Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
Bone broth is one of the most healing foods you can consume, including popular chicken bone broth. Rich in nutrients like collagen, gelatin and glycine, chicken bone broth can help to protect and heal your gut lining, boost skin health and improve joint function. (1, 2, 3)
Are the benefits of chicken bone broth from your local grocery store the same? For starters, you have no idea exactly how that broth was made. One of the keys to a health-boosting bone broth is the long cooking time (at least 24 hours), because this infuses it with all of the beneficial nutrients. Another problem with many store-bought broths and stocks is their inclusion of some of the worst ingredients and chemicals around — like MSG.
To reap the awesome benefits of chicken broth, you should try this easy-to-make healing recipe for your digestive system and more today!
What Is the Difference Between Bone Broth and Stock?
Chicken bone broth and chicken stock … Are they just two different names for the same thing? Broth, bone broth and stock are similar yet notably different. Broth is typically created using meat, vegetables and herbs. Stock includes vegetables and herbs too, but it also includes animal bones which often have meat attached. While broth is only cooked for 45 minutes to two hours, stock is usually cooked for at least four to six hours.
So what is the difference between bone broth and stock? Bone broth and stock are basically the same, but the cooking time is what differentiates the two. Bone broth takes the upmost claim to flavor and nutrition fame with the inclusion of bones like stock, but it gets cooked for a much longer period of time — typically 24 hours at the least (and often significantly longer). (4)
There’s nothing like homemade chicken bone broth, but if you don’t have the time to make it, there are high-quality protein powders made from chicken bone broth on the market today so you don’t have to miss out on chicken bone broth health benefits.
Which Is Better: Chicken Bone Broth or Beef Bone Broth?
Let’s start off by saying choosing beef bone broth vs. chicken broth is often a matter of personal preference. Some people just prefer the taste of one meat broth over another. Chicken bone broth is often described as having a lighter flavor, while beef bone broth has a richer taste.
The health benefits of beef and chicken bone broth are very similar. Both bone broths are easy for the body to digest and soothing to the digestive system. They’re also both consumed by many people to boost skin and joint health. Either broth can be used on a bone broth fast.
It can be advantageous to cook beef bone broth on the longer side of the 24 to 48 hour spectrum since beef bones are thicker than chicken bones. In general, I don’t recommend beef or chicken bone broth instant pot recipes because they’re cooked at a higher temperature for less time.
Recipe Nutrition Facts
The exact nutrition content of this chicken bone broth recipe will vary depending on a number of factors, including the exact ingredients used, the length of cooking time and how much fat is skimmed off the top. In general, chicken bone broth nutrition is low in calories, fat and carbs, which makes sense because the chicken parts and vegetables are all removed at the end. In terms of sodium: you are in control of how much salt you put in it, but for this recipe, I recommend about a teaspoon of high-quality pink Himalayan sea salt.
There are several variations on making chicken broth (including instant pot chicken bone broth, chicken feet bone broth or a whole chicken bone broth recipe). As I indicate in this recipe, you can use various chicken parts, or you can use an entire chicken. Either way, I would not reduce the cooking time.
How to Make Chicken Bone Broth
How do you make stock from chicken bones? It’s really not hard at all! This chicken bone broth slow cooker recipe basically entails putting all of the ingredients into the pot and letting it cook for hours. How to make chicken broth from bones is really that easy.
By opting for organic ingredients, you can easily make this an organic chicken bone broth. I especially recommend buying organic free-range chicken to avoid hormones and antibiotics.
Your final product can be sipped on as a delicious chicken bone broth soup, or you can add it to all kinds of other recipes from soups and stews to meat and veggies and more!
Start by grabbing and preparing all of the necessary ingredients.
Then place all ingredients in a 10-quart capacity slow cooker. You can start with the chicken.
Add in the veggies.
Add the water.
Simmer for 24–48 hours, skimming fat occasionally. This low and long cooking time increases the chicken bone broth benefits as there is lots of time for the ingredients to release their goodness into the broth.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Discard solids.
Strain remainder in a bowl through a colander.
Discard any small bits that remain in the colander.
