22 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Chicken Broth (Never Waste It Again!)

Ever stared at that half-used carton of chicken broth in your fridge and wondered what to do with it? Trust me, I’ve been there too many times! It’s like this culinary guilt trip – you know there’s good stuff in there, but you’re not quite sure how to use it before it goes bad.

Well, I’m gonna solve this kitchen dilemma once and for all Instead of pouring that liquid gold down the drain, I’ve gathered 22 creative and tasty ways to use up every last drop of your leftover chicken broth!

Why Chicken Broth Is Kitchen Gold

Before diving into the recipes, let’s talk about why chicken broth is such a valuable ingredient Ree Drummond from The Pioneer Woman calls it “the secret ingredient to cure all ailments” – and I couldn’t agree more! It adds depth, richness, and that umami flavor that water just can’t provide

Plus, it’s versatile as heck. You can use it in everything from soups to sauces to desserts (yes, really!). It’s a practical staple that deserves a permanent spot in your pantry.

22 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Chicken Broth

1. Make a Quick Soup

This is probably the most obvious use but for good reason! Even a cup of broth can become the base for a simple soup. Add some

• Leftover veggies
• Bits of cooked meat
• A handful of pasta or rice
• Your favorite herbs and spices

And voilà! You’ve got a comforting meal in minutes.

2. Cook Rice or Grains

This is my absolute FAVORITE way to use leftover broth. Replace water with chicken broth when cooking rice, quinoa, farro, or any other grain. The difference in flavor is AMAZING – trust me, you’ll never want to go back to plain water again!

3. Make Risotto

Speaking of rice, risotto NEEDS good broth to shine. The slow absorption of broth is what gives risotto its creamy texture and rich flavor. Even a cup or two of leftover broth can be the start of a delicious risotto – just add more water if needed.

4. Braise Vegetables

Boring vegetables become extraordinary when braised in chicken broth! Try it with:

• Greens like kale or collards
• Root vegetables like carrots or parsnips
• Cabbage or brussels sprouts

The vegetables soak up all that savory goodness as they cook. YUM!

5. Cook Beans or Lentils

Dried beans and lentils cooked in chicken broth absorb so much more flavor than when cooked in water. Even canned beans can benefit from being rinsed and then warmed in some broth!

6. Create a Pan Sauce

After searing chicken, pork, or beef, deglaze the pan with leftover broth. Those browned bits (fond) at the bottom of the pan + broth = instant flavor explosion! Finish with a pat of butter for richness, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality sauce.

7. Make a Gravy

Similar to a pan sauce but thicker, gravy is perfect for using up broth. Just whisk some flour into melted butter to create a roux, then slowly add your broth. Season with herbs, salt, and pepper – then pour over everything from mashed potatoes to biscuits.

8. Cook Pasta Directly in Broth

Why boil pasta in water when you can use broth? The pasta will absorb the flavor as it cooks, and the starch released will create a light sauce. This works especially well for smaller pasta shapes like orzo or stelline.

9. Make “Marry Me Chicken”

As the Pioneer Woman explains, this popular internet recipe uses chicken broth as one of its secret ingredients. It’s called “Marry Me Chicken” because it’s supposedly so good it’ll make someone propose! Who knows if that’s true, but it’s definitely delicious.

10. Create Melting Potatoes

Have you tried melting potatoes? They’re crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and absolutely divine. The secret? Pouring chicken broth into the pan before they finish roasting. The potatoes soak up the broth and become incredibly flavorful.

11. Make a Chicken Pot Pie

Classic pot pie relies on chicken broth for its rich gravy. Even if you don’t have leftover chicken, you can make a vegetable pot pie using your broth for that savory base.

12. Enhance Store-Bought Sauces

Give jarred pasta sauce or salsa an upgrade by adding a splash of chicken broth. It adds depth without overwhelming the original flavor.

13. Make a Quick Skillet Dinner

For a fast weeknight meal, simmer chicken broth with quick-cooking vegetables, pre-cooked protein, and seasonings. Try combinations like:

• Chicken and bell peppers
• Sausage and cabbage
• Shrimp and zucchini

Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes until the veggies are tender, then serve over rice or pasta.

14. Create Stuffed Vegetables

Chicken broth adds moisture and flavor to stuffed vegetables. The Pioneer Woman has a great recipe for Enchilada Stuffed Sweet Potatoes where broth helps thicken the spicy filling.

15. Make Arancini

These Italian rice balls use risotto as their base, which of course requires broth! Form cooled risotto around a piece of cheese, bread it, and fry until golden. They’re perfect party appetizers that’ll impress everyone.

16. Use in Bread Baking

This might sound weird, but using chicken broth instead of water in bread recipes adds a subtle savory flavor. It works especially well for dinner rolls, savory breads, or soft pretzels.

17. Make Jambalaya

This hearty one-pot meal requires broth to cook the rice and meld all the flavors of chicken, sausage, and shrimp together. You’ll know it’s done when the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender.

18. Create a Flavor Boost for Other Dishes

Keep that leftover broth handy when cooking just about anything that could use a flavor boost. A splash can enhance stir-fries, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

19. Make Hoppin’ John

This classic Southern dish of black-eyed peas and rice uses chicken broth as a cooking liquid. Even if New Year’s has come and gone, this lucky dish is delicious year-round.

20. Create Casseroles

Casseroles benefit from the moisture and flavor that chicken broth provides. Use it to cook the rice or pasta component, or mix it into the binding sauce.

21. Make Taco Soup

Not all soups need a ton of broth. Taco soup uses broth as its base but loads it up with hearty ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and chilies. It’s ready in 30 minutes!

22. Freeze It for Later

If all else fails and you know you won’t use your leftover broth soon, freeze it! Pour it into ice cube trays for small portions that can be added to recipes as needed, or freeze in 1-cup portions in freezer bags.

Pro Tips for Storing Leftover Chicken Broth

• Refrigeration: Leftover broth can be refrigerated for 3-4 days in a sealed container.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Ice Cube Trays: Freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer to a freezer bag. Each cube is about 2 tablespoons – perfect for adding to sauces or when you just need a small amount.
• Reducing: If storage space is limited, simmer your broth until reduced by half. This concentrated broth takes up less space and can be diluted when needed.

Time-Saving Shortcuts

While homemade broth is amazing (and I defintely recommend making your own when you have time), store-bought broth works perfectly for all these ideas. Just be mindful of sodium content – you may want to adjust other seasonings in your recipes accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Chicken broth is truly one of the most versatile ingredients in your kitchen. With these 22 ideas, you’ll never waste leftover broth again! From soups and sauces to grains and vegetables, that carton of liquid gold can transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals.

What’s your favorite way to use leftover chicken broth? Do you have any creative uses that I missed? I’d love to hear your ideas too!

Remember, good cooking doesn’t have to be complicated – sometimes the simplest ingredients, like chicken broth, can make the biggest difference in elevating your everyday meals.

Opened chicken broth lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

You can use broth to enhance flavor and moisture in dishes by replacing water in grains, adding it to soups, stews, gravies, sauces, and even smoothies. Broth can also be used to poach proteins, steam vegetables for added flavor, or freeze in ice cube trays for later use in cooking.

Yes, you can save chicken broth by storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or cool and freeze it for longer storage. For freezing, use freezer-safe containers, ice cube trays for small portions, or flat freezer bags.

Yes, you can reuse broth by storing it properly after the initial use and then reheating it for future meals. However, it’s crucial to follow food safety guidelines, such as rapidly cooling the broth, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freezing it for longer storage.