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Rich Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth

735 min 8 cups Easy
Chicken bone broth is a nourishing and versatile staple in many kitchens. This slow cooker version allows you to extract rich flavours and nutrients from chicken bones with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for those who love a warm, comforting broth or want a base for soups and sauces. It's also a great way to use up leftover chicken bones and vegetables, making it both economical and environmentally friendly.

Ingredients

Servings
8

For the broth

Instructions

1

Prepare the ingredients

Wash and roughly chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Crush the garlic cloves.

Pro tip: No need to peel the vegetables; the skins add extra nutrients.

2

Assemble in slow cooker

Place the chicken bones, vegetables, garlic, and bay leaves in the slow cooker.

Pro tip: Use a large slow cooker to fit all ingredients comfortably.

3

Add seasoning

Add apple cider vinegar, salt, peppercorns, and enough water to cover the ingredients.

Pro tip: The vinegar helps extract minerals from the bones.

4

Cook the broth

Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 12 hours, or up to 24 hours for a richer flavour.

Pro tip: Longer cooking times result in a more nutrient-dense broth.

5

Strain the broth

Turn off the slow cooker and let the broth cool slightly. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl.

Pro tip: Use a cheesecloth for a clearer broth.

6

Store or serve

Transfer the broth to airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze. Optionally, serve immediately.

Pro tip: Skim off any fat that solidifies on top before reheating or serving.

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Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mix of chicken bones for depth of flavour.
  • Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to help extract nutrients.
  • Let the broth cool before straining to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in chicken bone broth?

Each cup of chicken bone broth contains approximately 40 calories.

How long does slow cooker chicken bone broth take to cook?

Chicken bone broth cooks for 12 to 24 hours in a slow cooker.

Can I freeze chicken bone broth?

Yes, you can freeze chicken bone broth for up to 3 months.

What is the benefit of using a slow cooker for bone broth?

A slow cooker allows for a hands-off, long cooking process that extracts more nutrients and flavour.

Do I need to roast the bones before cooking?

Roasting is optional but adds a deeper flavour to the broth.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this chicken bone broth as a warm beverage on a chilly day, or use it as a base for your favourite soups and stews. Pair it with fresh bread for a complete meal. You can make this broth ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to have homemade broth on hand whenever you need it.