Chicken Bone Broth Recipe: A Nourishing Classic

Chicken bone broth is a time-honored recipe packed with nutrients, flavor, and versatility. Known for its comforting qualities, this golden elixir is rich in collagen, minerals, and amino acids, making it a favorite for boosting immunity, improving gut health, and adding depth to countless dishes. Whether you’re sipping it on a cold day or using it as a base for soups and stews, chicken bone broth is both delicious and nourishing.

Ingredients for Chicken Bone Broth

Essential Ingredients:

To make a flavorful and nutritious chicken bone broth, you’ll need:

• Chicken Bones: 2-3 pounds of raw or cooked chicken bones (leftover roasted chicken works great).
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped.
• Celery: 2 celery stalks, chopped into large pieces.
• Onion: 1 large onion, quartered.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, smashed.
• Bay Leaves: 2 for a subtle earthy flavor.
• Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon for a hint of spice.
• Water: Enough to cover the ingredients, about 10-12 cups.

Optional Add-Ins:

Enhance the flavor and nutritional profile with these extras:

• Ginger: 1-inch piece, sliced, for a warming touch.
• Turmeric: 1 teaspoon, for anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley, thyme, or rosemary for added aroma.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons, to help extract minerals from the bones.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making chicken bone broth is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas. Follow these steps to create a rich and nutrient-packed broth.

1. Preparing the Bones

1. Roast the Bones (Optional but Recommended):
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Arrange 2-3 pounds of chicken bones on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. This step deepens the flavor of the broth.
   • If using raw bones, roasting is a must. For cooked bones, this step can be skipped if desired.
2. Blanch the Bones (Optional for Cleaner Broth):
   • Place the bones in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil for 10 minutes.
   • Drain and rinse the bones under cold water to remove impurities.

2. Simmering the Broth

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large stockpot, add the roasted or blanched bones, 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, 1 quartered onion, and 4 smashed garlic cloves.
   • Add 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of peppercorns, and any optional add-ins like ginger or turmeric.
2. Add Water:
   • Pour in enough cold water to cover the ingredients by 2-3 inches, typically 10-12 cups. Leave room at the top to prevent overflow during simmering.
3. Bring to a Boil and Simmer:
   • Slowly bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first 30 minutes.
4. Cook Low and Slow:
   • Simmer the broth for 12-24 hours, checking occasionally to add water if needed. For a lighter broth, 6-8 hours works as well.

Tip: Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar at the beginning of simmering to help extract minerals from the bones.

3. Straining and Storing

1. Strain the Broth:
   • Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, carefully strain the broth into a large bowl or another pot. Discard the solids.
2. Cool and Skim Fat:
   • Allow the broth to cool slightly, then refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. The fat will solidify on top, making it easy to skim off if desired.
3. Store Properly:
   • Pour the broth into airtight containers or jars. I like to use freezer-safe jars if I’m storing it long-term.
   • The broth can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

Tips for the Best Chicken Bone Broth

Crafting the perfect chicken bone broth takes a little care and attention. Here are my tried-and-true tips to ensure your broth is flavorful, clear, and packed with nutrients.

1. Choose the Right Bones

• Go for Variety: Use a mix of bones like chicken backs, wings, necks, or leftover carcasses. Joint bones and cartilage-rich parts like feet are especially good for collagen-rich broth.
• Organic or Free-Range: Whenever possible, opt for organic or free-range chicken bones to ensure the highest quality broth.

2. Roast for Depth of Flavor

• Roasting bones brings out their natural flavors and caramelizes them, adding a rich, deep taste to the broth. I highly recommend this step for the best results.

3. Add Acid for Mineral Extraction

• A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons) helps draw minerals like calcium and magnesium from the bones, enhancing the broth’s nutritional value.

4. Keep It Low and Slow

• Simmering the broth gently for 12-24 hours extracts maximum nutrients and flavor. Avoid boiling, as it can make the broth cloudy and bitter.

5. Skim for Clarity

• During the first 30 minutes of simmering, skim off any foam or scum that rises to the top. This keeps your broth clean and clear.

6. Use Fresh Ingredients

• Vegetables and herbs should be fresh to ensure a clean, vibrant flavor. Avoid adding overly strong-flavored vegetables like broccoli or cabbage, as they can overpower the broth.

7. Taste and Adjust

• Season the broth lightly while cooking, as it’s easier to add more seasoning later. I prefer adding salt just before serving to avoid over-salting.

8. Proper Storage

• Divide the broth into portions before storing. I like to freeze it in silicone ice cube trays or small containers so I can thaw just what I need.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Bone Broth

Chicken bone broth is incredibly versatile, making it a staple in my kitchen. Whether you’re sipping it straight or using it as a base for meals, here are some delicious ways to enjoy it.