Let broth cool to room temperature, cover and chill.
Use your chicken bone broth within a week or freeze up to three months.
Total Time
48 hours
Serves
Varies
Meal Type
Beverages,
Gluten-Free,
Gut-Friendly,
Paleo,
Side Dishes & Soups,
Soups & Slow Cooker
Diet Type
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds chicken necks/feet/wings
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 medium onions, peel on, sliced in half lengthwise and quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, peel on and smashed
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 5–6 sprigs parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 18–20 cups cold water
Directions:
- Place all ingredients in a 10-quart capacity slow cooker.
- Add in water.
- Simmer for 24–48 hours, skimming fat occasionally.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Discard solids and strain remainder in a bowl through a colander. Let stock cool to room temperature, cover and chill.
- Use within a week or freeze up to three months.
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126 Comments
Does bone broth made in a pressure cooker have the same benefits as that made in a crock pot?
Same question as I don’t have a crock pot but I do have a pressure cooker?????
You definitely can make bone broth in a pressure cooker..just look up a recipe with good reviews that uses a pressure cooker. If you don’t use proper cook times, you risk overlooking and losing the nutritional values of the broth.
I have done it both ways and I find 36 hour summer has way more depth and flavor. And I toss in a couple of chicken feet to add collagen
WHERE do you get the chicken feet? For those of us living in the city, it’s not so easy to find.
what is ACV?
apple cider vinegar
Susan
Asian/Ethnic markets for chicken feet
I use an instant pot to roast the raw bones for flavor 1st for about 20 minutes depending on weight and quantity. Then I switch over, add any veggies, add the giblets, add water and 1 tablespoon of ACV (if I remember), set for the iPot max of 120 minutes, put on 1 hour delay for ACV to work. When finished, I will let it sit on warm for 6 hours. Often, I will switch it over to slow cook for 12 – 24 hours without even opening it. This long-cooked bone broth does not gel. When you cook the bones for a long period, you achieve the same effect as the hydrolyzed collagen you can buy: The interaction with high temperature water for a long time breaks down the collagen into its elements.
If I just add enough water to cover the bones & veggies, and just use the 120 minutes, I get a beautifully gelled broth that we often eat with a spoon cold for breakfast. My oldest son discovered it when he was about 5 when I was cutting up cold chicken. He called it chicken jelly and to this day & the name stuck. Sometimes, I put all of the strained parts back in with more water and slow cook them. This broth is not as flavorful but I know that all of the goodness was extracted.
Another tip: When you have the occasion to cook lots of chicken legs and/or wings, keep the the bones. I make batches of a dozen or so in the oven for for quick lunches during the week. We save the bones and at the end of the week any uneaten legs and the bones go in the instant pot. I am sure the high heat kills any germs, but still don’t do it if anyone has a cold. It makes the best gelatin. I did not know why until reading Dr. Axe’s bone broth thread discussion about knee bones containing more collagen. Maybe the leg broth is so good because part of the joint is still attached to the leg bone.
My settings are low and high. Assuming Low is the equivalent of simmer?
Really educational.
Thanks!
I have put my chicken first in the oven to brown then into the slow cooker. Make a real full bodied broth.
I accidentally rated this low and can’t seem to undo it.. Oops..
i just happened onto your site, and literally have spent the ENTIRE day reading & downloading information and recipes, and watching the quick videos. I’d like to make a suggestion on your videos… please add the name to the final scene, too, as by the time i’ve watched the video, i’ve forgotten the name of the recipe i’m watching!
Can you to the bone broth protein as a detox and follow the same instructions.
Dr.Axe, why not chicken legs, or thighs?
What is 3T ACV?dont own a crock pot.
Apple Cider Vinegar I think
ACV is Apple Cider Vinegar. I
3 tabllespoons of apple cider vinegar?
That’s the only thing I would recognize as belonging in this recipe with those initials. :))
Apple cider vinegar
I’m so grateful for you sharing all your fabulous informative
knowledge.Thankyou so much.
We can never have too much
healthy food advice ❤️
How can you lesve something to cook for 24 to 48 hours and go to sleep. Is it okay to turn it off at bedtime?
