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Homemade bone broth has become somewhat of a kitchen essential, revered for its rich flavor and incredible health benefits. Throw a handful of chicken bones into your slow cooker, and you’re creating a nourishing elixir that comforts the soul. This simple routine instills warmth into your kitchen, as the broth simmers slowly, slowly extracting flavors and nutrients from those bones. The scent alone is enough to make anyone feel at home, wrapping you in a cozy embrace that calls you to savor a warm bowl.

I remember the first time I made homemade bone broth in the slow cooker; I’d set out with the intention of making a hearty soup, but soon found myself lost in the gentle bubbling sounds of the broth. It was like nurturing a little pot of magic; the way the bones transformed over the hours amazed me. Unlike store-bought versions, this broth was rich in collagen, flavor, and the kind of warmth that can turn a chilly day around. Once you experience making it yourself, you’ll never want to go back to commercial brands!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This easy method lets you set it and forget it as your slow cooker does all the work for 12 to 24 hours.
Irresistible Flavor: The slow cooking process extracts every last bit of flavor, resulting in a broth that’s deep, rich, and utterly comforting.
Versatile Use: Perfect for sipping on its own, as a base for soups, or enhancing the flavor of sauces and grains.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with minerals and collagen, this broth supports gut health and boosts your immune system.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing bones from a roasted chicken means little waste, making it easy on your wallet while maximizing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2-3 pounds chicken bones from a whole roasted chicken: This is the heart of your broth. Using bones from a roasted chicken adds depth, as they’ve already been infused with flavor during the roasting process.
10-12 cups water: You want enough water to completely submerge the bones, but not overflow. It’s the liquid that absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: This helps extract nutrients and collagen from the bones, enhancing both flavor and health benefits.
Optional: 1 teaspoon salt: You can season now or when you’re serving the finished broth. Adjust based on your taste preferences.

How to Make Homemade Bone Broth In The Slow Cooker

Place the Chicken Bones: Add the bones from your roasted chicken into a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker, making sure they’re arranged for maximum coverage.
Add Water: Pour in enough water to fully cover the bones, leaving at least an inch of space at the top to accommodate bubbling and expansion as it cooks.
Stir in Vinegar and Salt: Add the tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the pot. If you’re using salt, sprinkle it in too—though you might wait until serving for better flavor control.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let your broth simmer for a solid 12 to 24 hours. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavors.
Cool and Strain: Once cooking is complete, turn off the heat and let the broth cool slightly. Strain it through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or container to capture all the liquid beauty.
Discard Bones: Toss out the bones—you’ve extracted all the goodness! Let the broth cool completely, then transfer it to the fridge.

Storing & Reheating

Once cooled, store your homemade bone broth in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, pour the broth into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning, where it can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming hot, or defrost and heat as needed. The texture may change slightly after freezing. To refresh it, just give it a good stir, and feel free to add a dash of salt or herbs to boost the flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t cram too many bones into the slow cooker—give them space to breathe for better extraction.
Skim the Fat: If you prefer a leaner broth, you can skim off the fat that rises to the surface after cooking, or use it for cooking as it adds great flavor.
Time it Right: Bones from different sources may have varying levels of collagen; chicken bones are perfect for a lighter broth, while beef bones offer more richness.
Enhance Flavor: Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions in the last few hours of cooking for added depth.
Experiment: After your first batch, don’t hesitate to tweak ingredients like adding spices or different types of bones for varied flavor profiles!

There you have it—making homemade bone broth in the slow cooker is a rewarding process that brings nourishing comfort to your kitchen. Not only does it fill your space with a hypnotic, savory aroma, but it also provides boundless versatility in its many uses. From sipping straight out of a mug on a chilly evening to serving as the secret weapon in your favorite soup, you’ll be grateful to have this broth on hand. The best part? It’s a fantastic way to use up those chicken bones and add a little extra warmth and wellness to your meals.

Recipe FAQs

How long do I need to cook the bone broth?

Cooking time can range from 12 to 24 hours. Cooking for longer results in a richer, more flavorful broth. If you can, try to leave it on the longer side for the best outcome.

Can I use bones from other meats?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses chicken bones, you can also use beef or pork bones. Adjust cooking time accordingly; beef bones may require a longer simmer to extract their full flavor and nutrients.

What should I do with the leftover broth?

Use your bone broth as a base for soups, stews, or sauces. Pour it over grains or use it for cooking vegetables to amp up the flavor. You can even sip it straight for a nourishing drink.

Is homemade bone broth healthy?

Yes! Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals that are beneficial for gut health and inflammation. It’s a wonderful addition to a balanced diet, especially during colder months or when feeling under the weather.