1. Sip It Warm

• As a Comforting Drink:
  • Pour the warmed broth into a mug, season with salt and pepper, and enjoy it as a soothing drink. Sometimes, I add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra zest.
• Healing Tonic:
  • Mix in fresh ginger, turmeric, or garlic for an immune-boosting tonic, especially during cold and flu season.

2. As a Soup Base

• Classic Soups:
  • Use the broth as the base for chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, or lentil soup. It adds incredible depth of flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Soups:
  • I love adding the broth to ramen, pho, or miso soup for a rich and authentic taste.

3. Enhance Rice and Grains

• Cooking Liquid:
  • Replace water with bone broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or couscous. The grains absorb the flavor, making the dish more savory and satisfying.

4. Boost Sauces and Gravies

• Rich Gravies:
  • Use the broth as a base for gravies to add a natural, rich flavor.
• Pan Sauces:
  • After searing meat, deglaze the pan with bone broth for a flavorful sauce.

5. As a Braising Liquid

• Braising meats, vegetables, or legumes in bone broth enhances their flavor while keeping them moist and tender. I love using it for slow-cooked chicken thighs or pot roasts.

6. Freeze for Convenience

• Broth Cubes:
  • Pour the broth into ice cube trays and freeze. These cubes are perfect for adding flavor to recipes in small portions.
• Ready-to-Go Stock:
  • Store the broth in freezer-safe containers for easy use in future meals.

FAQs About Chicken Bone Broth

Bone broth is a simple yet powerful recipe, but it often sparks questions about the process, ingredients, and health benefits. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about chicken bone broth.

1. What not to add to bone broth?

Certain ingredients can negatively impact the flavor, texture, or clarity of your bone broth. Avoid adding these:

• Overly Strong Vegetables: Broccoli, cabbage, or Brussels sprouts can create a bitter or overpowering taste.
• Too Many Herbs: While fresh herbs like thyme and parsley are great, adding too much can overwhelm the broth. Stick to small amounts.
• Salt During Cooking: Avoid adding too much salt during simmering, as it can concentrate over time. Season after the broth is finished.
• Oil or Fatty Substances: Fats from the chicken skin can make the broth greasy. Skim the fat off after refrigerating.

2. What bones are best for chicken bone broth?

The best bones for chicken bone broth are those with high collagen content, which creates a gelatinous and nutrient-rich broth. Here’s what I recommend:

• Chicken Feet: Rich in collagen and perfect for thick, gelatinous broth.
• Chicken Wings: High in connective tissue and add great flavor.
• Carcasses: Leftover roasted or raw chicken carcasses are ideal for a flavorful base.
• Necks and Backs: These are inexpensive and loaded with cartilage, perfect for broth.

Using a mix of these bones gives you the best balance of flavor and nutrients.

3. Is it healthy to drink chicken bone broth every day?

Yes, drinking chicken bone broth daily can be a healthy addition to your diet, as it’s rich in nutrients like collagen, amino acids, and minerals. Here are some benefits:

• Improved Gut Health: The gelatin in bone broth can support gut lining and digestion.
• Healthy Skin and Joints: Collagen helps with skin elasticity and joint health.
• Immune Support: The minerals in bone broth, like magnesium and calcium, boost overall immunity.

Tip: Limit portions to 1-2 cups per day to avoid consuming excess sodium, especially if you add salt to your broth.

4. How many chicken bones to make bone broth?

The number of chicken bones you’ll need depends on the size of your pot. As a general guideline:

• 2-3 Pounds of Bones: This is sufficient for an 8-quart stockpot, producing about 8-10 cups of broth.
• 1 Chicken Carcass: If you’re using a single leftover chicken carcass, you can easily make a smaller batch of 4-6 cups.

Make sure the bones are fully submerged in water for proper extraction of nutrients and flavor.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Chicken Bone Broth Recipe

Chicken bone broth is more than just a comforting classic—it’s a nutritional powerhouse that’s versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re sipping it daily for health benefits, using it as a base for hearty soups, or enhancing your favorite dishes, this recipe offers endless possibilities.

By choosing the right bones, simmering gently, and incorporating fresh vegetables and herbs, you can create a broth that’s rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. With proper storage, you’ll always have a batch ready for your cooking needs or a warm cup to enjoy on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Cost-Effective: Made with kitchen staples and leftover bones, it’s both budget-friendly and sustainable.
2. Customizable: Adjust the flavor with herbs, spices, and optional add-ins to suit your preferences.
3. Rich in Nutrients: Loaded with collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support overall health.
4. Versatile: Use it in soups, gravies, sauces, or as a soothing drink.

Final Tips

• Always roast or blanch bones for a deeper, cleaner flavor.
• Simmer slowly for maximum nutrient extraction—patience is key!
• Store in portions to make it easy to use in recipes or to enjoy as a daily drink.