
This comforting Chicken Stock recipe, attributed to Graham Kerr (also known as “The Galloping Gourmet”), is a timeless base for soups, stews, and sauces. Unlike many store-bought versions, this homemade stock uses fresh vegetables, herbs, and chicken parts to infuse deep, savory flavor over several hours. The handwritten recipe reflects a minimalist yet flavorful approach to traditional cooking, capturing the essence of classic culinary techniques that bring out natural richness and aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp sesame seed
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup celery (chopped)
- 1/2 cup carrots (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 6-12 pepper corns
- wings, back, and neck of 1 chicken
- 1 sprig thyme (fresh )
- 1 sprig parsley (fresh )
- 1 bay leaf
- Water to cover (approx. 8 cups)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat oil in a large pan.
- Add sesame seeds and stir until lightly toasted.
- Add chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened.
Step 2: Add Herbs and Seasoning
- Stir in garlic, peppercress (or pepper substitute), thyme, parsley, and bay leaf.
Step 3: Add Chicken
- Place chicken wings, back, and neck into the pot.
Step 4: Simmer
- Add enough water to cover all ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
Step 5: Skim & Reduce
- Skim foam or fat from the top regularly.
- Continue to simmer gently for another 2 hours for a more concentrated stock.
Step 6: Strain and Store
- Strain stock through a fine sieve.
- Cool and refrigerate or freeze.
Tips
- Use roasted chicken bones for deeper color and richer flavor.
- Add leek greens or parsnips for a sweeter, more aromatic stock.
- Simmer uncovered to allow reduction or partially covered for a lighter broth.
- Freeze stock in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
- Add salt only at the end, or not at all, to keep the stock versatile.
- For clearer stock, avoid boiling vigorously and skim often, as the card notes.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to help extract minerals from bones.
- Use fresh herbs near the end of cooking for brighter flavor.
- Strain twice (fine mesh, then cheesecloth) for a very clear consommé-style broth.
Nutrition
Calories: 45kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 6gFat: 1.5gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 55mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1.5gVitamin A: 2100IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.5mg
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