homemade chicken bone broth recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best homemade chicken bone broth recipe

I’ve always been a fan of homemade chicken bone broth, and my family loves it just as much as I do. It’s a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients, and tastes amazing. The first time I made it, I was blown away by how simple the process was.

Just toss some chicken bones into a big pot, cover them with water, and let it simmer all day. It’s the perfect recipe for a busy mom like me, because it’s so low-maintenance and can be made in bulk. We use it as a base for soups, stews, and even just as a warm beverage on its own.

My kids adore sipping on it when they’re feeling under the weather, and I appreciate the fact that it’s so gentle on their tummies. As for me, I love the rich flavor and knowing that I’m getting all those wonderful health benefits from the collagen and minerals in the bones. It’s a win-win all around!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it to your taste by adding in whatever herbs and spices you like. I often add in some fresh parsley and thyme for an extra burst of flavor. And the best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Homemade Chicken Bone Broth

4.9 from 1485 votes

This deeply flavorful chicken bone broth is made by simmering roasted chicken bones with vegetables and aromatics for hours. The result is a rich, gelatinous broth perfect for sipping or as a base for soups and stews.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time12 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time12 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 45 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broth

3 pounds chicken bones, including backs, necks, and feet
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 large carrots, roughly chopped
3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
1 large onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 bunch fresh parsley
12 cups cold water

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2Arrange the chicken bones in a single layer in a roasting pan and roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until they are golden brown and fragrant.
3Transfer the roasted bones to a large stockpot or slow cooker.
4Add the apple cider vinegar, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns.
5Pour the cold water over the bones and vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged by at least 2 inches.
6Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a bare simmer.
7Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first 30 minutes of simmering.
8Continue to simmer the broth, uncovered, for 10 to 12 hours, adding more water as needed to keep the bones covered.
9After 10 to 12 hours, the broth should be deeply golden and fragrant.
10Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly, then strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a large bowl or container.
11Discard the solids.
12Let the broth cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until the fat solidifies on the surface, about 4 hours or overnight.
13Once chilled, scrape off the solidified fat with a spoon.
14The broth should be jiggly and gelatinous.
15Transfer the broth to jars or containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot or slow cooker
Roasting pan
Tongs
Fine-mesh strainer
Cheesecloth
Large bowl or container
Jars or containers for storage

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 45 kcal🧈Total Fat: 1g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 5mg🧂Sodium: 50mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For the most gelatinous broth, include chicken feet or wing tips. Roasting the bones first adds a deeper flavor. Do not let the broth boil vigorously, as this will make it cloudy. You can also add a splash of fish sauce or soy sauce for extra savory depth.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Chicken Bone Broth Works

This homemade chicken bone broth recipe is a game-changer for any occasion – whether you’re looking to soothe your kids’ sore throats or simply want a comforting bowl of goodness after a long day.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to store and reheat – simply pour it into ice cube trays or airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to serve, just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently over low heat on your stovetop or in your microwave.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Bone Broth

Q1: What are the benefits of drinking chicken bone broth?

Drinking chicken bone broth has numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and boosting the immune system. The high levels of collagen in the broth also help to improve skin health and reduce joint pain.

Q2: Can I use store-bought chicken bones or do I need to use raw ones?

While store-bought chicken bones can be used, using raw ones is preferred as they contain more marrow and collagen. You can also ask your butcher to save you some raw bones next time you’re at the market.

Q3: How long should I simmer the bones for?

The longer you simmer the bones, the more gelatinous the broth will be. Aim for at least 12 hours but no more than 24 hours for optimal results.

Q4: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in a slow cooker! Simply place all your ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.

Q5: What if I don’t have any chicken bones available?

You can also use beef or pork bones if you don’t have any chicken bones on hand. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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