Chicken bone broth is a nutrient-packed, flavorful liquid that’s easy to make at home and perfect for sipping on its own or using as a base for soups, stews, and sauces. It’s rich in collagen, minerals, and amino acids, making it a comforting and healing food. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken bone broth from scratch, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step with friendly tips and tricks.
What Is Chicken Bone Broth?
Bone broth is a slow-simmered broth made by cooking chicken bones (and sometimes feet or wings) with water, vegetables, herbs, and a splash of acid like apple cider vinegar. The long cooking time breaks down the collagen and connective tissue in the bones, releasing nutrients that create a rich, gelatinous broth once cooled. This makes it different from regular chicken stock or broth, which usually cooks for a shorter time and lacks the same depth of nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 2 to 3 pounds of chicken bones (leftover carcasses, wings, feet, or necks work great)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals and collagen)
– 1 medium onion, peeled and halved
– 2-3 carrots, roughly chopped
– 2-3 celery stalks, roughly chopped (including leaves if possible)
– 3-5 garlic cloves, smashed or chopped
– 1-2 bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional)
– Filtered water (enough to cover bones by about an inch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast the Bones for Extra Flavor
If you’re using raw chicken bones, roast them in a 400°F oven for about 20-60 minutes until golden and fragrant. This caramelizes the bones and adds a deeper, richer flavor to your broth. If your bones are from a cooked chicken, you can skip this step.
2. Prepare Your Pot
Place the roasted bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add the apple cider vinegar and enough cold filtered water to cover the bones by about an inch. Let this sit for 20-30 minutes before heating—this helps the vinegar start breaking down the bones.
3. Add Vegetables and Herbs
Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and any fresh herbs you like. These aromatics add flavor and nutrients to your broth.
4. Simmer Low and Slow
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover partially with a lid and let it cook:
– Stovetop: Simmer for 12 to 24 hours, adding water as needed to keep bones covered.
– Slow cooker: Cook on low for 12 to 24 hours.
– Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for about 2 hours, then natural release.
The longer you cook, the more nutrients and flavor you extract. The broth is ready when the bones are soft enough to break by hand and the liquid has a rich golden color.
5. Strain and Store
Once done, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove bones and vegetables. Let the broth cool, then refrigerate. A layer of fat will form on top, which you can skim off or stir back in for richness. The broth will gel when cold, a sign of good collagen content.
You can store chicken bone broth in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it in portions for up to 3 months.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Bone Broth
– Save your bones: Keep leftover bones from roasted or store-bought rotisserie chickens in the freezer until you have enough to make broth.
– Use a variety of bones: Including feet, wings, necks, and knuckles adds more collagen and flavor.
– Add vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or wine helps extract minerals and collagen from the bones.
– Roast bones and veggies: Roasting enhances flavor and color.
– Don’t rush: The slow simmer is key to a rich, nutrient-dense broth.
– Freeze scraps: Save veggie scraps like carrot ends, celery leaves, and onion peels in a freezer bag for broth-making.
How to Use Your Chicken Bone Broth
Chicken bone broth is incredibly versatile. Use it as a base for soups, stews, risottos, and sauces. Or enjoy it warm by itself as a nourishing drink. It’s also great for cooking grains or vegetables to boost their flavor and nutrition.
Making your own chicken bone broth is a rewarding kitchen ritual that yields a delicious, healthful elixir. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a homemade broth that’s far superior to store-bought versions in both taste and nutrition.
Enjoy your homemade chicken bone broth — it’s a kitchen staple that nourishes body and soul!