chicken broth in slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chicken broth in slow cooker recipe

I love making chicken broth in my slow cooker because it’s so easy to prepare and it’s a great way to get a delicious, homemade broth without any fuss. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a way to make a quick and easy chicken soup for my family. The slow cooker method is perfect for busy days when I don’t have time to monitor the stove or oven.

The result is a rich, flavorful broth that’s packed with nutrients and is perfect for sipping on its own or using as a base for soups and stews. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your tastes by adding in your favorite herbs and spices.

I like to add in some fresh parsley and thyme for a bright, fresh flavor. You can also use different types of bones, such as beef or pork, if you prefer. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to let the broth simmer for at least an hour to get the full benefit of the collagen and gelatin from the bones.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how it brings our family together. We’ll often have a big pot of chicken broth simmering on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, and everyone will gather around to help with the preparation or just enjoy the finished product. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and enjoy some delicious, comforting food.

In terms of health benefits, this recipe is a winner. Chicken broth is packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for maintaining good health. The slow cooker method also makes it easy to extract as much collagen as possible from the bones, which can help with joint health and digestion.

Slow Cooker Chicken Broth

4.7 from 918 votes

This slow cooker chicken broth is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Simply combine chicken bones or parts with vegetables and aromatics, then let the slow cooker do the work for a deeply nourishing stock.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 15 mins
Servings: 8 cupsCuisine: InternationalCalories: 25 kcal per cup

🥘Ingredients

Broth Base

2 to 3 pounds chicken bones or chicken parts (backs, necks, wings, or a whole cut-up chicken)
2 medium carrots, unpeeled and roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
1 large onion, quartered (skin on for color)
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
8 cups cold water (or enough to cover ingredients by 1 inch)
Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the chicken bones or parts in the slow cooker.
2Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion quarters, smashed garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt.
3If using, pour in the apple cider vinegar.
4Pour the cold water over the ingredients until they are fully submerged by about 1 inch.
5Do not overfill the slow cooker; leave at least 1 inch of space from the rim to prevent boiling over.
6Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
7The broth is ready when it is deeply golden and aromatic, and the chicken meat falls easily off the bone.
8Turn off the slow cooker and let the broth cool slightly for about 15 minutes.
9Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large bowl or pot, then carefully ladle or pour the broth through the strainer to remove all solids.
10Discard the solids.
11If desired, skim off any excess fat from the surface using a spoon or let the broth chill in the refrigerator so the fat solidifies for easy removal.
12Use the broth immediately or store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

🔧Equipment

6-quart or larger slow cooker
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
Large bowl or pot for collecting broth
Ladle
Storage containers or jars

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 25 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0.5g💛Saturated Fat: 0.2g❤️Cholesterol: 5mg🧂Sodium: 220mg🌾Total Carbs: 1g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 0g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a richer broth, roast the chicken bones and vegetables in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes before adding to the slow cooker. You can also add herb stems like parsley or thyme during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra flavor. Always use cold water to start to help extract gelatin and nutrients from the bones.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Chicken Broth Works

Storing this broth is simple. Let it cool to room temperature, then pour it into glass jars or freezer bags. It keeps in the fridge for about five days, but I usually freeze most of it in pint sized containers.

When I need some, I just pull a container out and thaw it in the fridge overnight or run it under warm water. To reheat, I pour it into a saucepan and warm it over medium heat until it is steaming. Sometimes I add a little fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon right before serving.

This broth is perfect for any occasion. I serve it as a warm appetizer at family dinners, use it as a base for holiday gravies, or just give a mug to my kids after they come in from playing in the snow. It works beautifully for Sunday meal prep, sick days, or when you need a quick, healthy snack.

Every time I make a batch, I am reminded why this recipe has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen. It is simple, nourishing, and always delivers.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Broth

What type of bones should I use for this recipe?

You can use either raw or cooked bones for this recipe. If you’re using raw bones, make sure to roast them in the oven first before adding them to the slow cooker. This will help bring out their natural flavors and make them easier to digest.

How long should I cook the broth?

The longer you cook the broth, the more collagen you’ll be able to extract from the bones. Aim for at least an hour of cooking time, but you can go up to several hours if you prefer.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to this recipe if you like. Just chop them up finely before adding them to the slow cooker.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can still make this recipe using a large pot on the stovetop or in the oven. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I freeze this broth?

Yes, you can freeze this broth for later use. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.

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