I turn off mine when I go to sleep and continue boiling it when I get up, all in all about 36-40 hours.. it should be ok I guess haha
Lol…I was thinking the same thing and wondered to myself how am I suppose to stay up for that long…Mona we are definitely on the same page
No- in a crock pot it is fine.
A crock pot (or slow cooker)makes it possible to leave it cooking for those long periods , unattended.
Can any vinegar be substituted for apple cider vinegar. Is apple cider vinegar really necessary and if so why ? Couldn’t any sort of vinegar be used??
I understand that apple cider vinegar has many positive heath effects when taken raw or just straight from the bottle. Apple cider vinegar is healthy but cooking so long like this …
I mean doesn’t cooking it so long destroy the healthy components of the apple cider vinegar? I actually make my bone broth with A pressure cooker and cook it for about 1.5 to two hours straight , under pressure that is.
In this situation, the apple cider vinegar is used to help draw out the nutrients from the bones. in a sense, it softens the bones.
can you use just wings? Also,can you add chicken livers? { for chicken bone broth?}
I was reading your recipe and just wondered. Is beef bone broth better than chicken, or are they the same?
How many does this recipe serve I’m trying to input on my fitness pal because I’m watching my weight.
I do not add salt until the bones have seen removed. It is my understanding that salt can leach out toxins into the broth.
I also use chicken heads, turkey and chicken feet. I cook on stove top for at least 24 hours. Broth is much thicker than when I use crock pot. The Instant Pot broth was very thin.
This has healed problems I have had for years.
What is ACC in the chicken bone broth soup?🤔
Apple cider vinegar
Can I buy Bone Broth in a store? Where can I buy salmon from Alaska. The most popular salmon selling in my city is Atlantic salmon.
Thanks for making your font so large and readable! It really helps my aging eyes!
i have an overactive thyroid since last year june its now in a normal range and this info is life saving …in the process of following through with the bone broth…thankyou
What do you do with the discarded solids? I dont want to waste it.
Guess a compost bin if you don’t mind the chicken bones in your garden. If not try a vita mix on the bones while they are soft. Legs bones get so soft after a few hr. that I take scissors & cut ends off & crack the center bones.
what is ACV?
Sonya, ACV is Apple Cider Vinegar.
apple cider vinegar. Funny you should ask! i was JUST at the store buying ingedients for this recipe and, as I was looking at the ingredient list, had the same question. Google…ya know.
Can this be done in a slow cooker?
A slow cooker is the same thing as a crock pot, so yep! 😊
Thanks I make my own, once a week. I would like a way to make bigger batches and store them, how to store it other then freezing would be great.
Dr. Axe:
Please make small packages of bone broth to take with us when we travel.
If your want a way to store it long term without freezing buy yourself a pressure canner
And you can bottle it in jars with metal lids or Mason jars. I brought one to New Zealand and it is such a great item to own. You just add the broth to jars once it is ready and process it.
everybody tells you how to make bone broth . they show it as real thick. do they then heat it and drink it
I have Sibo and I am sure I have leaky gut, started out with h-pylori got c-diff from all the antibiotics had a fecal implant still not well was tested for sibo last summer tested positive and still seem to have it. Recently I went on a 17 day elemental fast but when I came off the fast I am still sick.
I am taking your bone broth along with collagen, that really doesn’t upset my stomach also am using Dr. Gundry’s greens and vital reds, was using his prebiotic but read that prebiotics and probiotics were not good for someone with Sibo, whether it is good or bad bacteria it is still a problem. I would appreciate any recommendations. I just turned 73 this has been going on for 4 years don’t know how much longer I can do this.
I hate to throw food away. Can we immersion blend the vegetables after cooking and still get the bone broth benefits?
I hate to throw away food too, but after the veggies have cooked this much, there is basically no nutrients left in them, it’s all in the liquid. One thing I like to do too is keep a gallon freezer bag in my freezer that I throw odds and ends into-chicken bones, vegetable peelings (if cleaned well), ends of celery stalks, ends of other veggies I cut up… so when I DO make the broth, I’m mostly using the parts that may have gone into the trash in a different day!
