I’ve already talked about getting every bit of value from rotisserie chicken by making stock with it, and shared how to make and store it. Is there even more you can do with chicken stock to develop its flavor and make your own signature dishes? Of course there is. I’ll show you how this works, and get you started with 7 different stock recipes, all based on the master recipe of Classic Chicken Stock, that you can master.
When making homemade chicken stock from a roasted chicken carcass, there are many different ingredients you can add to the basic recipe to change the flavor profile. Adding unique ingredients can add depth and complexity that make your stock perfect for all kinds of soups and stews.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Herbs and spices – Adding herbs and spices to your chicken stock can add a depth of flavor and aroma. Some good options include thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, oregano, sage, and black peppercorns.
2. Smoked paprika – Adding smoked paprika to your chicken stock can give it a smoky and slightly spicy flavor. This is a great option for soups and stews that need a little heat and depth.
3. Vegetables – You can add various vegetables to your chicken stock to add more flavor and nutrition. Onions, carrots, celery, garlic, leeks, and fennel are great options. You can also add root vegetables like parsnips and turnips for a slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
4. Acidic ingredients – Adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes or lemon juice can give your chicken stock a tangy flavor. This is especially useful if you plan to use the stock in soups, stews, and other dishes that need a little acidity to balance the flavors.
5. Fruit/other vinegars – Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar to your chicken stock can give it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. This is a great way to balance out the richness of the chicken and vegetables.
6. Mushrooms – Adding mushrooms to your chicken stock can add an earthy and savory flavor. They also provide extra nutrients and umami flavor. Shiitake, portobello, and cremini mushrooms are all great options.
7. Wine – Adding a splash of wine to your chicken stock can add a complex and slightly sweet flavor. You can use red wine for a deeper and richer flavor, or white wine for a lighter and more delicate flavor.
Need more unique ingredient ideas for homemade chicken stock? Experiment with these:
Seaweed – Adding seaweed, such as kombu or wakame, can add a rich umami flavor to your chicken stock. It also provides extra minerals and nutrients.
Lemongrass – Adding lemongrass to your chicken stock can give it a fragrant and slightly citrusy flavor. This is a great option for soups and stews that need a bright and fresh flavor.
Fish sauce – Adding fish sauce – another source of umami – can add a savory and salty flavor. It is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and works well in soups and stews.
Ginger – Adding fresh ginger can give it a warm and slightly spicy flavor. It is also great for boosting the immune system and aiding digestion.
When adding these ingredients to your chicken stock, it is important to taste it frequently to ensure the flavors are balanced and not overwhelming. Start with a small amount of each ingredient and add more as needed. With a little experimentation, you can create a unique and flavorful chicken stock that will enhance any dish you make.
Ready to get started? Here are 7 chicken stock recipes with different flavor profiles, and the kinds of dishes they can be used for:
1. Classic Chicken Stock – This recipe produces a savory and well-rounded flavor that is perfect for use in traditional chicken noodle soup, pot pies, and risottos.
2. Asian-Style Chicken Stock – This recipe uses ingredients like ginger, garlic, and star anise to produce a fragrant and flavorful stock that is perfect for use in ramen, pho, and other Asian-inspired soups and stews.
3. Spicy Chicken Stock – This recipe uses jalapenos, cumin, coriander, and chili powder to produce a spicy and smoky flavor that is perfect for use in chili, tacos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
4. Mushroom Chicken Stock – This recipe uses a mix of fresh and dried mushrooms to produce a rich and earthy flavor that is perfect for use in risottos, gravies, and stews.
5. Lemon Chicken Stock – This recipe uses fresh lemon zest and juice to produce a bright and tangy flavor that is perfect for use in light and refreshing soups, such as chicken and vegetable soup or chicken and rice soup.
6. Herb Chicken Stock – This recipe uses a blend of fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and sage, to produce a fragrant and flavorful stock that is perfect for use in herb-forward soups and stews, such as chicken and dumplings or chicken pot pie.
7. Smoky Chicken Stock – This recipe uses smoked paprika and bacon to produce a smoky and slightly sweet flavor that is perfect for use in hearty soups, such as chicken and white bean soup or split pea soup.
Starting with the recipe for the classic chicken stock, use the additional ingredients and techniques for six more fabulous stock flavors.
Classic Chicken Stock:
Ingredients:
• 1 roasted chicken carcass
• 1 large onions, quartered
• 2 large carrots, chopped into halves
• 2 celery stalks, chopped into halves
• 4 garlic cloves, bashed slightly
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 – 10 black peppercorns
• Cold water
Method:
1. Place the chicken carcass, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a large stockpot.
2. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the stock simmer for 3-4 hours, skimming any foam or impurities that rise to the top.
4. Strain the stock through a fine mesh strainer, discarding the solids.
5. Let the stock cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For Asian-Style Chicken Stock, add:
• 2 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 star anise pods
For Spicy Chicken Stock, add:
• 2 jalapenos, sliced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
For Mushroom Chicken Stock, add:
• 1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
For Lemon Chicken Stock, add:
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
For Herb Chicken Stock, add:
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4 sprigs fresh sage
For Smoky Chicken Stock, add:
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 4 slices bacon, chopped