📖 Instructions

1. First thing's first: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water. This helps remove any impurities, and it feels more hygienic, you know? I know it's a small thing, but I like to do it.
2. Grab your large pot and fill it about halfway with water. Aim for about 8 cups – you can always add more later. We're aiming for a flavorful broth, not a watery mess!
3. Toss in the chicken, star anise, cloves, and salt. Make sure everything is submerged. A little tip: lightly crushing the star anise can help release its flavor more efficiently.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it starts to bubble vigorously, reduce the heat to low. We want a gentle simmer, not a furious boil. This will ensure a clearer and more delicious broth.
5. Now, let's simmer. This is the crucial part, where the magic happens. Simmer the broth gently for at least an hour, or up to two, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor. I mean, seriously, the longer the better!!
6. After simmering, remove the pot from the heat. Let it cool slightly. Patience, my friend, this is important! It's gonna taste amazing, trust me.
7. Once the broth is cool enough to handle, carefully remove the chicken pieces using tongs or a slotted spoon. Set them aside, we'll deal with them later; this is broth making 101.
8. Now for the straining! Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth lined colander, pressing gently on the solids to extract all that amazing flavor. You should end up with a clear, flavorful broth.
9. Now, there will be some chicken pieces and spices left, don't throw them away! It's the time to shred or chop the chicken pieces and set them aside.
10. Taste and adjust the seasoning. You may want to add more salt or pepper to your preference. Remember, this is your broth, so personalize it; I sometimes add a dash of fish sauce.
11. Once your happy with the taste, you can pour the broth into individual bowls and serve hot, garnished with your favorite herbs and a dash of pepper for a flavorful kick. The chicken can be added back into the broth, to your liking or served separately. If you feel extra creative, you can try garnishing it with chopped scallions or cilantro. Trust me; you'll love it!