Ginger-Spiced Chicken Broth

Name: Ginger-Spiced Chicken Broth
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h 15 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: 3 1/2 to 4 quarts
Ingredients: 3 to 3 1/2 pounds chicken wings; 4 celery stalks, snapped in half; 4 medium carrots, snapped in half; 2 large or 3 medium leeks, halved lengthwise, well rinsed, and cut in half crosswise; 1 large or 2 medium whole garlic heads, unpeeled, cut in half crosswise; 20 sprigs parsley, ends trimmed; 20 sprigs cilantro, ends trimmed; 1 large piece ginger, chopped into 1-inch pieces, about 1 cup; 3 large thyme sprigs; 3 avocado leaves or bay leaves; 5 star anise pods; 2 tablespoons kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) or 1 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns; Lime wedges for serving (optional)

By Kristina Felix

Published March 21, 2025

Ginger-Spiced Chicken Broth — Ghazalle Badiozamani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.

Total Time: 3½ hours
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3¼ hours (includes cooling)
Rating: 5(23)
Comments: Read comments

Broth is a traditional comfort food for recovery — whether from illness, injury, or childbirth — across many cultures. What makes this version particularly nourishing is the use of chicken wings — their abundant cartilage creates an exceptionally collagen-rich, velvety broth. A generous amount of ginger delivers warmth and spice; add a couple of chiles if you'd like some extra heat. Like most broth recipes, this one is very forgiving. Adjust any ingredients based on preference or availability, and it will still be more flavorful than store-bought versions. Simmer for up to 3 hours to develop the deepest flavor. Enjoy it on its own with a squeeze of citrus, or use in any recipe calling for broth.

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Ingredients

Yield:3½ to 4 quarts

3 to 3½pounds chicken wings
4celery stalks, snapped in half
4medium carrots, snapped in half
2large or 3 medium leeks, halved lengthwise, well rinsed, and cut in half crosswise
1large or 2 medium whole garlic heads, unpeeled, cut in half crosswise
20sprigs parsley, ends trimmed
20sprigs cilantro, ends trimmed
1large piece ginger, chopped into 1-inch pieces, about 1 cup
3large thyme sprigs
3avocado leaves or bay leaves
5star anise pods
2tablespoons kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) or 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1tablespoon whole black peppercorns
Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Ingredient Substitution Guide

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Preparation

Step 1
Place everything except the lime wedges, if using, into a very large stockpot. Cover with enough water to fully submerge the chicken (about 7 quarts).
Step 2
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for at least 2 hours and up to 3 (which will give the broth the richest flavor), skimming off and discarding any foam that forms on the surface.
Step 3
Allow the broth to cool until it is no longer scalding, then carefully strain the liquid into a large bowl, discard the solids, and taste and add more salt if needed.
Step 4
To serve, ladle into bowls and serve with lime wedges, if desired. (Store the strained broth in jars in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.)

Ratings

5 out of 5

23 user ratings

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Comments

Wendy L2 months ago

When I make turkey broth for gravy, I start by roasting the turkey wings before the simmering. Might work nicely for this recipe as well.

dadfer2 months ago

Yum, broth...the #1 food item that is better homemade than store bought.

nastalie2 months ago

Is a “pod” the same as a star? Or is each section of a star a “pod”?

Really fast. Looks stunning1 week ago

Fantastic broth with all flavors working really well together in subtle layers. I am not huge on star anise either but in this recipe it just blends well with everything else, lifting the flavor profile. I highly recommend you give this recipe a try.

Jesse3 weeks ago

A fairly shocking amount of food waste hidden in the phrase "discard the solids."

Duke Powell3 weeks ago

@Jesse Agreed

SCN4 weeks ago

I urge those who raise immediate criticism to at least try the recipe as given then you can comment and recommend alterations. My daughter makes this for our family in times of illness, stress and overwhelming challenges. It’s as good as a warm hug, or relaxing massage or even a good nights sleep.

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