Elevate your kitchen staples with this Chicken Bone Broth Recipe, a nutrient-packed and deeply flavorful base for soups, stews, and sipping. Packed with collagen, minerals, and a rich umami flavor, chicken bone broth is both a healthful and versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Why This Chicken Bone Broth Recipe Is a Must-Try
Chicken bone broth isn’t just delicious—it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Known for its gut-healing benefits and high collagen content, it supports joint health, boosts the immune system, and promotes healthy skin. This recipe is simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients, making it a go-to for both seasoned cooks and beginners.
For more wholesome recipe ideas, check out our Lunch Category. Pair this broth with our Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms for a nourishing, hearty meal.
Ingredients for Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
Core Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken bones (backs, necks, or carcass)
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
Flavor Enhancers
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Optional Additions
- Fresh parsley stems for a burst of herbal flavor
- A small piece of fresh ginger for a warming twist
Water
- 8 cups of water (or enough to cover the ingredients)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Bone Broth
Roast the Bones (Optional)
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken bones on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes. This step adds a deeper, richer flavor to the broth.
Prepare the Ingredients
- In a large stockpot, combine the bones, vegetables, and flavor enhancers.
- Add apple cider vinegar and water, ensuring all ingredients are fully submerged.
Simmer the Broth
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 12-24 hours. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top.
Strain and Store
- Once the broth has simmered to your liking, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or container, discarding the solids.
- Store the broth in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Serve warm as a comforting drink or use it as a base for our Shrimp Linguine for an elevated dish.
Customizing Your Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
- Add More Vegetables: Include leeks, fennel, or mushrooms for added depth.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced chili for a kick.
- Infuse Herbal Flavors: Experiment with rosemary, oregano, or dill.
- Richen It: For a gelatin-rich broth, include chicken feet or wings.
For more creative ideas, explore our Dinner Category.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Bone Broth
- Use Quality Bones: Opt for organic or free-range chicken bones for the best flavor and nutrients.
- Low and Slow: Simmer the broth gently to extract maximum flavor and nutrients.
- Don’t Overload: Avoid adding too many ingredients that might overpower the broth’s natural flavor.
- Skim Regularly: Removing foam ensures a clearer, cleaner broth.
Pair this broth with our Pesto Pasta Recipe for a comforting, nutrient-packed meal.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Bone Broth
- Sip it warm with a sprinkle of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Use as a base for soups like chicken noodle or vegetable stew.
- Cook grains like quinoa or rice in the broth for added flavor.
For dessert, complement your nourishing meal with our Almond Flour Chocolate Cake.
Nutrition Facts for Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
Per serving (1 cup, approximately 8 servings):
- Calories: 80
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 300mg
Chicken bone broth is a nourishing and versatile recipe, packed with collagen, minerals, and amino acids that promote gut health, joint support, and immunity. This slow-cooked elixir is perfect as a comforting drink, a base for soups, or a flavorful ingredient in various dishes.
Regional Variations of Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
Chicken bone broth is a staple in many cuisines, with variations reflecting regional tastes and traditions:
Classic American Chicken Bone Broth
- Key Ingredients: Chicken bones, carrots, celery, onions, and parsley.
- Flavor Profile: Mild, savory, and aromatic.
- Pairing: Serve as a standalone drink or use as a base for chicken noodle soup.
Asian-Inspired Bone Broth
- Key Ingredients: Chicken bones, ginger, garlic, scallions, and soy sauce.
- Flavor Profile: Umami-rich, slightly spicy, and aromatic.
- Pairing: Enjoy with ramen noodles or dumplings.
Mediterranean Bone Broth
- Key Ingredients: Chicken bones, lemon, thyme, garlic, and oregano.
- Flavor Profile: Light, herbal, and slightly tangy.
- Pairing: Best as a base for vegetable soup or a light risotto.
Indian Spiced Bone Broth
- Key Ingredients: Chicken bones, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.
- Flavor Profile: Warm, spiced, and earthy.
- Pairing: Use as a base for lentil soup or enjoy as a warming beverage.
French Pot-au-Feu Style Broth
- Key Ingredients: Chicken bones, leeks, carrots, cloves, and bouquet garni.
- Flavor Profile: Sophisticated, rich, and subtly spiced.
- Pairing: Serve as a consommé or a base for creamy soups.
Fun Cooking Techniques for Kids
Involving kids in preparing chicken bone broth is a fantastic way to teach them about nutrition and cooking basics:
Washing Vegetables
- Activity: Let kids rinse carrots, celery, and onions before adding them to the pot.
- Learning Outcome: Teaches hygiene and preparation skills.
Adding Ingredients
- Activity: Encourage kids to place chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs into the pot.
- Learning Outcome: Builds confidence in assembling recipes.
Mixing the Broth
- Activity: Allow kids to gently stir the pot during the cooking process under supervision.
- Learning Outcome: Introduces them to the importance of combining flavors.
Tasting the Broth
- Activity: Let kids taste the broth and suggest seasoning adjustments.
