This Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock is a rich and aromatic base, which uses whole roasting chickens and fresh herbs. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Jump to RecipeIna Garten Homemade Chicken Stock Ingredients
- 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 fresh parsley
- 15 sprigs fresh thyme
- 20 sprigs fresh dill
- 1 head garlic, unpeeled and halved
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
- 4 quarts (16 cups) water
How To Make Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock
- Combine all ingredients: Place chickens, onions, carrots, celery, herbs, garlic, salt, and peppercorns in a 16-quart stockpot.
- Add water: Pour in 4 quarts of water or enough to cover ingredients by about 1 inch.
- Bring to a boil: Set the pot over high heat. Bring to a boil and skim off any foam or impurities from the surface.
- Simmer the stock: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 4 hours. Stir occasionally to keep ingredients submerged.
- Strain the stock: Remove large solids with tongs or a slotted spoon. Strain the remaining liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or container.
- Cool and store: Allow stock to cool at room temperature. Refrigerate overnight, then skim off any solidified fat. Store in airtight containers.

Recipe Tips
-
Can I use leftover roasted chicken bones?
Yes, use bones from cooked chickens for a deeper, roasted flavor. -
What’s the best pot size?
A 16-quart stockpot is ideal to hold all ingredients and allow room for simmering. -
How to make it more flavorful:
Roast the vegetables before adding them to the pot. -
Can I freeze chicken stock?
Yes, freeze in quart or cup-sized portions for up to 3 months. -
What can I use instead of dill?
Use extra thyme or parsley if you prefer a milder herb flavor.
What To Use Homemade Chicken Stock For
Homemade chicken stock adds depth to:
- Chicken soup or noodle soup
- Risotto or paella
- Gravy and pan sauces
- Braised meats or vegetables
- Cooking grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous
How To Store Homemade Chicken Stock
Refrigerate:
Store in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze:
Freeze in mason jars, plastic containers, or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Leave room at the top for expansion.
Chicken Stock Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~86
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~4g
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
- Sodium: ~620mg
- Fiber: ~1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on LOW for 8–10 hours for similar results.
Do I have to peel the vegetables?
No, leaving the peels on adds extra flavor and color.
Can I reuse the chicken meat?
Yes, use the cooked chicken in soups, salads, or casseroles.
How to get a clear stock?
Avoid stirring too much, and strain carefully through a fine mesh or cheesecloth.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Use a few teaspoons of dried herbs in place of each bunch.
Try More Recipes:
- Ina Garten Brown Butter Sage Sauce Recipe
- Ina Garten Beef Stock Recipe
- Ina Garten Caesar Dressing Recipe
Ina Garten Homemade Chicken Stock Recipe
Course: SaucesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6 quarts
servings15
minutes4
hours86
kcalThis rich, golden homemade chicken stock from Ina Garten uses whole chickens, herbs, and vegetables for the perfect soup or sauce base.
Ingredients
-
3 (5-lb) roasting chickens
-
3 onions, unpeeled and quartered
-
6 carrots, halved
-
4 celery stalks with leaves
-
20 sprigs parsley
-
15 sprigs thyme
-
20 sprigs dill
-
1 head garlic, halved
-
2 tbsp kosher salt
-
2 tsp whole peppercorns
-
4 quarts water
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a 16-quart stockpot.
- Cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Skim foam and reduce heat to simmer uncovered for 4 hours.
- Strain out solids. Cool, refrigerate, and skim fat.
- Store in the fridge or freezer as needed.
