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A clear glass jar filled with spicy chicken broth, topped with chili flakes, surrounded by fresh vegetables.

Spicy chicken broth

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Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken bones or a mix of wings and thighs for richer flavor
  • 8 cups (2 liters) water or low-sodium chicken stock for extra depth
  • 1 onion roughly chopped (save those skins for golden color!)
  • 4 garlic cloves smashed (no need to peel—they’ll strain out later)
  • 2 inch knob of ginger sliced (hello, immune-boosting zing!)
  • 2 carrots chopped (sweetness to balance the heat)
  • 2 celery stalks leaves included (for earthy undertones)

Flame Boosters 🌶️

  • 2-3 fresh red chili peppers jalapeños for mild, serrano for danger mode
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns toast them for smoky warmth
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce umami bomb alert!
  • 2 Fresh thyme (or dried)
  • 1–2 tsp Chili flakes (or cayenne pepper)
  • salt to taste

Optional Add-Ons

  • Fresh cilantro or Thai basil As needed
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil (for browning)

Instructions
 

Prep Your Ingredients:

    Chicken Preparation:

    • Rinse your bone-in chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures a clean start and helps develop a better sear if you choose to brown the meat.
      "Fresh ingredients for spicy chicken broth neatly arranged on a wooden countertop, including bone-in chicken, chopped vegetables, and seasonings.

    Vegetable & Aromatic Prep:

    • Roughly chop one large onion, 2–3 medium carrots, and 2–3 stalks of celery. Smash 4–5 garlic cloves and, if you’re feeling adventurous, thinly slice a small knob of fresh ginger to add an extra layer of warmth.

    Build and Simmer:

      Combine Ingredients:

      • Add your prepped vegetables, garlic, ginger, and any fresh herbs (like thyme and bay leaves) into the pot. Pour in 8 cups of filtered water to create a clean, flavorful base.

      Simmering:

      • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer slowly for 1.5 to 2 hours. This patient cooking process allows the ingredients to meld beautifully while releasing rich, savory flavors.
        A pot of simmering golden chicken broth with fresh vegetables

      Tip:

      • Stir occasionally and skim off any foam or impurities to keep your broth clear and delicious.

      Infuse the Spicy Kick:

        Adding Heat:

        • In the final 15 minutes of simmering, sprinkle in 1–2 teaspoons of chili flakes or cayenne pepper along with 1 teaspoon of lightly crushed black peppercorns. Taste as you go, and adjust salt to your preference. This is where your spicy chicken broth really comes to life!

        Actionable Insight:

        • Adding spices towards the end of the cooking process preserves their vibrant flavors, ensuring that each spoonful delivers that perfect balance of heat and richness.
          A pot of simmering golden chicken broth with fresh vegetables and a hand sprinkling chili flakes.

        Final Touches and Serving:

          Strain or Enhance:

          • Once your broth has developed a deep, complex flavor, remove the chicken and vegetables. For a clear broth, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve. For a heartier soup, shred the chicken and return it, along with any tender vegetables, to the broth.
            Straining hot chicken broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass bowl.