How do You can chicken broth?

How to Can Chicken Broth: A Step-by-Step Guide

Canning chicken broth is a great way to preserve this nutritious and flavorful liquid for future use in soups, stews, and sauces. With a few simple steps and the right equipment, you can can chicken broth at home and enjoy its benefits year-round. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to can chicken broth, including the necessary equipment, ingredients, and techniques.

Why Can Chicken Broth?

Before we dive into the process, let’s talk about why canning chicken broth is a good idea. Canned chicken broth has several advantages over fresh or store-bought broth:

• Long shelf life: Canned chicken broth can be stored for up to 5 years, making it a great option for emergency food storage or for use in long-term food preservation.
• Convenience: Canned chicken broth is easy to use and requires no cooking or preparation, making it a great addition to any meal.
• Nutritional value: Canned chicken broth retains its nutritional value, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your diet.

Equipment Needed

To can chicken broth, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Large pot: A large pot is necessary for boiling the chicken and making the broth.
• Colander or strainer: A colander or strainer is needed to separate the solids from the liquids.
• Jars and lids: You’ll need clean, sterilized jars and lids to can the broth.
• Water bath canner: A water bath canner is necessary for processing the jars in boiling water.
• Canning funnel: A canning funnel is helpful for filling the jars without making a mess.

Ingredients Needed

To make chicken broth, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: You can use raw or cooked chicken for making the broth. Raw chicken will produce a clearer broth, while cooked chicken will produce a richer, more flavorful broth.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are common vegetables used to make chicken broth. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings can be added to the broth for flavor.
• Water: You’ll need water to cover the chicken and vegetables during the cooking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have the necessary equipment and ingredients, let’s go through the step-by-step process of canning chicken broth:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

• Chop the chicken: Cut the chicken into small pieces and remove any bones or cartilage.
• Chop the vegetables: Chop the carrots, celery, and onions into small pieces.
• Combine the chicken and vegetables: Place the chopped chicken and vegetables in a large pot.

Step 2: Make the Broth

• Add water: Add enough water to the pot to cover the chicken and vegetables.
• Bring to a boil: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
• Cook the broth: Cook the broth for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Strain the Broth

• Use a colander or strainer: Strain the broth through a colander or strainer to separate the solids from the liquids.
• Discard the solids: Discard the solids and reserve the broth.

Step 4: Sterilize the Jars and Lids

• Wash the jars and lids: Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water, then rinse thoroughly.
• Sterilize the jars and lids: Sterilize the jars and lids in a pot of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Fill the Jars

• Use a canning funnel: Fill the jars with the hot broth, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
• Remove air bubbles: Remove any air bubbles by running a non-metallic utensil, such as a plastic spatula, around the inside of the jar.
• Wipe the rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any excess broth.

Step 6: Seal the Jars

• Apply the lids: Apply the lids and rings to the jars, tightening them until they are just finger-tight.
• Process the jars: Place the jars in the water bath canner and process them for 10-15 minutes, adjusting for altitude as necessary.

Step 7: Let the Jars Cool

• Let the jars cool: Let the jars cool to room temperature, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours.
• Check the seals: Check the seals of the jars by pressing on the top of the lid. If the lid does not move and the seal is tight, the jar is sealed properly.

Tips and Variations

• Use a pressure canner: If you live at high altitude or want to can chicken broth for longer than 5 years, consider using a pressure canner.
• Add flavorings: You can add flavorings such as garlic, ginger, or herbs to the broth for added flavor.
• Use different types of chicken: You can use different types of chicken, such as turkey or duck, to make a unique broth.

Conclusion

Canning chicken broth is a simple and rewarding process that can provide you with a delicious and nutritious liquid for years to come. By following these steps and tips, you can can chicken broth at home and enjoy its benefits year-round.

Table: Canning Chicken Broth at a Glance

Bullets: Key Points to Remember

• Use a large pot to boil the chicken and make the broth.
• Strain the broth through a colander or strainer to separate the solids from the liquids.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in a pot of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
• Fill the jars with the hot broth, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
• Process the jars in a water bath canner for 10-15 minutes, adjusting for altitude as necessary.
• Let the jars cool to room temperature, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours.