(Yes, really.)
Before anything else, buy your chicken fresh, preferably organic and free-range. These birds tend to have a slightly better fat-to-meat ratio.
Spread the wings and feet on a tray and freeze uncovered for 24–48 hours. This step removes excess surface moisture and helps break down proteins that can contribute to cloudiness later on.
Thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Place it in a pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer for 5 minutes, then discard the water.
Transfer the pot to the sink and rinse the chicken under cold running water, gently stirring to wash away impurities.
Repeat this entire process **once more**.
⚠️ **A controversial step**
Some argue this removes flavor and nutrients. Others warn against “washing” chicken due to salmonella risk.
This method is safe when done carefully—everything stays contained in the sink. Just avoid opening the tap too aggressively and splashing.
Full disclosure: I don’t always do this at home (sometimes I just can’t be bothered). The flavor difference is minimal. The main effect is a **slightly clearer broth**.
Initial Simmer & Skimming
Drain the chicken, then add 1.5 L cold water. Bring to a very gentle boil over low heat.
As foam and fat rise to the surface, skim them off using a spoon or fine mesh strainer. Continue this process for about 1½ hours, maintaining the lowest possible heat.
If your stove runs hot, pull the pot slightly off the burner so only part of it is heated.
Fat Removal with Ice
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit undisturbed for 20 minutes. Excess fat will rise to the surface.
Add the chipped ice directly to the pot. Almost immediately, use a fine mesh strainer to remove the ice as it congeals the fat, making it easy to lift away.
Return to Heat
Place the pot back over low heat and proceed.
7 servings
200
- Amount per serving
- Calories80
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.5g5%
- Saturated Fat 1.2g6%
- Monounsaturated Fat 1.2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
- Sodium 100mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
- Total Sugars 1g
- Protein 8g
- Vitamin A 150mcg17%
- Vitamin C 3mg4%
- Calcium 35mg3%
- Iron 0.5mg3%
- Potassium 180mg4%
- Vitamin D 0.5mcg3%
- Vitamin E 0.3mg2%
- Vitamin K 4mcg4%
- Phosphorus 90mg8%
- Magnesium 10mg3%
- Zinc 0.7mg7%
- Copper 0.03mg4%
- Manganese 0.05mg3%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.