chicken bone broth recipe slow cooker
The Best chicken bone broth recipe slow cooker
Chicken bone broth is one of those simple, everyday recipes that feels like a lifesaver when you need something comforting and nourishing. There’s something about simmering bones in water for hours that makes the flavors deepen into something rich and satisfying—no fancy ingredients required. I started making it years ago when my kids were growing up and we’d get home from school hungry, but nothing was available. A pot of broth was always there, filling our freezer for days, and it became a go-to for soups, stews, and even just a warm drink when we needed something gentle on our throats. My husband and the kids would always ask for seconds, and honestly, it’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s not just food; it’s a way to slow down and enjoy something that’s deeply nourishing.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in after a long week or a special family dinner where everyone gathers around the table. The slow cooker makes it effortless, letting the flavors meld over time without any fuss. My kids love it because it’s easy to eat, and my husband appreciates how it’s packed with collagen and minerals that keep us feeling full and energized. I also love that it’s so versatile—we use it in everything from marinades for grilled chicken to soups and even as a base for sauces. The health benefits are real too. Bone broth is rich in amino acids like glycine and glutamine, which support gut health, and it’s loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus that help with everything from joint health to immune function. It’s a simple way to eat better without thinking twice. Plus, it’s so easy to make in bulk that you always have something ready when you need it.
Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth
A rich, flavorful bone broth made with chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs, perfect for soups, stews, or cooking grains. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.
🥘Ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken bones (back, neck, or feet)
- 4 cups water
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 4 carrots, roughly chopped
- 4 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 3 bay leaves
- 10 whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 cup chicken feet (for extra gelatin)
- 1 cup vegetable scraps (peels, stems)
- 1 onion skin (for color)
- 1 bay leaf (extra)
👨🍳Directions
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1 In a large pot, combine chicken bones, water, chopped onion, carrots, celery, bay leaves, peppercorns, salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a boil over high heat.
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2 Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour. Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface.
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3 Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 6 hours. Stir occasionally if using HIGH setting.
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4 After cooking, remove the chicken bones and any remaining vegetables. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean container, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
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5 Discard the solids and return the broth to the slow cooker. If you used optional ingredients like chicken feet, let the broth cool slightly and skim off any excess fat before storing.
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6 Store the broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
🔧Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Large pot (for initial boiling)
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth Works
This slow cooker chicken bone broth recipe is always a lifesaver, especially when you need something hearty and easy to make for family gatherings. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a flavorful base for soups, stews, or even just a simple bowl of broth to soak down into. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken bones and bones from other meals, saving you money and cutting down on waste.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth
How long should I cook chicken bone broth in the slow cooker for the best flavor and nutrients?
For the best flavor and nutrient extraction, cook the chicken bone broth in the slow cooker on Low for 8–12 hours or High for 4–6 hours. Longer cooking times (up to 24 hours) deepen the flavor and extract more collagen and minerals, but start with 8–12 hours for optimal results.
What type of chicken bones should I use for the best broth?
Use a mix of chicken carcasses (with skin and bones), chicken feet (for extra gelatin), and/or whole chicken bones (with marrow). Avoid just using boneless chicken—bones contain collagen, which makes the broth thicker and richer. If using whole chickens, remove meat before adding bones to the slow cooker.
Do I need to add any seasonings or herbs to enhance the broth?
While the bones themselves provide great flavor, you can enhance the broth with optional ingredients like bay leaves, garlic, onion, black peppercorns, celery, carrots, or fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley). A pinch of salt (if needed) and a splash of apple cider vinegar (to help extract minerals) can also improve taste.
Should I strain the broth before or after cooking?
For the smoothest broth, strain it after cooking—this removes any fine particles or meat bits that may have dissolved. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave it unstrained. Just make sure to skim off any excess fat that rises to the top before serving.
Can I make chicken bone broth in the slow cooker without a pressure cooker?
Yes! Slow cookers work perfectly for bone broth—just follow the same method as above. Just ensure the broth doesn’t boil vigorously (which can cause it to foam or spatter). If you’re concerned about the broth boiling too much, you can partially cover it with a lid or use a small amount of water to create steam.
