Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 lbs chicken bones (carcass, wings, necks, or feet for extra collagen)
- 12 cups water
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract nutrients from bones)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
Optional Additions
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (for anti-inflammatory benefits)
- 1-inch piece of turmeric (for added nutrients)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the bones
- If using raw bones, roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- If using a leftover chicken carcass, remove excess meat but keep skin, cartilage, and any small bones.
- Combine ingredients
- Place chicken bones in a large pot, slow cooker, or Instant Pot.
- Add water, apple cider vinegar, and chopped vegetables.
- Bring to a boil
- Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top.
- Simmer slowly
- Stovetop: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 12-24 hours.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 12-24 hours.
- Instant Pot: Use the “Soup” function and pressure cook for 4 hours.
- Strain the broth
- Remove large bones and vegetables using tongs or a slotted spoon.
- Pour broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl or large container.
- Cool and store
- Let the broth cool slightly before transferring it into glass jars or storage containers.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
Notes
- For a more gelatinous broth, use chicken feet, wings, and necks, as they contain high amounts of collagen.
- If your broth tastes too bland, add salt, lemon juice, or fresh herbs before serving.
- To remove excess fat, refrigerate the broth overnight and skim off the hardened fat layer before reheating.
- Freeze broth in ice cube trays for easy portioning and quick use in recipes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-24 hours
- Category: Soups & Broths
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Global
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 50-70 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200-400mg (varies based on salt added)
- Fat: 2-4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1-2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1-2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5-10g
- Cholesterol: 10-15mg