Chicken bone broth is a culinary staple revered for its simplicity and nutritional benefits. This recipe transforms leftover chicken carcasses, often discarded as waste, into a nutrient-rich broth that serves as a cornerstone for countless dishes.
Bone broth is more than a flavorful liquid. It’s a powerhouse of essential nutrients, brimming with collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support overall wellness. Its hydrating and healing properties make it particularly comforting during bouts of colds or the flu. A warm cup of bone broth soothes sore throats, alleviates nasal congestion, and restores energy.
Beyond its immediate benefits, bone broth has remarkable gut-healing properties. It fortifies the intestinal lining, promotes healthy digestion, and reduces inflammation. Whether you’re recovering from illness or seeking a wholesome addition to your diet, this recipe is an invaluable guide to making your own bone broth at home.
Optional Flavor Enhancement
For those who crave a richer, more robust flavor, roasting the vegetables before adding them to the broth is an excellent step. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in vegetables, intensifying their sweetness and creating a smoky depth of flavor.
Arrange halved onions, chopped carrots, and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet and roast them at 400°F for about an hour. The result is a medley of vegetables with golden, slightly charred edges that will imbue your broth with unparalleled richness.
However, if you’re short on time, this step can be omitted without compromising the overall quality of the broth. While the roasted version boasts a more complex flavor, the unroasted alternative still delivers a satisfying, savory result. The choice depends on your schedule and flavor preferences.
Ingredients List
To craft the perfect bone broth from chicken, you’ll need the following:
- 1 chicken carcass (e.g., from a leftover roasted chicken)
- 3 quarts cold water
- 1 onion, halved
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 10 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- 10 sprigs fresh thyme
- 5 celery stalks, including leaves and ribs
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
These simple yet essential ingredients create a harmonious balance of flavor and nutrients.
How to Make Chicken Bone Broth Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Follow these detailed steps to create your chicken bone broth:
- Prepare the Base: Place the chicken carcass in a large stockpot and add 3 quarts of cold water. Bring the water to a boil and promptly lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Roast the Vegetables (Optional): Arrange the onion halves, chopped carrots, and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven at 400°F for one hour until golden and slightly caramelized.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the roasted (or unroasted) vegetables to the simmering pot. Next, include the parsley, thyme sprigs, celery stalks, bay leaves, and apple cider vinegar.
- Simmer Slowly: Cover the pot and allow the ingredients to simmer gently for about two hours. This slow process extracts the nutrients and flavors, creating a rich, golden broth.
- Cool and Strain: Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve, discarding solids to leave behind a smooth, nutrient-dense liquid.
- Preserve the Broth: Pour the strained broth into quart-sized mason jars, filling each with 3 cups of liquid and leaving space for expansion. Secure the seal tightly and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
This process yields a velvety, nutrient-rich broth that can be used immediately or stored for future culinary endeavors.
Recipe Timing and Equipment
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Essential Equipment:
- A large stockpot to accommodate the ingredients and water.
- A baking sheet for roasting vegetables (optional).
- Quart mason jars are used to store and freeze the broth.
With just a few basic tools and a bit of patience, you’ll have a broth that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful.
Additional Recipe Notes
Apple cider vinegar plays a crucial role in this recipe. Its acidity helps draw out minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium from the chicken bones, enriching the broth with essential nutrients. Despite its importance, the vinegar’s flavor remains undetectable in the final product, allowing the broth’s natural flavors to shine.
Leaving the garlic unpeeled is another small but impactful detail. The garlic infuses the broth with its delicate essence without overpowering the other ingredients.
Suggested Uses for the Broth
Chicken bone broth is an incredibly versatile ingredient. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your meals:
- Soups and Stews: Use it as the base for classic chicken soup, creamy bisques, or hearty stews.
- Sauces and Gravies: Enhance the depth of gravies and sauces by substituting water with broth.
- As a Beverage: Enjoy it warm in a mug, seasoned with herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of cayenne.
For those following a paleo diet, bone broth pairs perfectly with dishes like zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, or paleo-friendly soups.
Storing and Preserving Your Chicken Bone Broth
Proper storage ensures your broth stays fresh and safe for extended use.
- Refrigeration: Store broth in an airtight container for up to five days.
- Freezing: Divide the broth into portions and freeze in mason jars or silicone trays for easy access.
- Labeling: Clearly mark the date on each container to keep track of freshness.
These practices help you make the most of your effort and enjoy the broth whenever needed.
Creative Uses for Chicken Bone Broth
Think beyond chicken soup and explore these creative ways to use bone broth:
- Transform Soups and Stews: Replace water in recipes for added richness.
- Enhance Rice and Grains: Cook rice, quinoa, or farro in broth for a flavorful upgrade.
- Wellness Drink: Warm a cup of broth for a soothing, nutrient-packed drink.
Its versatility ensures that bone broth can elevate almost any dish, whether savory or soothing.
FAQs
Which bones are best for chicken broth?
Chicken carcasses, wings, and feet are ideal due to their high collagen content.
What not to add to bone broth?
Avoid cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or cabbage, as they can impart a bitter taste.
Is it good to drink chicken bone broth every day?
Yes, daily consumption supports gut health, joint flexibility, and overall wellness.
Should I drink bone broth in the morning or at night?
Both times are beneficial—mornings for digestion and nights for relaxation.
Conclusion
Chicken bone broth is a culinary gem that combines simplicity with profound health benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and endlessly rewarding. Experiment with roasting, herbs, and storage methods to tailor it to your needs.
From its ability to nourish and heal to its versatility in cooking, homemade chicken bone broth is an indispensable addition to your kitchen arsenal. Take the time to craft it, and you’ll have a timeless ingredient that enhances every meal.