Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth Recipe

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth has completely changed how I use leftover rotisserie chicken. Instead of tossing the carcass, I turn it into liquid gold that's both nourishing and incredibly versatile. The slow cooker does all the work while I go about my day.

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Quick Recipe Overview

WHAT: A nourishing homemade bone broth made from chicken carcass, vegetables, and herbs cooked low and slow in a crockpot.

WHY: Turns leftover bones into nutrient-rich stock with minimal effort while you sleep or work, saving money and reducing waste.

HOW: Combine chicken carcass, vegetables, herbs, and water in slow cooker; cook on low 8 hours; strain and store.

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Why You'll Love My Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth Recipe

• Rich in flavor: Chicken bone broth is so much more flavorful than store-bought broths. The slow cooker really brings out the natural flavor of the bones and vegetable scraps!
• Easy to make: Making bone broth in a slow cooker is very simple - you just add all the ingredients, set it, and forget it!
• Full control: When you learn how to make chicken bone broth, you have complete control over the ingredients. This means you can customize your own bone broth to suit your dietary needs or preferences!

What is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering animal bones, vegetables, and herbs. It’s essentially a stock cooked for a long period of time to extract as many nutrients from the bones as possible. Bone broth is often used in place of (or in addition to) water in recipes to boost flavor and nutrition.

You can use any type of bone to create a slow cooker bone broth. However, in this recipe, I used chicken bones and vegetables. The result is a delicious, nutritious chicken broth that's full of flavor!

Chicken Bone Broth Benefits

During the cooking process, the minerals and vitamins from the chicken bones are released into the broth. These minerals and vitamins can include:

• Collagen (which turns into gelatine when cooked)
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• B vitamins
• Omega 3s and 6s
• Vitamin A
• Magnesium 
• Amino acids 
• And many more!

These minerals and vitamins benefit our health in various ways. This means crockpot bone broth can offer certain health benefits, such as:

• Supporting joint health
• Aiding digestion and gut health
• Promoting skin health and elasticity
• Improving immune system function 
• Reducing inflammation 
• Increasing hydration and nutrient absorption

So not only is bone broth delicious but there are so many chicken bone broth benefits, too!

Ingredient Notes

Chicken Carcass: A leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly, but you can also use raw bones, backs, necks, or wings. The more bones and joints, the more gelatin in your final broth.

Tomatoes: These add depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. Fresh tomatoes work best, but you can substitute with a handful of halved cherry tomatoes.

Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and sage create a more aromatic, flavorful broth.

For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth

Step 1: Place the vegetables and chicken carcass in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the salt and peppercorns.

Step 3: Pour enough water in to cover or almost cover the ingredients. DO NOT use too much water or overfill the slow cooker. Keep the water level at least 2 inches from the lid. Cook on a low setting for 8 hours.

Step 4: Cool, strain, and store in airtight containers for up to 1 week.

Choosing the Best Bones For Chicken Bone Broth

You can use any type of bones to make broth – chicken, pork, lamb, fish, and beef bones. For this recipe, I used chicken bones to create a yummy chicken bone broth.

The best bones for making homemade bone broth contain the most connective tissues and marrow. This means bones like chicken feet, necks, legs, and wings are ideal. But don't worry if you can't find these, as any chicken bones will do! The more bones you use, the richer and more flavourful your broth will be. 

How to Use Slow Cooker Chicken Bone Broth

You can use chicken bone broth in place of chicken stock or broth in almost any recipe. However, there are so many other things you can do with it! Here are some ideas:

• Drink it as is - simply pour yourself a mug of warm bone broth like you would tea! 
• Use it as the base for a hearty soup or stew
• Add it to casseroles instead of stock - broccoli rice casserole or chicken pasta casserole are two of my favorites
• Make a delicious and nutritious sauce for your favorite dishes
• Use half water, half bone broth when boiling pasta or making rice
• Make a warming chicken risotto with chicken bone broth
• Use it as a base for homemade gravy or sauces

Keep a batch of bone broth in the fridge or freezer; you'll have a delicious, nutritious ingredient on hand whenever needed!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers such as a mason jar or glass container for up to 1 week. A layer of fat may solidify on top - this is normal and acts as a protective seal.

Freezer Storage

Freeze in freezer-safe containers, freezer bags, or ice cube trays and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge overnight; it should be ready for use the next day. 

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, or microwave individual portions. Frozen broth can go directly into soups or be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.

Make Ahead

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch on Sunday to use throughout the week in various recipes.