How I make mine broth is I go to sprouts market & get a organic rotisserie chicken if you don’t care if organic get a bigger chicken from Sam’s or Costco. Then debone it everything but meat goes in pot, after a few hr. I take the big wing & leg bones out & cut end or knuckles off {bone gets soft so I use scissors] then break open the middle section. I like a little kick with mine so I chop a jalapeno pepper with seeds, & crushed red pepper. Also I use dehydrated onions, celery I don’t like the white bottoms so I cut a couple inches off bottom & also use the leafy hart. Someone wanted where to get chicken feet, I think I have seen at mexican & oriental markets. I have a large cup every morning 12/18 oz & yes when I heat it up I add a couple dashes of crystal hot sauce yes I like a little heat with mine.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENT IT DEFINATELY HELPED ME OUT.
Anyone happen to know the macros of this broth?
My slow cooker has simmer, low and high. Which one should I use? Thank you.
Hi Rita, the simmer setting should work well.
I have collagen powder can I capsule it and take it that way? Would I get the same benefits?
I’ve used the Instant Pot to make bone broth and it comes out great. The temperatures between an IP and a slow cooker aren’t that different. I started using it to make bone broth for my dog, so no carrots, onions or garlic, did it on high pressure for 2.5 hours and it came the same as when I did it in a slow cooker for longer. It even turned to gelatin after removing fat and refrigerating. I don’t like leaving appliances on when I’m not home, and I’m not home 24 to 48 hours straight. So I’ll continue doing my bone broth in my instant pot.
Can this bone broth be maid in a pressure cooker with the same flavor and benefits?
Suggestion- It would be helpful if you (or a staff person at least) took time to answer questions. Without information asked in many of these questions I am sure people are unable to make your bone broth… or are just turned off and go away. That would be a shame since you provide a lot of valuable info.
I would like to know if you treat hypothyroidism the same as hyperthyroidism naturally?
Can I make bone broth in the Instant Pot vs regular Crock-Pot? Will it contain the same nutrition?
The article stated no. Perhaps someone has a crockPot that you may borrow for a couple of days.
You are wonderful and knowledgeable doctor. I have arthritis problem. so i am following the diet whatever you said.Thank you very much. Hopefully i ‘ll get the good result.
I also add coriander seeds to my cooking broth, as well as turmeric to my own cup for added benefit! Delicious and amazing for health!
Are there any recipes using the bone broth powder. I tried mixing it in a smoothie, but the taste is still hard to take. Can i add it to stews or cooked veggies, like kale or collards.
I made it several times and really it is fabulous, i put also Kombu(seaweed) in it.
Sometimes i eat the vegetables also. Is this good or i have to remove them.
Thank you for tyhe advice
Can I add water as much as I want?
Hi, I suffer with IBS and low fodmaps as well as dv flare ups. The broth sounds great except, onions, celery and garlic are huge no-no’s. Can I substitute? Eg swap onions for green tips of spring onions? Or use a little garlic infused oil? Any info would be much appreciated, thanks
Waddup, I have come across a Youtube video on bone broth powder by Frank Tortorici in which he says that beef bone broth would contain collagen-types that would merely benefit skin, hair & nails & that chicken bone broth would develop tissues, muscles & so on.
I have also found articles on studies that claim that keto-diet seemed to have caused mineral-loss on the developing skeleton of children.
What’s the truth?
By the way, I have read that black pepper which contains pipin would have a synergenic effect with turmeric & serve as antioxidant to it.
Hi Dr. Axe, How would I freeze the bone broth?
I’m really confused
If I cook the chicken bone broth using a pressure cooker which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, will there be less nutrition and benefit than cooking it at a low pressure for 24/48hrs? Meaning a pressure cooker is less effective at extracting nutrients from the bone?
Kind regards.
thanks Dr. Axe any information for a healthier life style is beneficial to all. Your recipes are great and easy to follow.
