How to Make Chicken Bone Broth

Chicken bone broth is one of those simple, old-school kitchen basics that is well worth making at home.

It is made by slowly simmering chicken bones in water, usually with a little salt, vinegar and optional vegetables or herbs, until you end up with a rich, savoury broth.

You can drink it on its own, use it as a base for soups, add it to sauces and gravies, or use it to cook rice, stews and casseroles.

If you have chicken carcass bones, a slow cooker and a bit of patience, chicken bone broth is very easy to make.

What Is Chicken Bone Broth?

Chicken bone broth is a savoury liquid made by slowly cooking chicken bones in water.

The long cooking time helps draw flavour, gelatin and nutrients from the bones, cartilage, skin and connective tissue.

Bone broth is similar to chicken stock, and the two terms are often used in similar ways. The main difference is that bone broth is usually cooked for longer, giving it a richer texture and deeper flavour.

What Is Broth?

A broth is a savoury liquid made by cooking bones, meat, fish or vegetables slowly in water.

It can be eaten on its own, or used as an ingredient in soups, gravies, sauces, stews and other dishes.

Broth is not quite the same thing as soup, although it can be used to make soup. Think of it as the base that gives other dishes flavour.

Is Chicken Bone Broth Good for You?

Chicken bone broth can be a useful, nourishing addition to your diet.

It contains protein, minerals and gelatine, especially when made with bones, cartilage, skin and connective tissue. The exact nutritional content will depend on the bones used, how long it is cooked for, and what else you add.

Chicken bone broth is also easy to drink and can be useful when you want something warm, savoury and gentle.

That said, bone broth is not magic. It will not fix every health problem on its own, and it should be seen as part of a balanced diet rather than a miracle cure.

What Are the Benefits of Chicken Bone Broth?

Chicken bone broth is popular because it is:

• warm and comforting
• easy to digest for many people
• a useful base for soups, stews and sauces
• a good way to use chicken bones properly
• rich in savoury flavour
• a source of gelatin when cooked for long enough

When cooled, a good bone broth may set slightly like jelly. That is usually a sign that gelatin has been extracted from the bones and connective tissue.

Chicken Bone Broth Ingredients

• 1kg chicken carcass bones
• 2 litres filtered water
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 heaped tsp sea salt

Optional Extras

You can keep chicken bone broth very simple, or add extra ingredients for more flavour.

Good optional extras include:

• onion
• carrot
• celery
• garlic
• bay leaves
• black peppercorns
• parsley stalks
• thyme

If you want a clean, simple broth, stick with bones, water, vinegar and salt. If you want more of a soup or stock-style flavour, add vegetables and herbs.

How to Make Chicken Bone Broth

1. Place the chicken carcass bones into a large slow cooker.
2. Add the filtered water, apple cider vinegar and sea salt.
3. Add any optional vegetables, herbs or spices if using.
4. Cook on high for around 12 hours.
5. Carefully strain out the bones and solids.
6. Pour the broth into clean containers.
7. Allow to cool, then refrigerate or freeze.

How Long Should You Cook Chicken Bone Broth?

Chicken bone broth is best cooked for around 10 to 12 hours.

This gives the bones enough time to release flavour and gelatin into the liquid.

You can cook it for longer if you prefer a deeper flavour, but 12 hours in a slow cooker is a good, practical method for most home kitchens.

Can You Make Chicken Bone Broth in a Slow Cooker?

Yes, a slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to make chicken bone broth.

You can add everything to the slow cooker, leave it cooking, then strain it when finished.

It is much easier than keeping a pan on the hob for hours, and it gives you a steady, gentle cook.

Can You Make Chicken Bone Broth on the Hob?

Yes, you can make chicken bone broth on the hob.

Add the bones, water, vinegar and salt to a large pan, bring gently to a simmer, then cook very gently for 10 to 12 hours.

Do not boil it hard. A gentle simmer is better for a clearer, cleaner-tasting broth.

Why Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Bone Broth?

Apple cider vinegar adds a little acidity to the broth.

Many people use vinegar because it may help draw minerals and goodness from the bones during the long cooking process.

You do not need much. Two tablespoons in a large slow cooker is enough, and it should not make the final broth taste vinegary.

Do You Put Chicken Skin in Bone Broth?

You can put chicken skin in bone broth if you want to.

Chicken skin can add flavour and help create a richer broth, but it will also add more fat. Once the broth has cooled, the fat will usually rise to the top and set, so you can skim it off if you prefer.

If you want a lighter broth, use mostly bones and carcasses. If you want a richer broth, include some skin and connective tissue.

Should Bone Broth Set Like Jelly?

Chicken bone broth may set like jelly when chilled, especially if it has extracted plenty of gelatin.

This is completely normal.

Once warmed, it will turn back into liquid. If your broth does not set, it does not mean it has failed. It may just have used more water, fewer connective tissues, or a shorter cooking time.

How to Store Chicken Bone Broth

Once the broth is cooked, strain it and cool it as quickly as possible.

Store it in clean containers in the fridge or freezer.

Chicken bone broth will usually keep in the fridge for around 3 to 4 days. If you will not use it within that time, freeze it in portions.

Ice cube trays, small tubs and freezer bags all work well, depending on how you plan to use it.

Can You Freeze Chicken Bone Broth?

Yes, chicken bone broth freezes very well.

Freezing it in smaller portions makes it easier to use later. You can freeze larger tubs for soup, or smaller portions for sauces, gravies and cooking.

Label each container with the date before freezing.

How to Use Chicken Bone Broth

Chicken bone broth can be used in lots of ways.

Try it:

• warmed in a mug
• as a base for chicken soup
• in gravy
• in sauces
• in risotto
• to cook rice
• in stews and casseroles
• as a base for ramen-style noodle bowls

Tips for Better Chicken Bone Broth

• Use chicken carcass bones for good flavour and value.
• Add vinegar, but do not overdo it.
• Cook low and slow for the best result.
• Add vegetables and herbs if you want more flavour.
• Strain carefully before storing.
• Cool quickly before putting it in the fridge.
• Freeze in portions if you will not use it within a few days.

Final Thoughts

Chicken bone broth is simple, useful and surprisingly satisfying to make.

Add chicken carcass bones, water, apple cider vinegar and salt to a slow cooker, cook for around 12 hours, then strain and store.

You end up with a rich, savoury broth that can be drunk on its own or used as the base for soups, sauces, gravies and proper home-cooked meals.

FAQs

How do you make chicken bone broth?

Place chicken carcass bones in a slow cooker with water, apple cider vinegar and salt. Cook for around 12 hours, then strain and store the broth.

How long should chicken bone broth cook?

Chicken bone broth is usually cooked for around 10 to 12 hours. A longer cook can give a deeper flavour.

Can you make chicken bone broth in a slow cooker?

Yes, a slow cooker is one of the easiest ways to make chicken bone broth because it gives steady, gentle heat over several hours.

Do you need apple cider vinegar for bone broth?

You do not absolutely need it, but a little apple cider vinegar adds acidity and may help draw goodness from the bones during cooking.

Can you put chicken skin in bone broth?

Yes, chicken skin can be added. It gives a richer broth but will also add more fat, which can be skimmed off after chilling if preferred.

Why has my chicken bone broth turned to jelly?

This is usually from gelatin extracted from the bones and connective tissue. It will turn back into liquid when reheated.

How long does chicken bone broth last in the fridge?

Chicken bone broth usually keeps in the fridge for around 3 to 4 days. Freeze it if you will not use it within that time.

Can you freeze chicken bone broth?

Yes, chicken bone broth freezes well. Freeze it in small portions so it is easy to use later.