3 Easy Recipes to Make with Chicken Broth

From nourishing, hearty soups to show-stopping main dishes, chicken broth is an integral ingredient that deserves a place among your kitchen cupboard essentials. It certainly is for this farmer’s wife. Chicken broth is a nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering chicken bones, connective tissue, vegetables, and herbs in water for around 24 hours. This creates a rich, flavourful mixture packed with collagen, vitamins, and antioxidants. Chicken broth is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and a great way to minimize waste and be more environmentally conscious in the kitchen. From our regenerative grazing practices to offering a variety of cuts from our ethical pasture-raised chicken to our customers, we believe in sustainable farming that supports animals, the environment, and your well-being. So, whether you make your own chicken broth using leftover chicken frames or buy Seven Son’s chicken broth, here’s a look at how to use this flavorful, nutritious ingredient in your own cooking. Chicken Broth vs. Chicken Stock: What's the Difference? Before we discuss the recipes, let’s clarify a common source of confusion: the difference between chicken broth and chicken stock. While you can make both liquids by simmering chicken bones, leftovers, vegetables, and herbs, bone broth is superior in nutritional value and flavor. That’s because chicken bone broth cooks for around 24 hours, while chicken stock cooks for only one or two. The longer simmering time deeply infuses the broth with the chicken bones’ exceptional nutritional properties. Collagen, electrolytes, minerals, and vitamins–give it a rich, savory flavor. In addition, the quality and quantity of the ingredients that go into making bone broth are unmatched. To make it, you need to use specific parts of the chicken carcass that contain connective tissue, allowing them to slowly cook to release their nutritional value. With chicken broth, on the other hand, you’ll use any leftover chicken parts and bones, letting them simmer for a couple of hours to make a tasty liquid–but with a lower amount of protein and nutrients. While both ingredients can add a meaty flavor to your cooking, chicken bone broth undoubtedly has a richer taste and more health benefits. The Shelf Life of Chicken Broth: Maximizing Freshness If you’re ready to use chicken broth in your recipes, you’ll be pleased to know that once opened, this ingredient has a shelf life of three to four days. This means you can use it in countless recipes over the week. Plus, if you have leftover broth, you can always freeze it in batches in Ziploc bags or ice cube trays. Once frozen, we recommend using the broth within three to four months. Why Choose Broth Over Water in Cooking? The beauty of bone broth is its versatility. If a savory recipe requires water, swap the same amount of bone broth for a richer, umami-laced flavor that will elevate your dishes. The fact that bone broth is highly nourishing helps. It’s packed with healthy nutrients like proline, glycine, collagen, calcium, and more. Bone broth has a range of health benefits, including: Immune system boost: Research shows that the amino acids in chicken broth reduce inflammation and boost immune system function, helping to combat common ailments like asthma, heart disease, and arthritis. Heals the gut: Bone broth is easy for our bodies to digest and soothe the gut. It can even positively change the gut microbiome and ease the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Mood-busting: Bone broth is rich in calcium and glycine, both of which are crucial to healthy brain function, mood regulation, and high-quality sleep. Not to mention the aroma and soothing warmth that is so comforting on cold winter days. Healthy weight support: Packed full of protein and low in calories, bone broth helps to regulate the appetite by reducing hunger hormones like ghrelin and increasing satiety hormones. Recipe Inspirations: Making the Most of Chicken Broth By now, you’re probably ready to put the wonders of bone broth to good use in your kitchen. Here are some of our go-to recipes for what you can make with chicken broth. Soups and Stews: Heartwarming Classics A sure-to-please dish is chicken and vegetable stew. It’s rich in nutrients, great for a cozy night in, and simple to make! All you need to do is gather the ingredients: 1.5 Pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil 1 Large onion, diced 2 Cloves garlic, minced 2 Large carrots, sliced 3 Celery stalks, sliced 6 Cups chicken broth 1 Bay