From Roast Chicken to Chicken Stock and Beyond

As the weather cools one of my favourite meals is roast chicken with roasted vegetables and sweet potatoes. I always keep the carcass to make a chicken broth,  this Immunity Boosting Bone Broth an easy slow cooker recipe, it takes minutes to prepare.  You set it cooking while you go about your day, knowing that a delicious chicken stock will be ready in the evening. 

It is a cheap and easy way to get the most out of the food we eat. Below are some easy ways to use chicken stock that will not only add flavor to your meals but also support you health and general well-being. Below are some of my favorite ways I like to use it:  

 

Easy Dishes Using Chicken Stock 

1. Risotto

• Use chicken stock as the base for risotto, which adds depth and flavor. Stir in vegetables, cheese, or proteins like shrimp or chicken to create a hearty meal 

 

2. Grains and Pasta

• Cook rice, quinoa, or pasta in chicken stock instead of water for an enriched flavor. This technique works well for dishes like pilafs or pasta salads 

 

4. Stews and Braises

• Use chicken stock as the liquid in stews or braises to enhance the dish with flavor. It goes well with ingredients like root vegetables and herbs 

 

5. Mashed Potatoes

• Substitute some of the milk or cream in mashed potatoes with chicken stock for a savory twist. This adds moisture and enhances the overall taste 

 

6. Stir-Fries and Sautéed Dishes

• Add a splash of chicken stock to stir-fries or sautéed vegetables to create steam and enhance flavor without adding extra fat 

 

7. Casseroles

• Incorporate chicken stock into casseroles to keep them moist and flavorful. It works particularly well in dishes like chicken and rice casserole  

 

8. Cooking Vegetables

• Steam or sauté vegetables in chicken stock instead of water to impart additional flavor, making them more delicious as a side dish 

 

9. Polenta 

• Use chicken stock instead of water or milk when preparing polenta for a richer taste 

 

Health benefits of chicken stock 

1. Rich in Collagen and Gelatin

• Chicken stock contains collagen and gelatin from simmered bones and cartilage, which may support joint health and skin elasticity 

2. Supports Gut Health

• The amino acid glutamine in stock may help maintain intestinal barrier integrity, which in turns supports our immune system 

3. May Improve Sleep

• Contains the amino acid glycine, which has been linked to improved sleep quality in animal studies 

4. Source of Easy-to-Absorb Nutrients

• The long-simmering process releases vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the ingredients, making them readily available for absorption. A great meal to have following a general inection or cough/cold 

I find that freezing the chicken stock in ice cube trays is a great way of storing it, as you can then use as much as is needed without waste.   

By utilizing chicken stock in these creative ways, you can elevate your dishes while making the most of this amazing ingredient and gaining all the health benefits. 

Shop Organic Whole Chickens 

 

-Susan Alsembach RHN

Susan is originally from Switzerland where she met her Canadian husband whilst working at a global agribusiness company in Geneva. She then studied at the University of Brighton (U.K.) where she received her Nursing Diploma. When their daughter was diagnosed as being gluten and dairy intolerant, Susan decided to take a new approach to health and trained as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, with the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, where she graduated in 2016.