- Learning Outcome: Develops their palate and decision-making in cooking.
Straining the Broth
- Activity: With assistance, let kids help strain the broth into containers for storage.
- Learning Outcome: Teaches them the final steps in food preparation.
Kitchen Tools to Elevate Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
- Large Stockpot or Slow Cooker
- Ideal for simmering broth over several hours to extract maximum flavor and nutrients.
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Essential for separating bones and vegetables from the broth for a clear liquid.
- Ladle
- Makes transferring the broth into jars or containers easier and spill-free.
- Glass Jars or Storage Containers
- Perfect for storing broth in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Tongs
- Useful for handling hot bones and vegetables when straining.
- Soup Spoon
- Great for skimming excess fat from the broth during cooking.
- Kitchen Scale
- Helps measure the perfect amount of chicken bones for consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Few Bones
- Ensure there are enough bones in the pot to create a rich, gelatinous broth.
- Skipping Roasting
- Roast bones beforehand for deeper flavor and caramelized notes.
- Boiling Instead of Simmering
- Keep the broth at a gentle simmer to avoid cloudiness and bitter flavors.
- Overloading with Vegetables
- Limit the quantity of vegetables to prevent overpowering the broth’s natural flavor.
- Discarding the Fat
- Leave a small amount of fat for richness, or save it for cooking other dishes.
Creative Add-Ins
- Herbs and Spices
- Add bay leaves, rosemary, or star anise for unique flavors.
- Vinegar or Lemon Juice
- Helps extract minerals from the bones while adding brightness to the broth.
- Seaweed or Kombu
- Boosts umami flavor and adds additional nutrients.
- Mushrooms
- Enhance the broth with shiitake or cremini mushrooms for depth.
- Coconut Milk
- Stir in a splash for a creamy, Thai-inspired twist.
How to Double or Scale Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
- Use a Larger Stockpot or Slow Cooker
- Double the recipe and ensure the pot can handle the increased quantity.
- Batch Cooking
- Prepare broth in multiple batches and store portions for future use.
- Freeze for Convenience
- Freeze larger batches in individual containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning.
- Serve Buffet-Style
- Offer a variety of add-ins like noodles, shredded chicken, or vegetables for guests to customize their bowls.
How to Store Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
- Refrigeration
- Store broth in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing
- Freeze in portions for up to 6 months. Use freezer-safe bags or silicone molds for easy storage.
- Pressure Canning
- Preserve broth in jars using a pressure canner for long-term storage.
- Reheating Tips
- Heat only the portion needed to preserve freshness and avoid overcooking.
Chicken Bone Broth Recipe in Culture
Bone broth has been cherished for centuries across cultures as a symbol of health, warmth, and healing. In traditional Chinese medicine, chicken bone broth is used to strengthen immunity and improve vitality. Similarly, in Western kitchens, it is a comforting remedy for colds and a nourishing staple during winter months.
Today, bone broth has gained popularity as a superfood, embraced by health enthusiasts and culinary aficionados alike for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits.
How to Adapt Chicken Bone Broth Recipe for Special Diets
- Gluten-Free
- Naturally gluten-free, ensure all additional ingredients like soy sauce or seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium Option
- Use unsalted bones and limit added salt, seasoning later to taste.
- Keto-Friendly
- Perfect for keto diets due to its low-carb, high-protein content.
- Paleo-Friendly
- Include fresh, whole ingredients to align with paleo principles.
- Vegan Alternative
- Replace chicken bones with roasted vegetables and seaweed for a plant-based “bone broth.”
How to Adapt Chicken Bone Broth Recipe for Special Occasions
- Elegant Dinners
- Serve bone broth as a consommé, garnished with microgreens or a drizzle of truffle oil.
- Casual Gatherings
- Create a bone broth bar with various toppings like noodles, shredded chicken, and herbs.
- Wellness Retreats
- Offer bone broth as a soothing drink alongside fresh juices and smoothies.
- Holiday Feasts
- Use bone broth as the base for stuffing, gravy, or a flavorful soup starter.
- Fitness-Focused Meals
- Pair bone broth with lean proteins and vegetables for a post-workout recovery meal.
FAQs About Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
How long should I simmer chicken bone broth?
For the richest flavor and nutrients, simmer for at least 12 hours. Longer simmering (up to 24 hours) extracts even more collagen and minerals.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 12-24 hours.
How do I store bone broth?
Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions.
Can I reuse the bones?
You can reuse them once, but the second batch will be lighter in flavor and nutrients.
Explore More Recipes Like Chicken Bone Broth
If you loved this recipe, try our Teriyaki Chicken and Vegetables for another wholesome meal, or explore our Snacks Category for light bites.
The Chicken Bone Broth Recipe is more than just a cooking staple—it’s a nourishing hug in a bowl. Packed with flavor, nutrients, and endless versatility, this broth deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen. Grab your ingredients and enjoy the satisfying process of making this timeless classic!
