Chicken broth is a savory liquid made by simmering chicken meat, bones, and sometimes vegetables and herbs in water. This process extracts flavors, nutrients, and gelatin from the chicken, resulting in a hearty and flavorful broth. Chicken broth is commonly used as a base for soups, stews, sauces, and various other dishes.
There are different variations of chicken broth, including:
- Clear broth: Made with only bones and vegetables, resulting in a light, clear liquid.
- Rich broth: Includes more meat and possibly longer cooking times, producing a darker and more flavorful broth.
- Stock: Similar to broth but typically uses more bones and is cooked for a longer period, leading to a thicker and richer texture due to the gelatin released.
Chicken broth can be homemade or store-bought and is often used for its comforting qualities, especially in traditional remedies for colds and illness. It can also be low-sodium or seasoned according to taste.