- 1 3-5 lbs Whole Chicken
- 1-2 Carrots and celery, large chunks
- 1 Onion, halved or quartered The onion does not have to be peeled
- 2 Garlic cloves, whole
- 1-2 Bay leaf
- Fresh thyme sprigs Optional
- Black peppercorns
- 1 Tsp Salt
- Water to cover
Place the whole chicken in a large stock pot and add all the ingredients. Cover with water.
Bring to a boil and cook until the chicken begins to fall off the bone.
Remove the chicken from the broth and set aside to use in soup, chicken salad, chicken and dumplings, casseroles, etc.
Strain the stock in a colander and discard the vegetables.
At this point I like to chill the stock so the fat comes to the top and is easily discarded.