Place chicken bones, carcass, or whole chicken pieces in a large pot
Add cold water to cover the chicken
Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns
Bring to a gentle boil
Reduce heat to a low simmer
Skim off foam and impurities from the surface
Simmer for 2 to 4 hours
Add more water if needed to keep ingredients covered
Remove from heat
Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer
Discard solids
Season with salt to taste
Cool the broth
Refrigerate or freeze for storage