Nourishing Homemade Chicken Bone Broth Recipe

You won't believe how easy making this Chicken Bone Broth recipe is! It's like a little kitchen magic. You take chicken bones, some veggies, and a few spices – toss them into a pot, and let the simmering aromas fill your home.

It's not just a recipe; it's an adventure! Use it for soups or sip it on a chilly day. Trust me, you'll love the homemade goodness. Give it a shot

Chicken Bone Broth Recipe Slow Cooker

Making chicken bone broth is a fantastic way to turn leftover bones into a nutritious and flavorful broth. Not only is it simple to make, but it's also packed with health benefits. Whether you choose to use a slow cooker, an Instant Pot, or the stovetop, you'll end up with a rich, delicious broth that's perfect for soups, stews, or just sipping on its own.

Why Make Chicken Bone Broth?

Bone broth has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, and for good reason. It's a great way to utilise every part of the chicken, reducing waste and maximising nutritional value. The long cooking time helps to extract collagen, amino acids, and essential minerals from the bones, connective tissues, and marrow, creating a broth that's incredibly nourishing.

Health Benefits of Chicken Bone Broth

Nutrient Density: Bone broth is packed with vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are essential for overall health.

Gut Health: The gelatin in bone broth supports a healthy gut lining, which can improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

Immune System Support: Bone broth is rich in minerals that support the immune system and help to fight off illnesses.

Joint Health: Collagen and amino acids in bone broth help maintain healthy joints and reduce joint pain.

Skin, Hair, and Nails: The collagen in bone broth can also promote healthier skin, hair, and nails.

How to Make Chicken Bone Broth Recipe: Step-by-Step

Making chicken bone broth at home is simple and can be done using a variety of methods. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own homemade bone broth, whether you prefer a slow cooker, an Instant Pot, or the stovetop.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Chicken bones (leftover chicken bones, chicken feet, turkey bones, pork bones, or beef bones)
• Vegetables (carrot, celery stalks, onion, garlic)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Fresh herbs (bay leaves, parsley, thyme)
• Water

Roasting the Bones

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Roast the Bones: Place the chicken bones, chicken feet, and any other animal bones you're using on a baking tray. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes. This step enhances the flavour of your broth by caramelising the bones and giving them a rich, deep flavour.

Slow Cooker Method

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the roasted bones to the slow cooker. Add the vegetables, fresh herbs, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and enough water to cover all the ingredients.
2. Cook on Low: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 12-24 hours. The long cooking time allows for maximum extraction of nutrients and flavor.
3. Strain the Broth: Once the cooking time is up, use a fine mesh strainer to separate the solids from the broth. Discard the solids.
4. Cool and Store: Let the broth cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it. As it chills, any fat will rise to the surface and can be easily removed. Store the broth in glass jars or plastic containers for future use.

Instant Pot Method

1. Combine Ingredients: Add the roasted bones, vegetables, fresh herbs, apple cider vinegar, and enough water to cover the ingredients to the Instant Pot.
2. Set to High Pressure: Seal the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 2 hours.
3. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally.
4. Strain and Store: Strain the broth using a fine mesh strainer and store it in glass jars or plastic containers once it cools.

Stovetop Method

Combine Ingredients: Place the roasted bones, vegetables, fresh herbs, apple cider vinegar, and enough water to cover the ingredients in a large pot.

Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Simmer for Hours: Let the broth simmer for 6-8 hours, occasionally skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.

Strain and Store: Strain the broth using a fine mesh strainer and store it in glass jars or plastic containers once it cools.

Tips for Making the Best Bone Broth

• Use Quality Bones: The quality of the bones you use will affect the nutritional value and flavour of the broth. Look for organic, pasture-raised animal bones when possible.
• Add Acid: Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar helps to extract minerals from the bones.
• Simmer Low and Slow: The longer you cook the broth, the more nutrients and flavor you'll extract from the bones.
• Skim the Foam: Skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking will result in a clearer broth.
• Flavour to Taste: Add fresh herbs and vegetables to enhance the broth's flavour.

Storing and Using Chicken Bone Broth

Once your broth is ready, there are several ways to store it:

• Refrigerate: Store the broth in glass jars or plastic containers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the broth in ice cube trays, freezer bags, or mason jars. This makes it easy to use small portions as needed.
• Skim the Fat: After refrigerating, the fat will rise to the top and solidify. You can skim this off and discard it or use it for cooking.

Chicken bone broth is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:

• Soups and Stews: Use the broth as a base for homemade soups and stews.
• Cooking Liquid: Use it as a cooking liquid for grains like rice or quinoa for added flavor and nutrition.
• Sipping Broth: Warm up a cup of broth and enjoy it on its own as a soothing, nutritious drink.
• Sauces and Gravies: Use the broth to add depth of flavor to sauces and gravies.

Personal Experience

Growing up, chicken soup was a staple in our household, especially on cold winter days. My mom would always have a batch of bone broth simmering on the stove, filling the house with its comforting aroma. Now, I carry on the tradition with my own family, especially during winter. My kids love sipping on warm broth, and I love knowing that they're getting all the health benefits of this nutrient-rich recipe.

Chicken Bone Broth Recipe Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker to make chicken bone broth is my favourite way to ensure we always have homemade broth on hand. It's an easy way to turn leftover chicken bones into a flavourful and nutritious staple that we use in everything from soups to side dishes. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to go about your day without having to constantly watch the pot.

FAQs About Chicken Bone Broth

Can I use store-bought broth instead of homemade?

While store-bought broth is convenient, homemade bone broth offers superior flavor and nutritional value. Making your own broth allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any additives or preservatives found in commercial products.

What bones are best for making bone broth?

The best bones for making bone broth include chicken carcasses, chicken feet, turkey bones, pork bones, and beef bones. These bones contain high levels of collagen and connective tissues, which break down into gelatin during the cooking process.

How long does homemade bone broth last?

Homemade bone broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for up to six months. Be sure to store it in airtight containers or freezer bags to maintain its freshness.

Can I make bone broth in an Instant Pot?

Yes, using an Instant Pot is a great way to make bone broth quickly. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 2 hours, then allow for a natural release of pressure before straining the broth.

Is bone broth good for joint health?

Yes, bone broth is rich in collagen and amino acids, which support joint health and can help reduce joint pain and inflammation.

Can I use vegetable scraps in my bone broth?

Absolutely! Adding vegetable scraps like onion skins, carrot tops, and celery leaves is a great way to add flavour and nutrients to your bone broth.

Can I use bone broth for other recipes?

Bone broth is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, including soups, stews, sauces, and gravies. It can also be used as a cooking liquid for grains or as a base for homemade chicken stock.

Transforming Leftover Bones into Nutritious Liquid Gold

Making chicken bone broth is a simple and rewarding process that transforms leftover bones into a nutritious and flavorful staple. Whether you use a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop, the end result is a rich, nourishing broth that can be used in countless ways.

By incorporating homemade bone broth into your diet, you'll be providing your family with a host of health benefits, from improved gut health to stronger joints and a boosted immune system.

So, gather your leftover bones, a few veggies, and some fresh herbs, and get ready to create your own batch of liquid gold!