotto starts with one thing: a rich, flavorful stock. Ina Garten’s Homemade Chicken Stock is a staple in her kitchen and a foundation for countless delicious dishes. Made from simple ingredients like roasted chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs, this golden liquid is deeply nourishing and packed with savory goodness. If you’ve only used store-bought stock before, this easy recipe will completely change the way you cook.

What is Ina Garten’s Homemade Chicken Stock?

Ina Garten’s homemade chicken stock is a slow-simmered, deeply flavorful broth made with whole chickens, onions, carrots, celery, and aromatics like thyme and parsley. Unlike boxed versions, her stock simmers for hours to extract maximum richness and nutrition, creating a golden base that elevates soups, stews, and sauces.

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Why You Should Try This Chicken Stock

Full of flavor – Deeply savory and rich, unlike store-bought
Versatile – Perfect for soups, risottos, sauces, and braising
Healthier option – No additives, preservatives, or excess salt
Budget-friendly – Makes use of leftover chicken and vegetable scraps
Freezer-friendly – Store for months and use as needed
Impressively aromatic – Fills your kitchen with cozy, comforting smells

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Stock

3 (5-pound) roasting chickens
3 large onions, unpeeled and quartered
6 carrots, unpeeled and halved
4 celery stalks, with leaves, cut into thirds
20 sprigs of fresh parsley
15 sprigs fresh thyme
20 sprigs fresh dill
1 head of garlic, unpeeled and cut in half
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
4 quarts (16 cups) water

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Homemade Chicken Stock

Combine ingredients in a large pot

Place chickens, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings in an extra-large stockpot (at least 16 quarts).
Add 4 quarts of water or enough to cover the ingredients by about an inch.

Bring to a boil

Set the pot over high heat and bring everything to a boil, skimming off any foam or impurities from the top.

Simmer slowly

Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 4 hours. Stir occasionally to keep everything evenly submerged.

Strain the stock

Remove large solids with tongs or a slotted spoon. Then, pour the remaining liquid through a fine mesh strainer into another large container or bowl.

Cool and store

Let the stock cool at room temperature. Refrigerate overnight, then skim off any solidified fat from the surface.
Store in airtight containers in the fridge (up to 5 days) or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock recipe

What Goes Well With Homemade Chicken Stock

Hearty chicken noodle soup – Classic and comforting
Risotto or polenta – Adds richness and depth
Gravy and pan sauces – For roast chicken or turkey
Braised vegetables or meats – Enhances savory notes
Rice pilaf – Use instead of water for more flavor
Cooking beans or lentils – Gives legumes a flavor boost
Homemade ramen or pho – Perfect savory base

Expert Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken Stock

Don’t peel the vegetables – The skins add extra flavor and color
Use whole chickens – Bones, skin, and meat create the richest broth
Simmer, don’t boil – Gentle heat extracts flavor without cloudiness
Skim the surface – Helps remove impurities for a cleaner taste
Chill before freezing – Prevents freezer burn and preserves flavor
Label and date containers – So you always know what’s inside
Leave room in jars – Liquids expand as they freeze

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Stock

Use rotisserie chicken carcasses – Great for reducing waste
Add leeks or parsnips – For added sweetness and depth
Make it spicy – Toss in a chili or pepper flakes
Include mushroom stems – Enhances the umami flavor
Try turkey necks or wings – Works well during the holidays
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar – Helps extract nutrients from bones

How to Store Homemade Chicken Stock

In the fridge – Store in glass jars or containers for up to 5 days
In the freezer – Freeze in quart containers or ice cube trays for 3 months
Label everything – Note the date and quantity
Use freezer-safe containers – To prevent cracking or leakage
Skim the fat before freezing – For a cleaner, lighter broth

How to Reheat Chicken Stock

On the stovetop: Simmer in a saucepan over medium heat until fully warmed
In the microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between
From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm directly on low heat

Nutritional Value (per 1-cup serving)

Calories: 80
Protein: 6g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Sodium: 300mg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g

FAQs

Do I need to roast the chicken before making stock?

No, Ina Garten’s method uses raw whole roasting chickens. Roasting is not required, but using whole birds with skin and bones adds depth and richness.

How long should I simmer chicken stock for the best flavor?

For deep, concentrated flavor, simmer for at least 4 hours. This extracts the nutrients and essence from the meat, bones, and vegetables.

Can I freeze Ina Garten’s chicken stock?

Yes. Cool the stock completely, then freeze in labeled containers or ice cube trays. It keeps well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Why is my homemade stock cloudy?

Cloudiness can result from boiling instead of simmering or not skimming foam during cooking. A gentle simmer and frequent skimming help keep the stock clear.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Homemade Chicken Stock is the ultimate kitchen essential. It’s simple, wholesome, and so much more flavorful than anything from a box. Once you try this rich, golden broth, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.