Basic chicken stock recipe

The key to a good soup is to start with a good stock. This basic chicken stock recipe is a great stepping stone for chicken noodle, chicken rice and a wide variety of other soups, stews and chilis. The best part is that you can freeze it and have stock whenever the mood for making soup strikes!

BASIC CHICKEN STOCK

• 1 pound chicken parts 
• 1 large white or yellow onion 
• 3 stalks celery, including some leaves 
• 1 large carrot 
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt 
• 3 whole cloves 
• 6 cups water 

Directions 

Cut onion into quarters and roughly chop celery and carrot into 1 inch chunks. Place chicken, onion, celery, carrot, salt, and cloves into a large stock pot. Add 6 cups water and stir. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Remove chicken and vegetables and strain stock. Skim fat off the surface and remove from heat, and let stand 5 minutes. Strain again through a sieve lined with cheesecloth.

Cook's Notes: If you need turkey stock, simply replace turkey for chicken in this recipe!

Turkey and wild rice soup recipe

This hearty soup is perfect for a cool Autumn day. It is also a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Pair it with a loaf of multi-grain bread for a delicious, healthy dinner. Freeze individual portions for a quick dinner on those hectic nights.

TURKEY AND WILD RICE SOUP 

• 3 cans chicken broth 
• 2 cups water 
• 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped 
• 1/2 cup uncooked wild rice 
• 1/2 cup butter 
• 8 ounces button mushrooms, sliced 
• 3/4 cup flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 
• 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning 
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 
• 2 cups cream 
• 2 cups cooked turkey 
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 
• 2 tablespoons white wine  

Directions 

Combine chicken broth, water, onions and rice in a large pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 30-40 minutes. Melt butter over medium heat and cook mushrooms until they give off their liquid-around 10 minutes. Stir in flour and seasonings. Cook until bubbly and smooth. Add cream and cook until mixture has thickened. Add flour mixture, meats and wine to the broth mixture and stir until well blended. Cook until thoroughly heated.