Homemade Chicken Bone Broth is not only one of the most nutritious things you can consume, but it also one of the most delicious. I sip on it multiple days of the week and also cook with it. It’s a powerhouse of nutrition, way more affordable than any you will find in the store, and something you will want to keep on hand at all times!
For your health, your cooking, and your wallet, make this once and I promise you’ll never go back.
Let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
Ingredients for Chicken Bone Broth
- Whole Chickens
- Chicken Legs and/or Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Feet and/or Chicken Necks, optional for more collagen content
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Himalayan Sea Salt
- Whole Peppercorns
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water
How To Make Chicken Bone Broth
Bone Broth Prep
Chicken bone broth is incredibly easy to throw together. It’s just a rough chop of this and that, a bit of chicken thrown into the mix, herbs, vinegar and water. Then, it is just a waiting game.
To begin, cut the veggies into large chunks and throw them into your cooking vessel of choice. You want very large pieces so that they will be easier to remove at the end of the bone broth process.
Next, add the whole chickens, legs and/or thighs, and the chicken feet and/or necks. My exact mix of the chicken situation varies depending on what my grocery store has available. I do highly encourage you to seek out the necks or chicken feet because it does make huge difference on the collagen content of the bone broth.
Now, let’s talk about flavorings. I always add whole peppercorns. Likewise, I use pink Himalayan sea salt not only for flavor, but also the wonderful mineral content.
As far as herbs go, I use what I feel like that day. Think everything from parsley to rosemary to thyme. Fresh or dried, it really makes no difference. Use what you love and what’s easiest for you!
Apple cider vinegar is added to bone broth because it helps bones to break down a bit easier. You won’t be able to taste it, but it just helps the goodies come out. Goodies is a very technical term. This is a very technical blog. 😉
Now, all that’s left to do is cover the ingredients with water and let simmer for about 6 hours. After that, you’ll have a lovely batch of liquid gold.
Method Update:
I recently switched over to an instant pot for my bone broth. I use high pressure for 1 hour and the results are amazing. You may have to cut back on the amount of chicken you use so everything will fit, but the Instant Pot has been a game changer for me.
After the Bone Broth Cooks
Once the chicken bone broth has finishing cooking, it’s time to separate the good from the used up. Using tongs, carefully remove any vegetables and chicken pieces. The meat leftover from the chickens may be used for other recipes.
Next, place a piece of cheesecloth over a strainer, and place this strainer over a large pot or container. Carefully ladle the broth over the cheesecloth/strainer situation into the pot. The liquid in the pot is now ready to use!
If you do not use your bone broth right away, I highly recommend storing your bone broth in the freezer until time to use. I love using deli containers for this.
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Homemade Bone Broth Variations
One of my favorite things about homemade chicken bone broth is the many ways you can customize the flavorings. I think I change up at least one thing every time I make a batch.
Here are just a few ideas you could try for yourself!
- Play with different herb and spice combinations.
- Add chilies for a little heat.
- Mushroom powder adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Highly recommend this stuff!
- If you drink chicken bone broth, adding a little squeeze of lemon is divine.
- A large knob of ginger would give great flavor and added health benefits.
- Add a little turmeric for phenomenal anti-inflammatory properties and a beautiful golden hue.
Bone Broth Health Benefits
Not only is homemade chicken bone broth delicious, it is chock-full of incredible health benefits. Full of amino acids and collagen, in my opinion, it’s a win-win that I have no plans on discontinuing. Ever.
It can be beneficial in the following areas (also, please note, Rufus is not a doctor):
- May help maintain healthier skin
- May help keep joints working better
- May improve gut health and digestion
- Possible relief of depression and anxiety
- May improve sleep
- May support immune health
As the research continues on the subject of bone broth, I have no doubt we will see more and more benefits. Just another reason to cheers and drink up!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bone broth is great for everything from drinking it to cooking with it. I even give it to our dog because it’s so good for him. I make it so often that I have not bought store-made broth in several years. It’s good for your body and your pocket book!
100000000% yes. Homemade bone broth tastes amazing. I sip it out of a mug often. Also, the health benefits are immeasurable. And, lastly, it’s just too easy not to do it yourself.
Absolutely! I use it in almost all of my soup recipes. Just click here to browse!
Homemade Chicken Bone Broth
Equipment
- slow cooker, instant pot, or turkey roaster
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 4-6 chicken legs or chicken thighs
- 6-8 chicken feet, optional for more collagen
- 2-4 carrots, cut into large pieces
- 2-4 celery ribs, cut into large pieces
- 1 onion, cut into large pieces
- 1 head garlic, cut in half
- 1 tbsp whole peppercorns
- 2-4 tbsp pink Himalayan sea salt
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 bunch fresh herbs of choice
- water, to cover
Instructions
- Place all chicken, chicken bones/feet, vegetables, herbs, and spices into a slow cooker or instant pot. Add vinegar and enough water to cover everything by 1 inch.
- Simmer low (or medium heat) for 6 hours. If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 1 hour and let it depressurize naturally. Skim any impurities that rise to top as needed.
- Check on broth during cooking process. Water may need to be added occasionally. Ensure that chicken and any parts are always submerged.
- When broth is done, remove all vegetables, bones, and meat with tongs. Any chicken meat may be saved for other recipes. All other solids may be discarded.
- Pour broth over cheesecloth that is layered onto a fine-mesh strainer. The bone broth is now ready to use or ready to freeze in deli containers.
- Before putting the broth in the fridge or freezer, let it cool for one hour on the counter top. Broth should be very jiggly once it cools. The fat can also be easily removed after the broth cools.
Notes
Nutrition
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my chicken bone broth recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram! I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces! And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
–Rufus
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