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Turning leftover chicken bones into homemade bone broth in the slow cooker is my go-to method for transforming scraps into something cozy and deeply nourishing. This slow simmer draws out every bit of goodness from the bones, leaving you with flavorful broth perfect for sipping or as a base for soups and stews.
What Makes It Special
- Uses just three ingredients and water so it is budget friendly
- The slow cooker does all the work
- Rich in protein and collagen
- Can be made in large batches and stored for later
Making this broth filled my kitchen with the best comforting smell on a chilly day. The first time I made it I was amazed by how silky the texture turned out after a full day of gently simmering.
What You’ll Need
- Chicken bones from a roasted chicken: You get the best flavor and body so save those carcasses from family dinners
- Cold water: Use enough to fully cover the bones but leave room in the slow cooker for bubbling
- Apple cider vinegar: Helps draw out nutrients and minerals from the bones
- Sea salt or kosher salt (Optional): Add after cooking to control the seasoning
When picking bones choose ones with some meat and cartilage still attached these add wonderful depth. For vinegar choose raw unfiltered for more minerals.
Let’s Cook This Together
- Prep the Bones:
- Place chicken bones straight into your slow cooker Try to use bones from a roasted chicken for an even richer flavor
- Fill With Water:
- Pour in enough cold water to completely cover the bones but do not overfill because broth needs a bit of headspace
- Add Vinegar and Salt:
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar This helps pull beneficial minerals from the bones during cooking Add a pinch of salt if desired but you can season when serving instead
- Slow Cook:
- Set the slow cooker to low and let everything simmer for at least twelve hours and up to twenty four hours The longer the simmer the more flavor and gelatin you extract
- Cool and Strain:
- Turn off the slow cooker and let broth cool a bit so it is safe to handle Then strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl
- Chill and Store:
- Discard the bones and let the strained broth finish cooling fully Once completely cool store it in the refrigerator or freezer
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Good to Know
- Bone broth is rich in protein and collagen
- Great for sipping or as a base for cooking
- Keeps up to a week in the fridge or three months in the freezer
Whenever I pull out a jar and see that it has gelled on top I remember my grandmother always peeking in and saying That is when you know you did it right That layer of goodness means you have really pulled all the nutrients out
Keeping It Fresh
Storing bone broth properly is key After cooling refrigerate it in glass jars for up to a week It also freezes beautifully so pour into freezer bags or containers for easy portions When reheating only warm what you need for the day
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Easy Ingredient Swaps
You can toss in veggie scraps like onion skins carrot ends or celery leaves to boost flavor and nutrients Leftover turkey bones work just as well for post holiday soup You can use lemon juice if you are out of apple cider vinegar
How to Serve It Right
Heat up a hearty mug whenever you want a warm comforting snack I love seasoning mine with a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon for brightness It is the ideal base for chicken noodle or any soup
Behind the Dish
Homemade bone broth connects me to generations before who would never waste a single bit of a family meal Watching the slow cooker do the work overnight makes me feel a little more in tune with slow living and kitchen traditions
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should the broth cook in the slow cooker?
For the best flavor and nutrition, let the chicken bones simmer in the slow cooker for 12 to 24 hours on the low setting.
- → Why add apple cider vinegar to the bones?
Apple cider vinegar helps break down the cartilage and bones, releasing beneficial minerals and collagen into the broth.
- → Can I use bones from any type of chicken?
Yes, bones from roasted or raw chicken both work well. Roasted bones add deeper flavor and color to the broth.
- → Should I add salt before or after cooking?
Salt can be added during cooking or after, depending on personal taste. For more control, season to taste when serving.
- → How should bone broth be stored?
After straining and cooling, refrigerate broth in sealed containers for up to five days, or freeze for longer storage.