Quick Chicken Stock
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
10-11 minsFree Time
to do 20 pushups
Homemade chicken stock traditionally takes hours of simmering on the stove. Our version unlocks that flavor in a fraction of the time, using onion powder, bay leaf, garlic, and peppercorns to add depth. Use it to uplevel rice, stews, and sauces.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 4 oz (115g) chicken bones (from raw chicken), wings, or drumsticks
- 2 cups (500ml) water
- ¼ cup (30g) thinly sliced carrot
- ¼ cup (30g) thinly sliced celery
- ¼ cup (30g) diced yellow onion
- 1 garlic clove, peeled
- ½ bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon whole peppercorns
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Preparation
- Place all ingredients in the Anyday and cook uncovered in the microwave for 6-7 minutes.
- Skim the top of the liquid to remove the larger impurities that float to the top (it’s okay if some smaller particles are still in the broth). Cover with the lid (knob lifted). Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes.
- If needed, skim the top of the stock again, then using the Anyday Strainer, carefully strain the stock into a clean container to separate the bones and veggies from the broth.
- Use the stock right away or allow it to cool and save refrigerated for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 30 days.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Make it with turkey: Use turkey bones instead of chicken to make a rich turkey stock, perfect for holiday leftovers.
- Enhance the depth: For a deeper, darker stock, use leftover bones from a rotisserie or roasted chicken. Want a more gelatinous texture? Add chicken skin or collagen powder for extra richness.
- Add an Asian twist: For a flavor-packed stock, mix in grated ginger, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Make it beef: Use beef bones instead of chicken to make a rich broth, perfect for holiday dishes, mushrooms, and stews.
- Discover more ways to use chicken stock by exploring our collection here!
Recipe notes
- Use the bones from a rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor.
- If chicken bones are not available chicken wings or drumsticks work great too.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Chicken Stock in the Microwave
What is chicken stock?
Chicken stock is a flavorful cooking liquid made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and seasonings in water. It’s commonly used as a base for soups, sauces, and stews, providing depth and richness to many dishes.
Can I make chicken stock in the microwave?
Absolutely! Using an Anyday dish, you can quickly make chicken stock in the microwave—about three times faster compared to traditional stovetop simmering. This method not only cuts down on cooking time but also prevents possible spillovers and keeps your kitchen surfaces clean, all while delivering the same deep, rich flavors.
Why is chicken stock cooked uncovered in the microwave?
Cooking the chicken stock uncovered in the microwave allows excess moisture to evaporate, which helps concentrate the flavors. It also prevents the stock from boiling over and ensures a cleaner, controlled cooking process.
Why do I need to skim the top of the stock?
Skimming helps remove impurities, such as fat and foam, that rise to the surface during the cooking process. This step ensures a clearer, cleaner-tasting stock. However, it’s okay if some smaller particles remain in the broth.
Can I use rotisserie chicken bones to make chicken stock?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken bones are great for adding deep flavor and a rich color to your chicken stock. The cooked bones bring out more of the savory essence, making the stock even more flavorful—perfect for soups, stews, and sauces.
How long can I store chicken stock in the fridge?
Chicken stock can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an Anyday dish. Once the stock is ready, allow it to cool, then cover it with the Anyday lid and refrigerate until needed. The silicone edge on the lid helps keep the chicken stock fresh and flavorful.
Can I freeze chicken stock?
Yes, you can freeze chicken stock! Use our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays to portion the stock and freeze it for up to 4 months. The lid helps prevent freezer burn, keeping the chicken stock fresh and ready to use whenever you need it. You can also add frozen chicken stock directly to steamed vegetables for quick soups, or melt it from frozen and stir it into rice for an easy flavor upgrade.
What’s the best way to reheat chicken stock?
The best way to reheat chicken stock in the microwave is by using an Anyday dish. From the fridge, reheat for 1-4 minutes, depending on the serving size) stirring halfway through until heated. From frozen, reheat for 1-2 minutes per portion, or until fully heated through. For more tips on freezing and reheating, check out our blog here.