• 6 pounds chicken parts–necks, backs, carcasses, thighs
• 2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
• 2 small carrots, coarsely chopped
• 1 large celery rib, coarsely chopped
• Green tops of 2 leeks, coarsely chopped (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves (optional)
• Several parsley sprigs
• About 6 peppercorns
• 1 or 2 thyme sprigs
• 2 small bay leaves

Rinse the chicken parts, put them in a large stockpot, and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and skim the scum from the surface. Simmer 1 hour. Then add the remaining ingredients and simmer gently uncovered, 4 to 5 hours.

Remove the solids with a slotted spoon or Chinese skimmer. Pour the stock through a cheesecloth-lined strainer. Let cool, then refrigerate until cold. Remove the layer of fat from the top.

For a richer stock, gently boil the stock uncovered until reduced by half. Let cool and refrigerate or freeze.