Deliciously Simple: How to Cook Kale Greens with Chicken Broth

Kale greens aren’t just super nutritious – they’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen! One of my favorite ways to prepare this leafy superfood is by cooking it with flavorful chicken broth This cooking method brings out kale’s natural flavors while adding richness from the broth. Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know about preparing this nutritious dish that even picky eaters might enjoy!

Why Cook Kale in Chicken Broth?

Cooking kale in chicken broth offers several advantages:

• The broth infuses the kale with savory flavor
• It helps retain the vibrant green color of the leaves
• The liquid softens kale’s sometimes tough texture
• It reduces kale’s natural bitterness
• The combination creates a nutrient-dense dish

Choosing the Right Kale

Before we get cooking, let’s talk about selecting the best kale for your dish:

Popular Kale Varieties

1. Curly Kale – With its ruffled leaves and robust texture, this is the most common variety. It holds up well during cooking and adds nice texture.

2. Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur Kale) – Recognizable by its dark green, crinkled leaves, this variety has a slightly sweeter flavor and works excellently for cooking.

3. Red Kale – With vibrant purple-red leaves, this variety adds beautiful color and has a milder taste than other types

For cooking with chicken broth, any of these varieties work well! I personally prefer Lacinato kale for its tender texture and slightly sweeter flavor when cooked.

Basic Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a simple version of kale greens with chicken broth:

Preparing Your Kale

Proper preparation is crucial for delicious kale:

Washing Kale Thoroughly

Kale can often have dirt hidden in its curly leaves, so washing properly is important:

1. Fill a large bowl with cold water
2. Submerge the kale and swish gently to dislodge dirt
3. Lift the kale out (don’t pour it out or you’ll pour the dirt back onto the leaves)
4. Repeat with fresh water if necessary until clean

Removing the Stems

The stems of kale are tough and fibrous, so you’ll want to remove them:

1. Hold the stem with one hand
2. Strip the leaves away from the stem with your other hand
3. Alternatively, fold the leaf in half and cut along the stem with a knife
4. Chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces for even cooking

How to Cook Kale Greens with Chicken Broth: Two Methods

I’m sharing two primary methods for cooking kale with chicken broth – sautéing and simmering. Both are delicious!

Method 1: Sautéing Kale in Chicken Broth

This is a quick method that preserves more texture in the kale.

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!)
3. Add the chopped kale leaves and stir to coat with the garlic-infused oil
4. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot
6. Let simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the kale reaches your desired tenderness
7. Remove from heat and serve

Method 2: Boiling Kale in Chicken Broth

This method works well if you prefer softer kale or are making a soup.

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil
2. Add the cleaned and chopped kale to the boiling broth
3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the kale is tender
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste
5. Serve hot as a side dish or incorporate into other recipes

Enhancing Your Kale and Chicken Broth

While the basic recipe is delicious, there are many ways to customize and enhance your dish:

Flavor Boosters to Try

• Acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or splash of vinegar brightens the flavor
• Heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Aromatics: Sauté onions or shallots with the garlic for more depth
• Smoky: Add cooked bacon or turkey bacon bits for a savory touch
• Veggies: Toss in carrots, bell peppers, or tomatoes for extra nutrition and color

Recipe Variations

1. Classic Southern-Style Kale Greens with Chicken Broth

   • Add a ham hock or smoked turkey for deeper flavor
   • Cook longer (30-45 minutes) for traditional southern tenderness

2. Lemon-Garlic Kale Greens with Chicken Broth

   • Add extra garlic and finish with fresh lemon juice
   • Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving

3. Tuscan Kale and White Bean Soup with Chicken Broth

   • Add cannellini beans and diced tomatoes
   • Season with Italian herbs like rosemary and thyme

4. Kale and Sweet Potato Stew with Chicken Broth

   • Add diced sweet potatoes to simmer with the kale
   • Season with warming spices like cumin or paprika

5. Kale Greens with Chicken Broth and Bacon

   • Start by cooking chopped bacon in the pot
   • Use the bacon fat instead of olive oil to sauté the garlic

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of your cooked kale:

• Allow to cool completely before storing
• Place in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days
• Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth if needed

The leftovers are great added to omelets, grain bowls, or pasta dishes!

Health Benefits

Cooking kale greens with chicken broth doesn’t just taste good – it’s super good for you too!

• Nutrient-Dense: Kale is loaded with vitamins A, K, and C, plus minerals like calcium and iron
• Antioxidants: Kale is high in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress
• Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in kale support cardiovascular health
• Joint Support: Chicken broth contains collagen that may benefit joint health
• Improved Digestion: The warm broth helps break down kale’s fiber, making it easier to digest

Common Questions About Cooking Kale with Chicken Broth

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, vegetable broth works great as a substitute. It’ll still add flavor while keeping the dish plant-based.

How long should I cook kale greens in chicken broth?

The cooking time depends on your preference. For kale with some bite, cook for 5-10 minutes. For more tender greens, extend to 15-20 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook, as kale can become mushy and lose nutrients.

Do I need to remove the stems before cooking?

It’s recommended to remove the tough stems as they take longer to cook and can be fibrous. However, if you don’t mind the texture, you can finely chop the stems and cook them a few minutes before adding the leaves.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes! Kale cooked in chicken broth keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors often get even better after a day as the kale continues to absorb the broth.

Can I add protein to make it a complete meal?

Definitely! Add shredded chicken, white beans, or even sliced sausage to transform this side dish into a hearty main course.

Conclusion

Cooking kale greens with chicken broth is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this nutritional powerhouse. The rich chicken broth tames kale’s bitterness while infusing it with savory goodness. Whether you’re a kale enthusiast or just trying to incorporate more greens into your diet, this cooking method is sure to please.

We hope you’ll give this technique a try next time you have fresh kale on hand! The combination of tender kale greens and flavorful chicken broth creates a satisfying dish that’s both nourishing and delicious. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and add-ins to make it your own!

What’s your favorite way to prepare kale? Let us know in the comments below!