best chicken bone broth recipe

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

I’m so excited to share my favorite chicken bone broth recipe with you. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a perfect addition to any meal. The rich, savory flavor of the broth is unlike anything else, and it’s packed with nutrients that are essential for our health.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a way to use up chicken bones from a roast dinner.

My grandmother, who was an expert in traditional cooking, taught me how to make a delicious broth using those bones. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit our family’s tastes, but the core idea remains the same. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity.

You can simmer the bones for as long as you like, adding in your favorite vegetables and herbs along the way. This is where the magic happens – the longer you cook the broth, the more intense and complex the flavors become. It’s truly a labor of love, but one that’s worth every minute.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it on its own as a soup, or use it as a base for other dishes like stews or sauces. It’s also incredibly easy to freeze and reheat whenever you need it – perfect for busy families like mine.

In terms of health benefits, this broth is a powerhouse. Chicken bones are rich in collagen, which is essential for healthy joints and skin. The slow-cooked broth also contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining good health.

Best Chicken Bone Broth

4.8 from 849 votes

This deeply flavorful chicken bone broth is simmered for hours to extract maximum nutrients and collagen. It forms a rich, gelatinous base for soups, stews, and sauces.

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 (raw or roasted carcasses, backs, necks, feet)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
1 large onion, quartered (skin on)
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Cold water (enough to cover bones by 2 inches)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker.
2If using raw bones, you can roast them at 400°F for 30 minutes until golden brown for deeper flavor.
3Add the apple cider vinegar and enough cold water to cover the bones by 2 inches; let sit for 30 minutes to help leach minerals from the bones.
4Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt to the pot.
5Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a bare simmer.
6Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first 30 minutes.
7Cover the pot partially and simmer for 12 to 24 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the liquid level stays above the bones.
8The broth is ready when it is deeply amber and has a rich, savory aroma.
9For a slow cooker, cook on low for 12 to 24 hours.
10Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
11Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl, discarding the solids.
12Let the broth cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled; the fat will solidify on top and can be removed easily.
13Transfer the broth to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
14When chilled, the broth should be gelatinous and jiggle like Jell-O, indicating high collagen content.
15Reheat gently before using.

🔧Equipment

Large stockpot (at least 8 quarts) or slow cooker
Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Large bowl or container for storing broth
Ladle
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 45 kcal🧈Total Fat: 2g💛Saturated Fat: 0.5g❤️Cholesterol: 5mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 2g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, roast the bones before simmering. The longer you simmer, the more collagen and minerals are extracted. Use a mix of bones including feet for a more gelatinous broth. Store in portioned containers for easy use.

Watch Video Of How Best Chicken Bone Broth Works

This chicken bone broth recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick lunch or dinner solution or an impressive addition to your next family gathering.

And don’t forget about all those amazing health benefits we discussed earlier!

With its rich flavor and numerous uses, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household just like it has been in mine.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Bone Broth

Q: What kind of chicken bones should I use?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use high-quality chicken bones from either organic or pasture-raised chickens. These types of chickens have higher levels of nutrients in their bones than conventionally raised birds.

Q: How long should I cook the broth?

A: The longer you cook the broth, the more intense and complex the flavors will be. Aim for at least 6 hours of simmering time for optimal results.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to customize the flavor?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables and herbs to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

A: Unfortunately not – this recipe relies on animal products (chicken bones) and would not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Q: Can I store leftover broth in the fridge or freezer?

A: Yes – leftover broth can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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