I make chicken soup all the time. It gets eaten after cooking for 1.5 hrs. Is there any collagen benefit when it’s a shorter cooking time?
currently reading the Keto Diet I’m finding it an eye opener, I wish every doctor had a copy, I think it would make them think more about health in terms of fixing it from the inside as opposed to handing a prescription to their patients, without much thought, as to what’s going on in a persons body, I feel there’s a revolution in the way we think about food and health, but it will be interesting to see how large pharmaceutical/and food manufacturers, companies will handle and react to new ways of healing human bodies
Dr.Axe, I have a question about the bone broth cooking pot.
I couldn’t find a 10 quart slow cooker, I got a 8 quart slow cooker, and I use the recipe
for the Chicken Bone Broth, but I only was able to put in 15 cups of cold water.
Will I get the same resuts.
Is glutamic acid sensitivity a real issue with bone broth?
I have used a tall pasta pot and put all the ingredients in the strainer, turning the gas off at night and restarting in the morning, a pressure cooker for 3 hours, and a slow cooker on low for 24 hours and another time for 3 days. Three days “Burned” the broth so don’t do that. The pasta pot was easy because everything came out at once, no separate straining but the pressure cooker tasted strange. I’ve stuck with the slow cooker – about every 4 hours I take a potato masher, smash everything down and put more water in. 24 hours seems to be the best. CHICKEN FEET STINK YOUR HOUSE OUT !! So that’s a no for me. In my small slow cooker I use 3 organic chicken carcasses and 3 chicken wings for the fat, 2 carrots, 2 celery, 2 APPLES, 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar, a piece each of turmeric, garlic & ginger, salt and pepper. I do this every week and drink a cup for breakfast. When I use the big slow cooker because I’ve got more carcasses, I tend to pressure can the broth. It keeps for years then and I always have some on hand for soups, stews etc.
Is it good to crush the soften bones into the broth to get the nutrients from inside the bones
Do you need to bake chicken bones prior to making bone broth like you do when making beef bone broth?
Hi Dr Axe,
It’s very difficult to get necks and feet in the U.K.
Will wings and thighs be ok? Can I use the whole carcass?
Thanks
Zena
When consuming homemade bone broth, how much should be consumed per day? Assuming the broth has been cooked as indicated in the recipe above.
I can’t find chicken feet, necks and wings anywhere. Only whole chicken without this parts of the chicken.
Please any suggestions where I can find them besides my local grocery store.
Thank you!!
If you take the multi collagen protein will it damage organs ,by the increase in collagen intake?
You sell Bone Broth Protein and Collagen. I use to make bone broth as you shared in the recipe above but have stopped and now use your bone broth and collagen. Is it better health wise to make ones on bone broth?
How often should we eat this bone broth?
Would pressure canning reduce the nutritional benefits?
I am suffering from crohon’s disease and anemic and loosing weight. Kindly send me a list of diet which is beneficial for this . Pl treat this as urgent
Hi Dr. I am a 73 yrs old female and was diagnosed with diverticulitis. would like to know if you have a diet with daily menu that I could prepare at home. I saw you on Dr. Oz and wanted to get in contact with you.
Thank you much.
Isn’t it a waste to throw away the meat and vegetables? Should you save and freeze it to make a soup?
Can i useLeft over turkey instead of chicken to make bone broth?
good day
i really enjoy watching you and Reubin , specially the love for others make you 2 very specials human been, may the lord jesus bless you abundantly and keep you 2 doing his works thru this ancients remedies and your knowledge in nutritionist and health education and most important the knowledge of God’s words it is the number one. Hoping my message is clear and easy to understand my grammar
thanks so much
Hi Dr. Axe,
How to keep simmering for 24 hours while one sleeps? Can time be reduced if using a pressure cooker? If yes, how long would that be?
Thank you.
Mew
You Did a super job with instructions for the recipes, particularly for folks who have not made bone broth before.
What is the difference between bone broth and collagen ? A butcher friend said that he made collagen from chicken feet,says it has even more collagen than beef bones.
Thank you for all the wonderful information you provide,
Almut
We love the flavor of added Anis Star.
Can you put the whole chicken in or does it have to be cut up.
