how to make chicken broth

Title: Homemade Chicken Broth

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), giblets removed
2 carrots, washed and roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, washed and roughly chopped
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1-2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary), a small bunch
12 cups cold water (approximately)
Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and remove any giblets or unwanted parts. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Start Cooking:

In a large stockpot, place the whole chicken.
Add Vegetables and Aromatics:

Add chopped carrots, celery, onion quarters, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, and fresh herbs to the pot.
Season:

Sprinkle salt over the ingredients. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
Cover with Water:

Pour in cold water, covering the chicken and vegetables. The water should be enough to fully submerge the ingredients.
Bring to a Boil:

Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Skim the Surface:

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface using a ladle or spoon.
Simmer:

Cover the pot with a lid and let the broth simmer on low heat for about 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process helps extract flavors from the chicken and vegetables.
Strain the Broth:

After simmering, carefully remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot using a slotted spoon or tongs. Discard the solids.
Strain Again for Clarity:

To achieve a clear broth, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another large pot or bowl.
Cool and Store:

Allow the broth to cool before storing. You can refrigerate it for a few days or freeze it for longer storage.
Use or Customize:

Use the homemade chicken broth as a base for soups, stews, risottos, or any recipe that calls for chicken broth. You can customize the flavor by adjusting the seasoning according to your taste.
Enjoy the rich, nourishing flavor of your homemade chicken broth that can elevate a variety of dishes with its hearty goodness!