Dark Mode Light Mode

Homemade Chicken Bone Broth: A Nourishing and Flavorful Recipe

Learn how to make Homemade Chicken Bone Broth Revered by cultures worldwide for its incredible health benefits.
Homemade Chicken Bone Broth Homemade Chicken Bone Broth

Introduction to Chicken Bone Broth

If there’s one recipe that’s as wholesome as it is versatile, it’s chicken bone broth. Revered by cultures worldwide for its incredible health benefits and rich, comforting flavor, bone broth is the ultimate kitchen multitasker. It’s more than just a liquid—it’s a nourishing elixir, a base for countless dishes, and a warm hug in a mug on a cold day.

Chicken bone broth is a beautiful example of how the simplest ingredients can create something magical. With just chicken bones, a handful of vegetables, and time, you’ll have a deeply flavorful, collagen-rich broth that can be sipped as a restorative drink or used to enhance soups, stews, and sauces.

One of the most satisfying parts of making chicken bone broth is how sustainable it is. Leftover chicken bones and veggie scraps, which might otherwise be discarded, become the foundation of a nutrient-packed broth. It’s a kitchen practice that feels as rewarding as it is resourceful.

Homemade Chicken Bone Broth

I love making bone broth on a quiet weekend morning. The gentle simmering sound and the aroma that fills the house remind me of family traditions and meals shared with loved ones. As my grandmother used to say, “A good broth is the soul of every dish.” And she wasn’t wrong.


Description of the Recipe

Chicken bone broth is a long-simmered liquid made from chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs. Over hours of gentle cooking, the bones release their nutrients, collagen, and flavor into the water, creating a deeply savory, golden broth.

The broth is rich in gelatin, which gives it a slightly jiggly consistency when chilled. This gelatin is a hallmark of a good bone broth and a sign that it’s packed with the nutrients that make it so beloved. The process involves minimal effort—just throw everything into a pot or slow cooker, cover with water, and let time do the rest.

Homemade Chicken Bone Broth

Once strained, the broth can be used immediately or stored for later. It’s the ultimate kitchen staple, whether you’re sipping it straight, using it as a base for soups, or adding depth to dishes like risotto and gravy.


History and Origin of the Recipe

The history of bone broth is as rich as the broth itself, tracing back thousands of years to nearly every culture on Earth. Long before the modern era of boxed stocks and bouillons, people recognized the value of simmering bones to create nourishing broths.

Ancient Beginnings

In ancient China, bone broths were seen as medicinal. They were often consumed as tonics to boost vitality, aid digestion, and support joint health. In Europe, stock-making became the foundation of classic French cuisine, where broths formed the base of sauces, soups, and stews.

Across the Globe

In Jewish cuisine, chicken soup—a form of bone broth—is lovingly referred to as “Jewish penicillin,” celebrated for its ability to comfort the soul and soothe ailments. Vietnamese pho relies on a long-simmered broth enriched with spices like cinnamon and star anise. Similarly, Mexican caldo de pollo uses bone broth flavored with lime, chili, and cilantro for a zesty twist.

Homemade Chicken Bone Broth

Modern Renaissance

In recent years, bone broth has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Fueled by wellness trends like Paleo and keto diets, it’s now recognized for its collagen content and gut-healing properties. Yet, its appeal goes beyond health—it’s about flavor, tradition, and the satisfaction of making something from scratch.


Personal History with the Recipe

I didn’t grow up calling it “bone broth.” In my family, it was simply “chicken soup base.” My grandmother always had a pot of it simmering on her stove, filling the house with a comforting aroma that made even a gray day feel warm. She’d save every chicken carcass, turning what many might consider scraps into liquid gold.

The first time I made bone broth on my own, it was an experiment. I’d roasted a chicken the night before, and the leftover bones looked too good to throw away. I found some wilting celery and carrots in the fridge, added a couple of garlic cloves, and let it all simmer for hours.

Homemade Chicken Bone Broth

When I tasted it, I was amazed. The flavor was rich, complex, and far beyond what I’d ever gotten from a store-bought broth. Since then, bone broth has become a ritual in my kitchen. It’s my go-to remedy when I’m feeling under the weather, my secret weapon for adding depth to recipes, and even a comforting drink to enjoy on a chilly evening.