leaf 1 tsp dried thyme Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) And how to make this recipe: Cut the chicken into one-inch cubes, dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a large pot, then saute the chicken and vegetables over medium heat. Add the chicken and stir until it starts to brown (roughly 5 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Using the same pot, add in the onions and saute until softened. Add in the garlic and saute for a minute or two, then toss in your vegetables, making sure to stir so they don’t burn. Now it’s time for the chicken broth and spices! Add in the broth, the bay leaf, dried thyme (and any other favorite seasonings you have), and mix it. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat. Grab the chicken you put aside, put it back in the pot, and simmer on low for about half an hour, making sure the chicken is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, add any garnish of your choice, and serve! Rice and Grains: A Flavorful Foundation Chicken broth infuses rice and other grains with a mouth-watering, savory depth. A great dish is a Mexican chicken quinoa skillet, loaded with veggies and ready in just 25 minutes. To make this recipe, you’ll need: 1 Pound chicken breast, cut into cubes 1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil 1 Small onion, diced 1 Bell pepper, diced 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 Cup quinoa 2 Cups chicken broth 1 Can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 Can diced tomatoes (15 oz) 1 Cup corn, frozen or canned 1 tsp chili powder (or more if you like some kick!) ½ tsp cumin ½ tsp paprika Salt and pepper to taste Fresh cilantro And the steps to making this recipe: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and rinse the quinoa. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove it from the pan and set aside. Using the same skillet, saute the onion until soft, then add the garlic and bell pepper, sauteing for about 3 minutes. Now, add the chicken broth, quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices. Mix well and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the quinoa is light and fluffy and the broth has been absorbed - about 25 minutes. Add the chicken to the skillet to warm, mixing all the ingredients. Check that the chicken is cooked through, adding salt and pepper to taste. Garnish and serve! Sauces and Gravies: Elevating Everyday Meals Chicken bone broth elevates many of the best comfort recipes. For example, try this quick and easy chicken broth gravy to turn mashed potatoes into a crowd-pleasing side or ensure there’s no biscuit left after dinner. To make this recipe, all you need is: 2 Cups chicken broth 2 TBSP butter 2 TBSP all-purpose flour ½ tsp garlic powder (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Fresh herbs for garnish For this quick and easy gravy, all you need to do is: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until it forms a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the roux turns golden. Pour in the chicken broth slowly while whisking. Make sure there are no lumps. Continue whisking while bringing the mix to a slow boil. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring every minute or so. Once it reaches your desired thickness, add the salt, pepper, or garlic powder to taste. Serve hot on your dish of choice. Tip: If the gravy gets too thick while cooking, add more chicken broth to thin it. The Healing Elixir: Sipping on Chicken Broth While bone broth enhances the flavor and health benefits of many meals, you don’t always have to cook with it! One of our favorite ways to consume chicken broth is to warm it up on the stove and drink it–especially if we feel under the weather. The number of powerful antioxidants in chicken broth, along with its herby, savory flavor, also makes this drink a great post-lunch pick-me-up or pre-dinner snack. However, not all chicken bone broth is created equal. If you’re going to drink it regularly, make sure you either make your own or buy from a company that doesn’t use artificial ingredients or lots of added sodium, which can undermine its health benefits. At Seven Sons, we’re proud to say that our ethical, pasture-raised chicken and chicken broth is 100% free from growth promotants, antibiotics, and GMOs–with no artificial ingredients or MSG. Ready to taste the difference? Order Seven Sons’ chicken broth or make your own using our bone broth kit today! As always, we love to see your recipe creations–so let us know what you’ve made in the comments.

