Low-sodium chicken broth is a type of soup that’s made by simmering chicken bones, meat, and veggies in water with little to no added salt. It’s a healthy and tasty alternative to regular chicken broth, which can have high amounts of sodium and preservatives.
Here’s how I’d make low-sodium chicken broth:
Step 1: Get the chicken and veggies ready
Start by rinsing a whole chicken or some chicken parts, like the breasts, thighs, or wings. Pat them dry with paper towels. If you have any leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken, that works too.
Next, chop up some carrots, celery, and onion into big chunks. No need to peel them; just give them a good wash. These veggies will add flavor and nutrients to your broth.
Peel and crush a few garlic cloves. You can also throw in some fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves for an extra boost of taste and aroma.
Step 2: Cook the chicken and vegetables in a big pot.
Place the chicken or chicken pieces into a large pot and cover them with cold water. If you have any, you can also add some low-sodium or unsalted chicken broth or stock. Bring the water to a boil on high heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about an hour until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove any foam or impurities that float to the surface.
Take out the chicken from the pot and let it cool down a bit. You can shred or chop the meat and use it in other recipes like salads, sandwiches, or casseroles. Don’t forget to save the skin and bones for making more broth later on.
Add the veggies, garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the same pot with the chicken cooking liquid. If you want some extra flavor, you can also throw in some lemon juice, vinegar, or soy sauce, but be careful not to go overboard with salt or sodium.
Bring the liquid back to a boil again, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for another hour until the vegetables become tender and a flavorful broth is achieved.
Notes: How long and at what temperature should I cook low-sodium chicken broth?
To make a flavorful, low-sodium chicken broth, you’ll need to simmer it for approximately two hours. The first hour is dedicated to cooking the chicken, while the second hour involves adding vegetables and allowing the flavors to meld together. It’s important to maintain a gentle simmer over medium-low heat rather than boiling vigorously. This method ensures that you extract maximum flavor and nutrients from the ingredients without clouding or imparting bitterness to the broth.
Step 3: Strain and store the broth
Carefully take off the lid and use a ladle or a big spoon to skim off any foam or fat that has floated to the top of the broth. You can either throw it away or keep it for other purposes.
Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the broth into a large pot or bowl. Alternatively, you can first separate the bones and vegetables from the broth using a colander, then strain it again for a clearer result.
Transfer the broth into glass jars or containers. To prevent spills, you can employ a funnel. Remember to leave some room at the top of each jar, especially if you plan on freezing them. The liquid will expand as it freezes and might cause cracks if filled too much.
Make sure to let the broth cool completely before sticking it in the fridge or freezer. It’s good for up to 5 days in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer. If you want, you can even freeze it in small portions using an ice cube tray for easy access later on.
The nutritional value
The low-sodium chicken broth is super healthy and nourishing. It’s packed with protein, collagen, gelatin, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that can do wonders for your gut, immune system, joints, skin, hair, nails, and bones.
Plus point: it’s low in calories, fat, and carbs! Sipping on this goodness will keep you hydrated and feeling satisfied while aiding digestion, detoxification, and weight loss.
You should store the low-sodium chicken broth in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date and amount of salt used. When reheating, simply heat it on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and steaming. Avoid using the microwave, as it may cause uneven heating and spoilage.
Before using the low-sodium chicken broth in other dishes, make sure to taste it and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, herbs, spices, or any other ingredients that can enhance its flavor.
Be careful not to overcook the low-sodium chicken broth, as this can result in a loss of nutrients and a bland taste. Additionally, avoid adding excessive water, as it may dilute both flavor and consistency.
The origin
Chicken broth is a type of soup that’s made by simmering chicken bones, meat, and veggies in water with salt and other seasonings. It’s a go-to food and natural remedy in many cuisines, like Chinese, Jewish, Korean, and Mexican.
People often use it as a base for soups, stews, sauces, and gravies, or enjoy it on its own as a drink. Chicken broth has gained praise from health experts, celebrities, and influencers for its numerous benefits, such as improving gut health, boosting the immune system, and promoting healthy joints, skin, hair, nails, and bones. It’s also popular among those following paleo, keto, or intermittent fasting diets.
Opting for low-sodium chicken broth is an excellent way to make it healthier while still being suitable for individuals who need to limit their salt intake due to conditions like high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease.
Also, it’s great for people who want to avoid additives and preservatives commonly found in store-bought chicken broth.
What is the Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
8 cups of chicken broth
2 bay leaves
A pinch of dried thyme (about half a teaspoon)
A sprinkle of dried oregano (about a quarter teaspoon)
Salt and pepper to taste
About 4 ounces of wide egg noodles
Approximately two cups of shredded cooked chicken
Around two tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
Heat the oil in a big pot over medium-high heat and cook the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic until they become soft, stirring occasionally. This should take about 15 minutes.
Once softened, add the chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot and bring it all to a boil.
Next up is adding the noodles and chicken and simmering until the noodles become tender. This usually takes around 10 minutes.
Stir in some parsley and remove those bay leaves for added flavor.
Finally, ladle this delicious soup into bowls and enjoy!
Related dishes
Chicken and Rice Casserole: This is a classic comfort food that’s super easy to make and delicious. All you have to do is mix some cooked chicken, rice, low-sodium chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and cheese in a baking dish, then pop it in the oven until it gets all bubbly and golden. If you want to amp up the nutrition factor, throw in some veggies like broccoli, carrots, or peas.
Chicken Tortilla Soup: This is a spicy and hearty soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. All you have to do is sauté some onion, garlic, jalapeño, and chicken in a pot, then add low-sodium chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and seasonings. For an extra kick of flavor, throw in some lime juice, cilantro, and cheese. Serve it up with tortilla chips on the side, along with sour cream and avocado.
Chicken Pot Pie: This is a delicious and satisfying pie filled with tender chicken and flavorful vegetables in a creamy sauce. All you have to do is cook some chicken, onion, celery, carrot, and potato in a skillet until they’re nice and tender. Then, add some low-sodium chicken broth, milk, flour, and seasonings to create a thick and luscious sauce. Next, simply pour the mouthwatering filling into a pie dish before covering it with a golden and flaky crust. Finally, bake the pie until the crust turns beautifully golden brown.
Here are a few dishes you can whip up using low-sodium chicken broth. I really hope you’ll love them just as much as I do!