Bone broth takes on countless forms across cultures, each adding its unique spin to this timeless recipe.

1. Asian-Style Bone Broth

  • Includes ginger, scallions, and star anise for a fragrant, warming broth.
  • Used as the base for soups like ramen and wonton soup.

2. Mexican Caldo de Pollo

  • Adds lime juice, cilantro, and chili peppers for a bright, zesty flavor.
  • Often served as a complete soup with chicken pieces and vegetables.

3. Mediterranean Broth

  • Incorporates rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a herbaceous touch.
  • Pairs beautifully with dishes like stews, risottos, and braises.

4. Indian-Inspired Broth

  • Features turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves for a warm, spiced profile.
  • Used in curries and lentil-based dishes for added richness.

5. Jewish Chicken Soup

  • Enhanced with dill and parsley for a lighter, aromatic broth.
  • A traditional comfort food often served with matzo balls.

Why the Recipe is Worth Making

Here’s why making chicken bone broth should be on your to-do list:

  1. Incredible Flavor: Homemade broth has a depth and richness that store-bought versions can’t replicate.
  2. Health Benefits: Packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals, bone broth supports joint health, gut healing, and immunity.
  3. Sustainability: It’s an eco-friendly way to reduce waste by using leftover bones and veggie scraps.
  4. Versatility: Use it as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, or sip it straight for a nourishing drink.
  5. Cost-Effective: Making your own broth is far cheaper than buying pre-made versions.

Ingredients

Core Ingredients:

  • 2-3 pounds chicken bones (carcass, wings, drumsticks, or feet)
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 12 cups water

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Fresh parsley stems
  • A pinch of turmeric for color
  • A slice of ginger for added warmth

Tools to Make It

  • Large stockpot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot
  • Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Ladle for transferring broth
  • Storage containers or freezer-safe jars

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

  • If using raw bones, roast them at 400°F for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

2. Combine in Pot

  • Place the bones, vegetables, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns in your pot or slow cooker.

3. Add Water and Vinegar

  • Add water until the bones are fully submerged. Stir in apple cider vinegar and let it sit for 20 minutes to extract nutrients.

4. Simmer Low and Slow

  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 12-24 hours (or 2-4 hours in an Instant Pot).

5. Strain and Cool

  • Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Let it cool, then refrigerate or freeze.

Tips and Best Practices

  • Skim the Foam: Remove impurities during the first 30 minutes of simmering for a clearer broth.
  • Use Chicken Feet: They’re rich in collagen, giving the broth a thicker, gelatinous texture.
  • Flavor Boost: Add herbs like parsley or thyme in the last hour of cooking for a fresh finish.

Personal Experience to Improve the Recipe

I’ve learned to portion the broth into ice cube trays for easy use in recipes. It’s a game-changer when you need just a bit of broth for sautéing vegetables or enhancing sauces.


Tips for Variations, Substitutions, and Modifications

  • Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable scraps and mushrooms for a plant-based broth.
  • Spicy Version: Add a dried chili or ginger for a warming kick.
  • Herb-Forward: Include rosemary, thyme, or dill for an aromatic twist.

General Questions About the Recipe

Can I Freeze Bone Broth?

Yes! Freeze it in portions using jars or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.

How Long Does It Keep in the Fridge?

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Can I Reuse Bones?

Yes, but the second batch will have a milder flavor and fewer nutrients.


Nutrition Info

Per Cup:

  • Calories: ~50
  • Protein: 6g
  • Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g

Homemade chicken bone broth is a labor of love that pays dividends in flavor, health benefits, and versatility. Whether you’re sipping it to warm your soul or using it to elevate your cooking, this recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your kitchen routine. Give it a try, and enjoy the magic of turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary!

Keep Up to Date with the Most Important News

By pressing the Subscribe button, you confirm that you have read and are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Add a comment Add a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Post
Mississippi Chicken

Mississippi Chicken: A Tangy, Savory, and Simple Family Favorite

Next Post
Our 10 Most Liked Chicken Recipes

Our 10 Most Liked Chicken Recipes