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Chicken Bone Broth Ultimate Guide to Benefits, Recipes, and Tips

Chicken Bone Broth

A deeply nourishing, collagen-rich broth made by simmering chicken bones with fresh vegetables and herbs. This versatile broth is perfect for sipping on its own or as a flavorful base for soups, stews, and sauces. It's prized for its potential benefits to joint and gut health and can be easily adapted to your preferred dietary needs.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 hours
Total Time 1 day
Course Soup/Stock, Broth
Cuisine General American (with adaptable international influences)
Servings 1 About 10–12 cups (can vary depending on evaporation)

Equipment

  • Large stockpot or slow cooker
  • Roasting pan (if roasting bones for extra flavor)
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and sharp knife

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Bones: 2–3 pounds use a mix of carcass, wings, and feet for added gelatin
  • Vegetables:
  • 2 carrots roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks roughly chopped
  • 1 large onion quartered
  • Aromatics:
  • 4 garlic cloves smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 –2 teaspoons whole peppercorns optional
  • Herbs: A few sprigs of fresh thyme and parsley
  • Acid: 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Liquid: 12–16 cups cold water enough to fully submerge the ingredients
  • Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • (Optional Step: Roast the Bones)
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Spread the chicken bones on a roasting pan and roast for 30–40 minutes until they are nicely browned. Roasting adds depth and richness to the broth.
  • Prepare the Broth:
  • Place the roasted (or raw) chicken bones into a large stockpot or slow cooker.
  • Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and whole peppercorns.
  • Pour in the apple cider vinegar and then add enough cold water to cover all the ingredients (approximately 12–16 cups).
  • Let the mixture sit for 20–30 minutes before heating. This resting period allows the vinegar to help draw minerals from the bones.
  • Cooking:
  • Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer.
  • Allow the broth to simmer gently for 8–12 hours. For even more flavor and nutritional extraction, you can simmer it for up to 24 hours in a slow cooker.
  • Throughout the simmering process, occasionally skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top.
  • Finishing Up:
  • Once the broth has finished simmering, remove it from the heat.
  • Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer (or cheesecloth) into a large bowl or container to remove all solids.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Allow the broth to cool, then transfer to storage containers. Refrigerate overnight; a layer of fat may form on top, which can be removed or stirred back into the broth when reheated.
  • Details:
  • Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Time Cook:
  • Stovetop: 8–12 hours
  • Slow Cooker: Up to 24 hours
  • Time Total: Approximately 9–13 hours (or about 25 hours for the slow cooker method)
  • Yield: About 10–12 cups (can vary depending on evaporation)
  • Category: Soup/Stock, Broth
  • Method: Simmering / Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: General American (with adaptable international influences)
  • Diet: Paleo, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Whole30
  • Keywords:
  • bone broth, chicken broth, homemade, slow-cooked, collagen, gut health, immune support, nutritious, paleo, keto
  • Nutrition (Approximate per Serving – 1 cup / 240 ml):
  • Calories: 40–60 kcal
  • Sugar: 2–3 g
  • Sodium: 80–120 mg (depending on salt addition)
  • Fat: 2–3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5–1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5–2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2–4 g
  • Fiber: 0.5–1 g
  • Protein: 6–8 g
  • Cholesterol: 10–20 mg
  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients used and any adjustments in the recipe.

Notes

Vinegar’s Role: The apple cider vinegar is essential for drawing minerals from the bones. Do not omit it!
Flavor Tip: For a richer, deeper flavor, roast the bones before simmering.
Storage: The broth can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen in portions for several months.
Customization: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs (like rosemary or sage) or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Usage: Enjoy your chicken bone broth on its own as a warm, healing beverage, or use it as a base for your favorite soups and stews.
Keyword bone broth, chicken broth, homemade, slow-cooked, collagen, gut health, immune support, nutritious, paleo, keto