---
title: "Homemade Chicken Broth — Easy, Versatile Caldo de Pollo"
description: "Versión en Español. Homemade chicken broth is lightly toasted chicken backs and wings simmered covered in water for 45 minutes, then with potato, carrot, onion, and celery for another 45 minutes, stra..."
url: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-chicken-broth-caldo-de-pollo-recipe/
date: 2026-10-06
modified: 2026-10-06
author: "Carlos Uhart M."
image: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/homemade-chicken-broth-featured.jpg
categories: ["Soups"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Homemade Chicken Broth — Easy, Versatile Caldo de Pollo

[Versión en Español](https://comidaschilenas.com/receta-de-caldo-de-pollo/)

![Homemade chicken broth in a bowl](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/homemade-chicken-broth-featured.jpg)*Homemade chicken broth*

Homemade chicken broth is lightly toasted chicken backs and wings simmered covered in water for 45 minutes, then with potato, carrot, onion, and celery for another 45 minutes, strained, and reduced for 15 minutes to concentrate the flavor. It takes 15 minutes of preparation and 1 hour 45 minutes of cooking, and serves 6.

A flavorful, low fat broth to drink on cold days or use as a base for soups, rice, and stews instead of bouillon cubes.

Contents

- [1. How to Make Natural Chicken Broth?](#How_to_Make_Natural_Chicken_Broth)
- [2. Nutritional Information](#Nutritional_Information)
- [3. Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe](#Homemade_Chicken_Broth_Recipe)
  - [3.1. Ingredients](#Ingredients)
  - [3.2. Instructions](#Instructions)
- [4. Additional Tips](#Additional_Tips)
  - [4.1. Add vinegar](#Add_vinegar)
  - [4.2. Fresh herbs](#Fresh_herbs)
  - [4.3. Season at the end](#Season_at_the_end)
  - [4.4. Freeze in cubes](#Freeze_in_cubes)
- [5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)](#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs)
  - [5.1. 1. Why did my broth turn to jelly?](#1_Why_did_my_broth_turn_to_jelly)
  - [5.2. 2. How long does it keep in the fridge?](#2_How_long_does_it_keep_in_the_fridge)
  - [5.3. 3. How do I remove the fat easily?](#3_How_do_I_remove_the_fat_easily)
  - [5.4. 4. Can I use other vegetables?](#4_Can_I_use_other_vegetables)
  - [5.5. 5. Why is it good for colds?](#5_Why_is_it_good_for_colds)
- [6. Good When You Are Sick](#Good_When_You_Are_Sick)
- [7. Light and Low in Calories](#Light_and_Low_in_Calories)
- [8. Recommended](#Recommended)

## How to Make Natural Chicken Broth?

It is an economical preparation that uses parts rarely used in other dishes, such as backs and wings, which add plenty of flavor and collagen.

## Nutritional Information

Each serving of chicken broth contains approximately 12 kcal, 2 g of carbohydrates, 0 g of fat, 1 g of protein, 0 g of fiber, 1 g of sugars, and 5 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

## Homemade Chicken Broth Recipe

**Preparation:** 15 minutes
**Cooking:** 1 hour 45 minutes
**Servings:** 6

### Ingredients

- 4 chicken backs
- 4 chicken wings
- 3 liters (12 cups) of water
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 small potato
- 1 small onion
- 1 carrot

### Instructions

1. Lightly toast the chicken backs and wings on a baking tray for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a large pot, cover with the water, and cook covered over medium heat for 45 minutes. Crush the bones with a fork, add the potato, carrot, onion, and celery cut into pieces, stir, and cook for another 45 minutes.

![Chicken wings for homemade chicken broth](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/chicken-wings-homemade-broth.jpg)*Chicken Wings*

1. Strain out the bones and vegetables, return the broth to the pot, and cook over medium high heat for another 15 minutes to reduce it slightly and concentrate the flavor. Pour into jars, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate for a couple of hours.

![Fresh celery for chicken broth](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/fresh-celery-chicken-broth.jpg)*Fresh Celery*

1. If you like, skim off the layer of fat that forms on top. The broth may turn slightly gelatinous from the collagen; use it on its own or in other dishes, or freeze it until needed.

## Additional Tips

### Add vinegar

At the start, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the water before it boils to help extract minerals and collagen from the bones.

### Fresh herbs

In the last 10 minutes, add a small bunch of parsley, thyme, or bay leaf for a deeper aroma.

### Season at the end

The recipe has no salt; season the broth to taste depending on how you will use it.

### Freeze in cubes

Freeze in ice cube trays for ready portions.

| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Backs and wings | Chicken carcass | 8 pieces | Same, zero waste |
| Celery | Leek | 1 | Sweeter |
| Potato | Turnip | 1 | Earthier |
| Water | Water with vinegar | 1 tbsp | More collagen |

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### 1. Why did my broth turn to jelly?

It means you extracted the collagen from the bones well. It turns liquid again when heated; that texture when cold is a sign of a good, nutritious broth.

### 2. How long does it keep in the fridge?

Three to four days. If you will not use it soon, freeze it in ice cube trays or airtight bags for up to 3 months.

### 3. How do I remove the fat easily?

Once chilled, the fat solidifies in a white layer on top; lift it off with a spoon for a lean broth.

### 4. Can I use other vegetables?

Yes. Leek, turnip, or clean onion skins (for color) are excellent. Avoid cabbage family vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, which turn bitter with long cooking.

### 5. Why is it good for colds?

The steam helps clear the airways, and the warm liquid hydrates and is gentle on the stomach, which can ease symptoms.

## Good When You Are Sick

Hot chicken broth is a traditional home remedy to ease cold symptoms and congestion. It is gentle and nourishing for the digestive system, ideal for people with stomach problems.

## Light and Low in Calories

Each serving contains about 12 calories, which makes it a good choice for weight control.

## Recommended

- [Chilean Chicken Consommé Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-chicken-consomme-consome-de-pollo-recipe/)
- [Homemade Vegetable Broth Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-vegetable-broth-caldo-de-verduras-recipe/)
- [Homemade Bone Broth Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-bone-broth-caldo-de-huesos-recipe/)
- [Chilean Chicken in Cognac Recipe](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-pollo-al-conac-flambeed-chicken-recipe/)