The Deep Roots and Rich Diversity of Heritage Pig Breeds

Today, you get a little history lesson from your farmer. 🙂 While our family proudly includes Heritage in the name of our pork, it isn’t just a fancy name. It’s an indicator of the pork's quality, nutrition, and history – not to mention the farmer’s ethical breeding practices. Let’s explore the history of heritage pig breeds in more detail, so you can make an informed choice about pork when you shop. The Definition and Importance of Heritage Pigs By definition, a heritage pig breed is one with deep historical roots. These breeds have been around for hundreds of generations. In fact, the first pigs were brought to America by Columbus in 1493. Back then, pigs came in distinct colors, sizes, and shapes – the pink pig with a curly tail that comes to mind today didn’t exist. Heritage pigs were allowed to roam on pastures and woodlands. Their diet didn’t include antibiotics, GMOs, or growth promotants. Farmers carefully bred the best for their hardiness, health, and ability to adapt to outdoor environments. The result was delicious, sustainable pork rich in nutrients and vitamins. Fast forward to the Industrial Revolution – pig farming changed drastically. Industrial operations were developed to house, feed, and harvest pigs more efficiently than small family farms. To maximize profits in this system, animals were bred for rapid growth and size. Today, it’s still the same… Most grocery store pork is no longer heritage. It comes from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), where pigs are kept in overcrowded conditions, farrowed in small crates, and crossbred with little thought to hardiness and quality. Seven Sons and our partner farms continue to champion the ethical rearing of heritage pigs. Like our forefathers, we prioritize the health and ethical care of our animals. Our heritage pigs are free to roam, play, and thrive – and we never use antibiotics or GMOs. Diet of a Heritage Pig: Back to the Roots Not only do heritage pigs grow in vastly different conditions than factory-farmed livestock, but their diet is also vastly different. Industrially raised pigs are often fed diets limited to corn and soybeans, which are cheap and easy to produce at scale. On the other hand, our heritage pig breeds are fed a mix of oats, barley, and other non-GMO grains including corn and soy. But best of all, and a key difference, is that the hogs are able to regularly forage for starchy roots and grubs, and all the colorful vegetation on our open pastures. We pasture raise our hogs and let them roam freely, interacting with the land in their natural and instinctive way. Combined with stress-free rearing, this creates richly colored, juicy meat with a wonderful, buttery flavor. Exploring the Diverse Pig Breeds Now, we’ll dive into some of the most popular heritage breeds, looking at their history, characteristics, and flavor profile. Berkshire Pigs Berkshire pigs get their name from their place of origin: Berkshire, England. They’re one of the oldest heritage pig breeds alive today, with roots dating back to the 17th century. These animals have a distinct black coat with white markings on their snout, tail, and hooves. They have short legs and large bodies and can weigh up to 500-600 lb at full size. Flavor-wise, the Berkshire pig is renowned for its rich marbling, intense savory flavor, and melt-in-the-mouth tenderness. Red Pig Breeds Next, we’ll look at three of the most well-known red pig breeds: Tamworth, Red Wattle, and Duroc. Like the Berkshire, the Tamworth originates from England, with historical references dating back to the 1800s. The Tamworth is active, long-legged, and lean, with an auburn coat and long snout. The meat is dark in color, with a nutty, sweet, and succulent flavor. The Red Wattle, a hardy breed, was first recorded in US history books in the mid-1800s. This breed also has a dark auburn coat and distinctive wattles on both sides of its neck. The meat is pinkish-red in color, and has a succulent, earthy flavor. Lastly, there’s the Duroc. The Duroc dates back to New England in the 1800s, and is thought to come from Africa originally. These large, compact pigs have a mahogany coat, and can weigh anywhere from 700-900 lbs. In terms of flavor, the cuts of pork from this breed are deeply marbled with a rich, bold, and juicy taste. (There’s a reason you’ll find a number of Duroc in the Seven Sons Farm ecosystem.) ;) Spotted The most well-known spotted heritage big breed is the Gloucestershire Old Spot pig, which, as the name suggests, originates from Gloucestershire, England. This breed has a white coat with black spots. When it comes to taste, the meat from this breed has a sweet, juicy flavor profile that’s perfect for pork chops or roasting. Hampshire and Other Heritage Pigs The Hampshire hog is the oldest American breed of pig, first written about in the 1790s. This breed has a distinctive coat: primarily black with a white ring across its shoulders and front legs. The meat is known for succulence and tenderness. The Environmental Footprint of Heritage Pig Farming Switching to heritage pasture-raised pork is better for your health, the welfare of the animal, and the environment. At Seven Sons, our heritage hogs play a vital role in nurturing our environmental ecosystem. We use regenerative grazing practices, shepherding our pigs from one section of pasture or forest to another to support soil health, carbon sequestration, and improve biodiversity. The result is tasty, nutritious pork that supports environmental sustainability and promotes animal well-being. I hope you learned something today, and enjoyed the history lesson. Ready to taste the difference? Shop our pasture-raised heritage pork today.

Sustainable Dining: Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Your Pork Chops

