If you have store-bought or home-made chicken broth in your kitchen, you don’t want this mineral-rich liquid to go to waste.
To inspire you to put it to good use, here are 15 recipes with chicken broth that will help you use it up in the tastiest ways possible. They’re not all soup recipes, either (although a few winners did make the list). Silky Chinese steamed eggs and cauliflower puree are among our favorites.
Chicken broth is a staple in many home kitchens. It’s what soups, stews, risottos, and other dishes are built on. But what do you do with chicken broth that you don’t want anymore?
Chicken broth is tasty and good for you, so don’t pour it down the drain. You can make a lot of different tasty dishes with leftover chicken broth if you get creative. Here are six quick and easy ways to use up extra chicken broth:
1. Make Chicken and Rice Soup
One of the easiest ways to use leftover chicken broth is to make soup! Simply heat up the broth add cooked rice (brown or white) vegetables, and shredded chicken. Season with salt, pepper and whatever herbs and spices you like. Cook until the vegetables are tender and you have an easy, hearty chicken soup.
2. Cook Rice or Quinoa
Cooking grains like rice, quinoa or barley in chicken broth instead of water infuses them with savory flavor. After cooking, you’ll have a tasty side dish to serve with chicken, fish or beef. For extra nutrition, toss in some veggies like peas, carrots or spinach.
3. Use it as a Base for Sauces
Leftover chicken broth shines in sauces and gravies. For instance, you can use it instead of milk or water when making your own mac and cheese or cheese sauce for vegetables. Putting cooking fat into broth and cooking meat (chicken, pork, or beef) can also make tasty gravy.
4. Make Risotto
For rich, creamy risotto, chicken broth is a must. Simply toast the rice, then add broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed. The broth adds a savory depth you don’t get with water. Stir in Parmesan at the end for a decadent treat.
5. Cook Beans or Lentils
Cooking dried beans or lentils in chicken broth bumps up their flavor tremendously. The broth infuses them with savory notes while they cook. It’s especially good with beans like chickpeas, white beans, black beans and lentils.
6. Use it in Place of Water When Cooking
You can sneak extra chicken broth into all sorts of dishes by using it instead of water. Use it to cook grains like farro, quinoa or couscous, or even to make oatmeal. You can also use it as the base when cooking veggies like spinach, kale or green beans.
So next time you have leftover chicken broth, get creative with these easy ideas! Chicken broth is versatile and useful for all kinds of recipes beyond just soup. With a little innovation, you can transform it into tasty main dishes, sides and more.
Potato Leek Soup – by Once Upon a Chef
Does anyone here like French food or leeks? This puréed soup is the best kind of comfort food: it’s thick, creamy, savory, and smooth. It’s also made with a fairly simple ingredients list. All you need are Yukon gold potatoes, butter, bay leaves, fresh thyme, chicken broth, cream, leeks, and garlic. While some puréed soups call for an immersion blender, you can purée this one in a regular blender. Don’t forget to leave out the cream if you want to freeze a big batch for up to three months.
Lemon Couscous – by All Recipes
Another quick, easy, and flavorful side dish idea that isn’t rice or potatoes. This fluffy lemon couscous is cooked in a base of homemade or store-bought chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, butter, and salt. Topped with pine nuts and parsley, this dish hits all the spots for flavor and texture.
Homemade Chicken Bone Broth (using leftover Costco rotisserie chicken)
FAQ
What can I do with opened chicken broth?
There are lots of ways to use up leftover broth and leftover stock. Replace some or all of the water in a pot of rice, quinoa or other grain. Simmer red or brown lentils in broth. Deglaze a skillet with a splash of broth.
How long does leftover chicken broth last in the fridge?
Storage — Store leftover chicken broth in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze chicken broth for up to 6 months.
How to dispose of leftover chicken broth?
If you have a liquid soup broth for the holidays, feel free to throw it down the drain. But if it has big pieces of meat or a lot of tough vegetables, you should either throw it away or just pour the broth down the drain!
Can I freeze leftover chicken broth?
How Long Will Broth Last In The Freezer? Chicken broth can be successfully stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Apr 22, 2025.