Delicious Leftover Chicken Broth with Grains Recipe | Transform Your Kitchen Scraps

Leftover Chicken Broth with Grains

Have you ever finished roasting a chicken and wondered what to do with all those leftover bones and bits of meat? Stop throwing away liquid gold! At www.dailymeatrecipe.com, we believe in making the most of every ingredient, which is why this leftover chicken broth with grains recipe is a game-changer for your kitchen. This resourceful dish transforms what might otherwise be discarded into a nourishing, comforting meal that’s both economical and delicious. Our leftover chicken broth with grains recipe combines the rich flavor of homemade chicken stock with hearty grains for a satisfying dish that can be customized in countless ways. Whether you’re budget-conscious, hate food waste, or simply appreciate the unmatched flavor of homemade broth.

Ingredients For Leftover Chicken Broth with Grains

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Leftover roast chicken carcass	1	With some meat still attached
Chicken scraps	1 cup	Any leftover bits from your roast
Onion	1 large	Roughly chopped, skin on is fine
Carrots	2 medium	Roughly chopped, unpeeled
Celery stalks	2	Roughly chopped
Garlic cloves	4	Smashed, skin on
Bay leaves	2	Dried or fresh
Black peppercorns	1 teaspoon	Whole
Fresh thyme	3-4 sprigs	Or 1 teaspoon dried
Fresh parsley	Small bunch	Stems included
Salt	To taste	Start with 1 teaspoon
Cold water	8-10 cups	Enough to cover ingredients
Mixed grains	1 cup	Any combination: barley, farro, rice, quinoa
Fresh vegetables	2 cups	Diced carrots, celery, peas, etc.
Fresh herbs	1/4 cup	Chopped, for garnish
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon	Optional, for brightness

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 8% DV

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chicken Broth

1. Place your leftover chicken carcass and any chicken scraps into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
2. Add the roughly chopped onion, carrots, celery, and smashed garlic cloves to the pot.
3. Toss in the bay leaves, peppercorns, thyme sprigs, and parsley stems.
4. Cover all ingredients with cold water, about 8-10 cups, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top of the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
6. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2-3 hours. The longer you simmer your leftover chicken broth, the more flavorful it will become.
7. Occasionally skim any foam that rises to the surface with a spoon.

Step 2: Strain the Broth

1. After simmering, remove the pot from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or another pot.
3. Carefully pour the leftover chicken broth through the strainer to separate the liquid from the solids.
4. Pick through the strained solids to salvage any good pieces of chicken meat, then discard the remaining solids.
5. If using immediately, skim excess fat from the top of the broth. If making ahead, refrigerate the broth and remove the solidified fat later.

Step 3: Prepare the Grains

1. Rinse 1 cup of your chosen grains under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a separate pot, bring 6 cups of your strained leftover chicken broth to a boil.
3. Add the rinsed grains to the boiling broth, stir once, and reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Cook covered according to the grain’s package directions:
   • Barley: approximately 30-40 minutes
   • Farro: approximately 25-30 minutes
   • Brown rice: approximately 35-40 minutes
   • Quinoa: approximately 15 minutes
5. The grains should be tender but still have some bite to them when done.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

1. About 10 minutes before the grains are done, add any fresh diced vegetables to the pot.
2. Once the grains and vegetables are tender, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. If you saved any chicken meat from the straining process, add it back to the pot now.
4. Stir in any fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
5. Ladle your leftover chicken broth with grains into bowls and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your leftover chicken broth with grains recipe with these serving ideas from www.dailymeatrecipe.com:

• Top each bowl with a poached egg for extra protein and richness.
• Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Add a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Include a side of simple mixed greens with vinaigrette to balance the hearty dish.
• For a more substantial dinner, pair with half a sandwich or a small cheese plate.
• Garnish with additional fresh herbs, a lemon wedge, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy some heat.
• Serve in mugs rather than bowls for a cozy afternoon snack or light lunch option.

Pro Tips for Perfect Leftover Chicken Broth with Grains

Master this economical recipe with these expert tips from the team at www.dailymeatrecipe.com:

• Save vegetable scraps: Keep a bag in your freezer for onion ends, carrot peels, and celery leaves to add even more flavor to your broth.
• Don’t rush the simmer: The magic of a good chicken broth happens with time. Aim for at least 2 hours of simmering for the best flavor extraction.
• Cook grains separately: If meal-prepping, consider cooking the grains separately and combining with hot broth when ready to serve to prevent the grains from becoming mushy.
• Cool properly: For food safety, cool large batches of broth by placing the pot in an ice bath before refrigerating.
• Freeze smart: Freeze leftover chicken broth in ice cube trays or muffin tins for pre-portioned amounts perfect for future recipes.
• Boost umami: Add a parmesan rind to your simmering broth for an extra layer of flavor.
• Balance the seasoning: Wait until the end to add salt as the broth reduces and concentrates during cooking.

Variations of This Leftover Chicken Broth with Grains Recipe

Customize this versatile recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Asian-Inspired: Add ginger, star anise, and a dash of soy sauce to the broth, then serve with rice and garnish with cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime.
• Mediterranean Style: Include oregano and lemon zest in your broth, use farro as your grain, and top with olives, feta cheese, and fresh dill.
• Spicy Mexican Version: Add cumin, oregano, and a chopped jalapeño to the broth, use rice as your grain, and garnish with avocado, lime, and cilantro.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use quinoa, rice, or certified gluten-free oats instead of wheat-containing grains like barley or farro.
• Vegetable-Forward: Double the vegetables in the finished dish for an even more nutrient-dense meal.
• Creamy Variation: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving for a richer texture.
• Hearty Winter Version: Add root vegetables like turnips and parsnips to the broth, and serve with hearty grains like wild rice blend.

Conclusion

This leftover chicken broth with grains recipe exemplifies the beauty of resourceful cooking—transforming what might be discarded into something genuinely delicious and nourishing. By making use of kitchen scraps and leftover ingredients, you’re not only creating a satisfying meal but also practicing sustainable cooking that’s good for both your wallet and the planet.

We’d love to see how your leftover chicken broth with grains turned out! Share your creation on social media and tag www.dailymeatrecipe.com, or leave a comment on our website with your own variations and tips. Did you try one of our suggested variations or create your own unique twist? Let us know which grains you prefer in this versatile recipe!

Remember to bookmark www.dailymeatrecipe.com for more resourceful recipes that help you make the most of every ingredient in your kitchen. Sign up for our newsletter to receive weekly recipes, tips for reducing food waste, and more clever ways to transform leftovers into delicious new meals. With recipes like this, you’ll never look at leftover chicken the same way again!