Tender, juicy, and flavorful pork chops are always a great idea for dinner. Better still, this nutritious, premium cut is exceptionally versatile. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Italian, or a good old-fashioned cookout, pork chops can be paired with a variety of side dishes for a satisfying, nutritious meal. Ready for some inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite sides to accompany our pasture-raised heritage pork chops. Classic Companions for Pork Chops Classic recipes are classics for a reason. These tried-and-tested flavor combinations make for beautifully balanced, mouth-watering dinners that you’ll want to cook again and again. They’ll taste even better when you prepare with high-quality chops from heritage pork. Thyme and Garlic Roasted Vegetables Pork chops’ delicately sweet yet savory flavor harmonizes wonderfully with roasted vegetables. Better still, you can use whatever you have in the refrigerator: peppers, onions, green beans, broccoli–any and all vegetables pair well with our pork chops. Season your vegetables and pork chops with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme for a quick and tasty midweek meal. Spread them on a baking tray and cook in the oven for around 30 minutes at 400F. Try different flavor combinations, like honey and garlic, smoked paprika, or a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for a bit of a twist. Apple Sauce Pork chops and applesauce have been a winning duo for generations. The apple's acidic sweetness beautifully complements the pork's meatiness. To serve up a tasty dinner, cook your pork chops in the skillet and serve with nutty brown rice, roasted green beans, and a generous side of sweet, tart applesauce. Other fruit sauces, such as pear or cranberry sauce, work fantastically, too. Try our recipe for pear sauce with pork chops, and let us know what you think. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Another hearty, decadent dinner is oven-roasted pork chops with buttery mashed potatoes, smothered in a rich, velvety gravy. In fact, any kind of potato accompanies pork chops perfectly. Some of our favorites are hasselback potatoes, potatoes au gratin, or garlic butter-roasted potatoes. Whatever you cook, serve your meal alongside a helping of steaming, meaty gravy to accentuate the taste of the pork and enhance the creaminess of your potatoes. Contemporary Twist on Pork Chop Sides If you’d like to cook something a little more inventive, the following recipes will surely be a hit with friends and family. Zesty Quinoa Salad When the weather’s warmer outside, you’ll no doubt want to grill your pork chops. Try pairing them with a light, zesty quinoa salad for a healthy, deliciously textured lunch or dinner. The great thing about quinoa salad is how easy it is to make. Simply prep your quinoa with a little onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Then, add some chopped, grilled vegetables of your choice. Serve the pork chops on top for a colorful barbecue centerpiece. Caramelized Barbecue Sweet Potato Wedges This bright, flavourful dish is bursting with a medley of flavors: the meaty melt-in-your-mouth pork, the sweetness of the potato, the saltiness of the seasoning, and the tangy barbecue sauce. It’s also effortless to make. Simply douse your pork chops with your favorite barbecue sauce and put them on a sheet pan. Then, cut your sweet potato into wedges and season with cayenne pepper, salt, and a generous coating of olive oil. Add them to your sheet pan and cook in the oven at 400F for about 30 minutes for a delicious, juicy dinner. You can serve this dish with a light green salad for extra vitamins and minerals. Butterbean Chorizo Casserole For a Spanish-inspired dinner, try this tender pork, butterbean, and smoky chorizo casserole. This easy, slow-cooked dish promises succulent, juicy perfection with every bite. All you’ll need are canned cherry tomatoes, garlic, sage, butter beans, chopped chorizo, and pork chops. Throw all your ingredients in the slow cooker, leave to stew for 3-4 hours, and then serve. It’s really that simple! Sides That Pair Well With all Pork Cuts The fantastic thing about these side dishes is that they go well with several different cuts of pork. For example, pork ribs are delicious when glazed in sweet, tangy apple sauce. They also pair excellently with sweet potato fries, quinoa salad, or mashed potatoes and gravy. The same goes for pork roasts like succulent pork belly and tender pork tenderloin. You can turn these versatile cuts into the centerpiece of any dish, across almost any cuisine. Whether you cook a British-style roast dinner with creamy mashed potatoes or a Spanish-inspired butterbean dish, these cuts can be paired with a number of side dishes for a variety of delectable flavor combinations. Why Choose Seven Sons for Your Pork At Seven Sons, we’re committed to providing you with the highest-quality food. That means sustainably raised pork, free from antibiotics, hormones, and GMOs. Together, with our partner farms, we provide our hogs with a stress-free environment on open fields and regenerative pastures using animal stewardship practices that promote health and hardiness. Not only is our way kinder, but the quality of the meat is better. Compared to conventional pork, Seven Sons’ pork cuts are far more nutritious, tender, richer in flavor, and higher in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Ready to taste the difference? Order your Seven Sons pork chops today.

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Farm Life Show (Ep. 08) - Daily Life of the Seven Sons

Blake, the 1st son

Blaine, the 2nd son

Brice, the 3rd son

Brock, the 4th son

Brooks, the 5th son

Bruce, the 6th son

Brandt, the 7th son

More from the blog

3 Easy Recipes to Make with Chicken Broth

The Deep Roots and Rich Diversity of Heritage Pig Breeds

Sustainable Dining: Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Your Pork Chops

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Resources

Visit

Featured Articles

Seven Sons Farms

Get 5% Off + a Free Item for Life When you Subscribe and Save

Farm Life Show (Ep. 08) - Daily Life of the Seven Sons

Blake, the 1st son

Blaine, the 2nd son

Brice, the 3rd son

Brock, the 4th son

Brooks, the 5th son

Bruce, the 6th son

Brandt, the 7th son

More from the blog

3 Easy Recipes to Make with Chicken Broth

The Deep Roots and Rich Diversity of Heritage Pig Breeds

Sustainable Dining: Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Your Pork Chops

About

Services

Resources

Visit

Featured Articles

Seven Sons Farms

Get 5% Off + a Free Item for Life
When you Subscribe and Save