Making your own low salt stock is a great way to stay in control of what you eat. This broth uses no added salt but still delivers a full, comforting flavor. It’s a perfect foundation for soups, stews, and sauces if you’re eating low sodium for blood pressure or kidney health.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed:

1 chicken carcass: all meat removed, rich in flavor and collagen.
4 stalks celery: cut in half, adds earthy depth.
4 carrots: halved, for natural sweetness.
½ large Vidalia onion: sliced, adds gentle flavor.
12 cups water: fresh and clean.
8 peppercorns: adds mild warmth.
1 tablespoon dried parsley: gentle herbal note.
(Optional): 1 bay leaf, a sprig of thyme or rosemary, garlic cloves for added flavor.

How To Make Low Sodium Chicken Broth:

Add Ingredients:
Place chicken bones in a large stockpot. Arrange celery, carrots, and onion around the chicken.

Add Water and Herbs:
Pour in 12 cups of water. Add peppercorns and parsley.

Boil and Simmer:
Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours.

Cool and Strain:
Turn off heat and let the broth cool in the pot. Once cooled, remove chicken bones. Strain out vegetables and herbs with a fine sieve.

Store:
Pour broth into containers or freezer-safe bags. Label and date.

Recipe Tips:

Don’t add salt—season final recipes later if needed.
Add more herbs like bay leaf or thyme for flavor depth.
For a clearer broth, strain twice using cheesecloth.
Freeze in 1-cup or 2-cup portions for easy use.

How to Store & Reheat:

Room Temperature: Do not leave out more than 1 hour.
Fridge: Store up to 3 days in a sealed container.
Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight or heat gently in a pot.

Nutrition Facts (per 1 cup):

Calories: ~19
Sodium: ~15mg
Protein: 3g
Fat: 1g
Carbs: 1g
Fibre: 0g
Sugar: 0g

FAQs:

Is homemade chicken broth low sodium?
Yes, if you don’t add salt. This broth is sodium-free and naturally flavored.

Can I use rotisserie chicken bones?
Only if they were not heavily salted. For low sodium, it’s better to use home-cooked chicken bones.

How do I add flavor to low sodium broth?
Use herbs like thyme, bay leaf, or rosemary. Roasting the bones first can also deepen flavor.

Can I use this broth for kidney disease?
Yes, it’s kidney-friendly with no added salt and low potassium vegetables.

Is store-bought low sodium broth the same?
No. Store-bought versions often still contain 100–400mg sodium per cup. Homemade is safer for low sodium diets.

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