There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own chicken stock from scratch. Not only do you get to control the ingredients, but the flavor, richness, and health benefits far surpass anything you’ll find on a grocery store shelf. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can turn our pasture-raised chicken feet, backs, and soup bones into a nutrient-dense stock that’s perfect as a base for soups, stews, sauces, and more. Today, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can enjoy all the benefits of homemade stock in your kitchen.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

The beauty of homemade stock is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Chicken Feet – Packed with collagen, which is fantastic for skin health and adds a rich, silky texture to the stock.
• Chicken Backs & Soup Bones – Full of flavor and nutrients that add depth and richness to the stock.

Optional aromatics to enhance the flavor:

• 1-2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 1-2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 onion, quartered (you don’t even need to peel it!)

Step 2: Roast the Bones and Feet

Roasting is the secret to a deep, flavorful stock. Follow these steps to get the most out of your ingredients:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the chicken feet, backs, and soup bones evenly on a sheet pan. If you’re adding any aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions, you can add them here as well.
3. Roast for 30-45 minutes, or until the bones and feet are nicely browned. This step adds a rich, savory depth to your stock that you won’t want to miss.

Pro Tip: As the bones and feet roast, natural sugars caramelize, adding complexity to the stock’s flavor profile. This step is essential!

Step 3: Scrape the Pan

Once your bones and feet are roasted, don’t leave any of those tasty bits behind! Here’s how to capture all the flavor:

1. Remove the sheet pan from the oven.
2. Carefully pour a bit of hot water onto the pan and use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Pour this flavorful liquid directly into your stock pot.

These little bits are called “fond,” and they hold a surprising amount of flavor!

Step 4: Simmer the Stock

Now, it’s time to extract all those nutrients and flavors into a beautiful, golden broth.

1. Place the roasted bones, feet, and any vegetables into a large stock pot.
2. Fill the pot with water until the bones are completely covered (leave some room at the top to prevent boiling over). The bones and feet may float a bit preventing the water from fully covering them. I like a ratio of 5lbs of bones/feet/backs to 1.5 gallons of water.
3. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar (about 1-2 tablespoons) to help draw minerals from the bones.
4. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 6-10 hours (yes, the longer, the better!).
5. Periodically skim off any foam that rises to the top to keep your stock clear and pure.

Step 5: Strain and Store

Once your stock has finished simmering, it’s time to strain out the solids and store the liquid.

1. Remove the large pieces of bones and vegetables with a slotted spoon.
2. Carefully pour the remaining liquid through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl or pot.
3. Let the stock cool, then transfer it to jars or containers for storage. It can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for several months.

Pro Tip: You’ll notice a gel-like consistency once it cools – this is the collagen from the chicken feet, and it’s what makes homemade stock so nutritious and beneficial for your skin!

Why Collagen-Rich Stock is Great for Skin Health

Collagen, especially the type found in chicken feet, is known to promote skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and provide a youthful glow. By incorporating collagen-rich stock into your diet, you’re giving your skin a natural boost from the inside out! Plus, collagen can help support joint health, digestion, and overall wellness.

Optional: Turn It Into Soup

If you’re ready to enjoy your homemade stock right away, use it as a base for a delicious soup! I recently made a comforting bowl of soup with Italian sausage, tortellini, and fresh vegetables, all swimming in our homemade stock. The depth of flavor is something you can only get from scratch.

That’s A Wrap!

There you have it – a simple guide to creating your own nutritious, flavorful chicken stock at home. With our pasture-raised ingredients, you can feel good knowing your stock is made from animals raised with care, fed a soy-free, non-GMO diet, and free from any harmful additives.

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Take your meals to the next level with a broth that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Stock up on our chicken feet, backs, and soup bones at What The Cluck Farms and start your homemade stock journey today!