INGREDIENTS:

• 1 whole chicken
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 onions, quartered
• 3 celery ribs, cut into large pieces
• 6 garlic cloves
• One 3-inch piece fresh ginger
• 2 lemongrass stalks
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 bunch parsley
• 3 quarts (12 cups) water, divided
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 °F. Season the whole chicken with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
2. Place the chicken, onion, celery, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and cinnamon stick in a 7.25-quart ovenproof pot.
3. Roast the chicken and vegetables, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Remove the pot from the oven and allow the chicken to cool enough to handle. Place the chicken breast in the refrigerator, covered, to use for making soup later.
5. Break down the chicken by removing the limbs and splitting the chest cavity.
6. Place the chicken parts, parsley, and 2 quarts of water into the same pot used for roasting.
7. In a small bowl, combine the tomato paste, sugar, and about 2 tablespoons of water. Add this tomato paste mixture to the pot and stir to combine.
8. Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Keep the broth at a slight simmer, uncovered, for 4 hours. Be sure to occasionally add water to maintain a consistent liquid level.
9. After the broth has simmered for 4 hours, carefully strain it into another container to separate the broth from all the ingredients.
10. Cover the broth and refrigerate it overnight.
11. The next day, take the broth out of the refrigerator. The fat will have settled at the top. Remove this layer of fat, and the broth is now ready to use. You may also choose to save some of the fat to add extra flavor to other soups you make.

Here are a few variations of the chicken broth recipe:

1. Asian-inspired Chicken Broth: Add some additional Asian flavors by including star anise, cloves, and a touch of soy sauce. You can also add sliced shiitake mushrooms and bok choy for extra depth and an Asian twist.
2. Herb-Infused Chicken Broth: Boost the herbal notes by adding a bundle of fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the pot while simmering. This will give the broth a delightful aromatic quality.
3. Vegetable-Loaded Chicken Broth: Increase the vegetable content by adding other veggies like carrots, parsnips, and turnips. These vegetables will impart a hearty and slightly sweet flavor to the broth.
4. Spicy Chicken Broth: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a sliced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth. This will give it a nice kick without being overly spicy.
5. Lemon-Herb Chicken Broth: Add a burst of freshness by squeezing some lemon juice into the broth and throwing in lemon slices. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or tarragon can also be added for a zesty and aromatic flavor profile.
6. Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Soup: Use the prepared chicken broth as a base for a creamy chicken and vegetable soup. Add some sautéed vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and then stir in a touch of cream or coconut milk for a rich and velvety texture.
7. Asian Noodle Soup: Turn the chicken broth into a delicious Asian noodle soup by adding cooked noodles, sliced green onions, and a splash of soy sauce. You can also toss in some cooked chicken pieces for added protein.