The basic differences between a broth and a stock lies in its “properties.” For example, a chicken broth will react differently when deglazing a sauté pan than a chicken stock. The reason for this is that the chicken stock will contain more gelée than chicken broth and will bind up the pan drippings into a pan sauce as the stock is reduced, replacing the alternative of cream or butter to aid in this process. The type of chicken parts used in the pot and the amount of extraction of gelée depends on the length of reduction. These are the key factors to consider in determining whether you are making chicken stock or chicken broth. Let us take a moment and review these key factors in chicken broth and chicken stock.
Chicken broth is usually made with chicken meat and chicken parts, with a high flesh to bone ratio. Whole chicken or assorted parts can be used. Fryers and roasters, both readily available at your local supermarket, do not produce satisfactory results. Stewing hens produce the best broth and are often available in the poultry section in your market. If you cannot find them do not hesitate to ring for assistance — the poultry manager will usually order them for you. For the more adventuresome, you may be able to locate someone who has a small flock of laying hens that are past their prime for egg production. Purchase one or two of them to slaughter and dress yourself. The reduction time for chicken broth at sea level is about 3 hours.
Chicken stock is made mostly of chicken parts that have a very low flesh to bone ratio. Backs, necks and breast bones produce the best stock. These boney parts are also readily available at your local supermarket, either in the case or by special order. It is also advantageous to buy whole chickens and cut them up yourself for other recipes. You can then freeze backbones, wing tips, and other parts not used in your original recipe until you are ready to make your stock. To achieve the maximum extraction of gelée from the chicken bones the reduction time at sea level is 6 hours. Water, vegetables, herbs, and salt are ingredients that are common to both stock and broth. [Dove]
Dove, CeCe. “<a href="http://www.parshift.com/ovens/Secrets/secrets025.htm" title="Family Secrets #25: Chicken Stock and Chicken Broth">Family Secrets #25: Chicken Stock and Chicken Broth</a>” <em><a href="http://www.parshift.com/ovens/home.htm" title="La Lama Mountain Ovens Home: Italian recipes and bakery goods">La Lama Mountain Ovens</a></em>. 1 May 2002. <a href="http://www.parshift.com/ovens/Secrets/secrets025.htm" title="Family Secrets #25: Chicken Stock and Chicken Broth"><http://www.parshift.com/ovens/Secrets/secrets025.htm></a> (23 December 2003).