DIY Saturday – Make your own chicken broth

In a crockpot!!

Last week my visiting mother-in-law bought two small, whole chickens and we cooked them in the crockpot. We put a layer of carrots and celery on bottom, placed both chickens in the crockpot side-by-side and sprinkled a packet of Good Seasons Italian dressing mix over the top (this is also very good with the Ranch dressing packets). It was sooo yummy and created the richest broth.

She then taught me how to make more of my own chicken broth, and we filled up my freezer. I’ve been buying broth a lot lately for soups and it’s expensive!! This option is so much more economical and DELICIOUS!

1.After you’ve picked all the chicken off the bone, place all un-edible pieces back in the crock pot (bones, fat, gristle, skin).

2.Add in a few stalks of celery (with the leaves). We didn’t do this – but you can also add a few bay leaves and sage if desired.

3.Fill the crock pot with water and turn on low for 8-10 hours or overnight. Your house is going to smell soooo good!

4.Strain the broth into a bowl removing all the bones and pieces and allow to cool.

5.Once the broth has cooled , place it in the refrigerator until it the fat has congealed, and then scoop or scrape the fat off the top.

6.Place the broth into smaller freezer-safe containers (I’d recommend 1-cup containers, or freezing in ice cube trays and then placing in a freezer bag) and freeze. Broth will last about 6 months in a regular freezer.