Chicken Bone Broth – Rich, golden, and brimming with flavor, perfectly simmered to extract all the goodness from chicken bones, this nourishing broth boasts a deep, savory taste and an array of health benefits.
Why Make Chicken Bone Broth?
Chicken bone broth is more than just a culinary staple; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition:
- Rich in collagen: Supports skin, hair, and joint health.
- Boosts immunity: Packed with minerals and amino acids.
- Gut health hero: Its gelatin content helps support the gut lining.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Bone Broth
- Use high-quality bones: Organic, pasture-raised chicken bones yield the most nutritious broth.
- Don’t rush the process: A long simmer is key to extracting collagen and nutrients.
- Add vinegar: This crucial step helps draw minerals from the bones.
- Use minimal salt initially: You can adjust seasoning later when using the broth in recipes.
- Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting bones and veggies deepens the flavor.
Variations
- Herbal twist: Add lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric for an anti-inflammatory Asian-inspired broth.
- Vegetarian broth alternative: Substitute chicken bones with a mix of mushrooms, seaweed, and miso.
- Bone broth concentrate: Reduce the broth further by simmering to create a highly concentrated base.
How to Serve Chicken Bone Broth
- As a drink: Sip it warm in a mug for a soothing beverage.
- Base for soups: Use it in classics like chicken noodle soup or ramen.
- Cooking grain: Replace water with bone broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or couscous for added flavor.
- Sauce starter: Incorporate it into gravies and sauces for depth.
How to Store Chicken Bone Broth
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Use freezer-safe jars or silicone molds for portions. Frozen broth lasts up to 6 months.
- Ice cube trays: Pour broth into trays for convenient single-use portions.
Pro Tip: Always leave room at the top of your container when freezing to allow for expansion.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken feet in bone broth?
Absolutely! Chicken feet are rich in collagen, which helps create a gelatinous broth.
How do I know if my broth is gelatinous?
A well-made broth will gel when refrigerated due to its high collagen content.
Why does my broth taste bland?
The flavor depends on the quality of the ingredients and the length of cooking. Don’t hesitate to season with herbs, garlic, or a pinch of salt.
Can I reuse the bones for a second batch?
Yes! While the second batch may be less rich, it’s still flavorful and nutritious.
Is bone broth the same as stock?
Bone broth is simmered longer than stock, extracting more nutrients and collagen. Stock is generally cooked for 3–4 hours, while bone broth cooks for 12+ hours.
Chicken Bone Broth
Chicken Bone Broth - Rich, golden, and brimming with flavor, perfectly simmered to extract all the goodness from chicken bones, this nourishing broth boasts a deep, savory taste and an array of health benefits.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs roasted chicken bones (from 2 chickens)
- 2 carrots, peeled & halved
- 2 smashed garlic cloves
- 1 medium onion, peeled & halved
- 2 celery ribs, cut into thirds (with leaves)
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Filtered water: 16 cups for stovetop, 12 cups for slow cooker, or 10-11 cups for Instant Pot
Instructions
Roast the Bones (optional but recommended)
- If you're starting with raw bones, roast them at 400°F for 20 minutes on a lined baking sheet to enhance flavor. Skip this step if using already-cooked bones.
Stovetop Method (15-hour simmer)
- Add roasted bones and pan juices to an 8-quart stock pot with 16 cups water, vinegar, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Skim impurities during the first hour.
- After 6 hours, add veggies and bay leaf. Simmer for another 9 hours (total 15 hours).
- Turn off overnight if needed, then resume simmering the next day. Avoid boiling to keep the broth clear.
Slow Cooker Method (15 hours on low)
- Add bones, pan juices, 12 cups water, vinegar, and salt to a 6-quart slow cooker. Set to low for 15 hours.
- Add veggies and bay leaf after the first 6 hours and continue cooking. If needed, let it cook overnight and strain the next day.
Instant Pot Method (2 hours pressure cooking)
- Add bones, pan juices, veggies, bay leaf, vinegar, salt, and 10–11 cups of water to the Instant Pot (up to the 2/3 max line).
- Select “Soup/Broth” and set it for 2 hours on high pressure.
- Let it naturally depressurize for 30 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 329Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 108mgSodium 410mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 34g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making chicken bone broth at home is a simple yet rewarding process. It’s a staple that enhances your health and cooking alike. With its versatility and deep nutritional benefits, chicken bone broth deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen.
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