Pecan Free Classic Chicken Stock

Total time4 hr 15 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time3 hr 30 min

4.5

(5)

A deeply golden, aromatic chicken stock is one of those kitchen fundamentals that transforms everything it touches — from soups and braises to simple pan sauces and risotto. This version builds serious depth through a quick blanching step that clears out any bitter impurities before the long, slow simmer even begins. Onions go in skin-on for color, tomato paste adds a subtle richness, and a full head of garlic alongside fresh thyme, parsley, and bay leaf gives the finished liquid a fragrance that fills the whole kitchen. The key is patience and a very gentle simmer — small bubbles only — which keeps the stock clear and clean-tasting rather than cloudy and greasy. Every single ingredient here is a whole, unprocessed kitchen staple, so there's no need to scan labels or worry about hidden additives sneaking in. Once chilled, you simply lift off the solidified fat layer and you're left with a pure, versatile stock ready to elevate whatever you're cooking next. Make a big batch, freeze it in portions, and you'll wonder how you ever cooked without it on hand.

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Ingredients

8 servings

3 lb chicken bones and carcass (or a whole 3–4 lb chicken, cut into pieces)
2 medium yellow onions, quartered (skin on)
3 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 head garlic, halved crosswise
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp black peppercorns
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
6 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
12 cups cold water
1 tsp salt

Instructions

1
Place the chicken bones in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then drain and rinse the bones under cold running water to remove any grey foam or impurities. Rinse the pot clean.
2
Return the blanched bones to the clean pot. Add the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomato paste, peppercorns, thyme, bay leaf, parsley, and salt. Pour in the 12 cups of cold water — the water should cover the bones by at least 1 inch; add more if needed.

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