Why skim off the fat? Is it for dietary reasons or does it affect the quality? My son needs as much fat as possible in his diet so was wondering for that reason. Thank you.
Is their a recipe that doesn’t include a slow cooker? I neither have the space nor budget for one. I’d appreciate knowing the old fashioned method? Thank you.
Is there a recipe that doesn’t use a slow cooker? I neither have the space nor budget for one. I’d appreciate knowing the old fashioned method? Thank you.
Hello Dr Axe,
Thanks for sharing your information on health and delicious recipes.
I would like your opinion on the following. I make a multi meat bone broth that is very delicious & healthy. I use beef bones, pork hocks, chicken wings and fish bones. I slow cook all in the same pot for two days. My recipe is very similar to your recipe except I use coconut vinegar and no carrots. What do you think of a multi sourced bone broth?
After cooling I make individual bone broth ice cubes then separate and place in a container in the freezer for quick easy access to add to recipes.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Deborah
Wow! I have been making bone broth for years now (I’m 73 years young), and I make it in my Kuhn Ricon pressure cooker. I read your article, and thought maybe that’s where I am going wrong! I pressure on low for about 1 hour. Then I let the pressure go down naturally. Am I “pushing it” too use the pressure cooker, or am I ok to use it? I make Chicken soup every 2 weeks as it is a staple on the SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet) that I used to cure my collagenous colitis, a few years back. Ever since then, I have felt that chicken is a :comfort” food, that I cannot live without. there is ALWAYS chicken soup in the freezer! ! !
What do I do with the veggies after?
I like chicken boules with noodles. Chicken broth is able to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, stimulate peristalticism and improve food digestion. It is also convenient to use at exacerbations of gastritis and pain, as in such periods rough food makes a person uncomfortable.
Can you cook this in a pot on the stove
Starting your collagen twice a day. I make my own chicken bone broth frequently cooking for approximate 18 to 24 hours.
Eat organically as much as possible, but want to improve my overall diet. Have a sweet tooth that needs to be curbed and seeking your info on fasting and good healthy recipes.
If I use pressure cooker can I simmer it for less than 24hrs?
I save all my chicken scraps, both from leftovers of a roasted chicken to trimmings, in the freezer until I have a good amount. Then into the slow cooker it goes with herbs and aromatics and let it cook, minimum of 24 hours.
Put crock pot on high or low?
Low! Thanks!
My 10 quart crockpot only has low, warm and high temperature settings on the dial. Is low the setting I should set the dial to make the chicken bone broth that takes 24 – 48 hours?
Yes, low is the right setting for this recipe.
I have bones from a deboned chicken. Can use just the bones to make broth?
Yes, you certainly can!
I used an entire roasting chicken and 8 wings and all the other ingredients and the slow cooker fir 48 hrs.. where do you find chicken feet abd necks?
Sounds good! You can ask the butcher at the grocery store for chicken feet and necks.
I was loving this recipe for Bone Broth until I reached the part: Discard the solids. Seriously?
I work too hard to pay for expensive food just to discard it. I understand the benefit of bone broth but do you really have to throw away the chicken, vegetables and other “solid” ingredients? Don’t know about Dr. Axe but I can’t afford to throw food away.
Michelle, you can use it in a soup that’s thoroughly blended, as long as the bones are removed. Just be aware that the veggies and chicken will be very overcooked, of course.
Does it matter if the bones are raw going into the broth or is it also okay to use the leftover carcass from a roast chicken dinner? My broths don’t tend to become gelatinous so I’m concerned I’m not getting the benefits from using pre-cooked bones.
Best way to get the small amount of grease out that comes off the chicken?
So if you have your crock pot full. It will simmer away overnight without having to add more stock except in the morning?
Is bone broth made in a pressure cooker just as good as bone broth made the slow cooker way?
Great receipe
Can we use vegetable broth for vegetarians
I made this and it smelled awesome while it was cooking for the first 24 hours, but when it was finished just under 48 hours it didn’t smell as good. Everything seemed like it was burnt. I cooked it on low in my crock pot. I ended up having to throw it all away. It just didn’t taste good. I will try it again, but definitely won’t cook as long. Really disappointed.