Can I use the liquid from boiling chicken as chicken broth?

@knicnax (2233)
Philippines
April 16, 2013 1:42am CST
Before you go "but chicken broth is the liquid from boiling chicken", let me clarify this first: I am boiling a chicken for a specific recipe, so boiling the chicken dry is not an option Anyway, I'm planning on putting onion, carrots and a bit of parsley when boiling the chicken to add flavor (I'm not really sure if this adds flavor to the chicken though). I'll be using the thigh and leg parts of the chicken. I am new in cooking and I notice that most recipes call for chicken stock. I'd really much rather use homemade chicken stock than use chicken cubes. I know that good chicken stock is made from boiling chicken for 6 to 12 hours (probably more), but I don't have the time nor the resources to cook it for that long. Plus, I need the boiled chicken to still be juicy. I'd just like to know if it's possible to use the liquid from boiling the chicken until it's cooked enough as chicken stock? I don't mind adding a chicken cube (or a partial piece of a chicken cube) if it will enhance the flavor greatly. I just don't want to use chicken stock that's made entirely out of chicken cubes.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@joizee (502)
• Philippines
16 Apr 13
I am no expert in cooking and I don't have the talent, either. But I love watching cooking shows. The chefs usually give tips for time management, convenience and enhancement of flavor. With chicken stock, I always see them use boxed/in-carton chicken stock. If you're going to buy chicken stock, look for something "pure chicken stock" then read ingredients for confirmation. If you want homemade, you start boling the chicken until tender. Then separate the flesh the you need and return the bones to boil much longer (for the remaining 6-12 hour, just you said). Yes you can add seasonings to enhance the chicken stock but it is better to leave water, salt and chicken alone so you can manage the seasoning with whatever dish you're going to use the stock with. Have fun in cooking! ;)
• Philippines
16 Apr 13
Woohooooo, 6-12 hours, my dear you really are a newbie when it comes to cooking :), cheer up, chicken is easy to cook, you don't need to boil the chicken for even two hours or else your chicken will be too soft like you even wanted to eat the bone. If you only want to savor the chicken with those ingredients (onion, parsley and carrot)then that's fine even if you don't want to include chicken broth cubes. But then add some salt and black pepper powder for seasoning. But Pleaseeeeeee, don't cook those poor veggies for two hours not even an hour. I told you that chicken is easy to cook, 20 minutes is far better for a chicken soup but you need to put the veggies at the last part and don't over cook your veggies. If you wanted to get chicken stock, then that means you add liquid, boil the chicken and include some seasonings with a little bit of veggie. But usually you don't need veggies if you are just after the chicken stock. Have a nice day!
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
16 Apr 13
Yes, you certainly can use the liquid as chicken stock. I do this when barbecuing wings and thighs. I put the joints I am going to barbecue into a pan with water, onions, garlic and herbs and bring them to the boil, cooking them until they are done (about 10 minutes once they are boiling). Then I drain them before putting them on the barbecue. The liquid makes a wonderful chicken soup, so I get two meals for the price of one!
@jazel_juan (15747)
• Philippines
16 Apr 13
That is where i believe chicken broth really comes from my friend.. pure chicken flavor with no artificial tastes.. i actually do this when i make batchoy,