How To Make Chicken Bone Broth In Slow Cooker [GUIDE]

Chicken bone broth is more than just a comforting warm drink; it’s a nutrient-packed elixir that has been revered for centuries for its healing properties. Rich in collagen, amino acids, minerals, and gelatin, homemade bone broth supports joint health, strengthens the immune system, improves gut health, and can even contribute to healthier skin. Unlike store-bought versions, which often contain additives and lack depth of flavor, making your own bone broth allows complete control over the ingredients and simmering time, yielding a broth that is both intensely flavorful and deeply nourishing. Using a slow cooker simplifies this process dramatically, providing a ’set it and forget it’ approach that lets the bones slowly release their nutrients over many hours without constant supervision.

How Long To Make Chicken Bone Broth In Slow Cooker

The key to a rich and gelatinous chicken bone broth is time. A slow cooker allows for gentle, prolonged simmering, which extracts the maximum nutrients from bones and connective tissues. Generally, chicken bone broth should be cooked for:

• Minimum: 8 hours – This will produce a mild-flavored broth with some gelatin.
• Optimal: 12-24 hours – At this range, collagen, minerals, and flavor are maximized, resulting in a deeply rich and slightly thickened broth.
• Maximum: 48 hours – Some enthusiasts go this far, particularly with a mix of bones and joints, but beyond 48 hours, the flavor can become overly concentrated or slightly bitter.

Maintaining a low and steady temperature is crucial; too high, and the broth may develop off-flavors or become cloudy. Slow cookers are ideal because they sustain a consistent, gentle heat, which is perfect for extracting nutrients without breaking down delicate flavors.

How To Tell If It Is Done

There are several ways to judge whether your chicken bone broth has reached perfection:

1. Color & Clarity: A golden amber hue usually indicates sufficient extraction of nutrients. Some cloudiness is normal, especially if there were marrow bones, but it should not be murky or gray.
2. Aroma: The broth should smell rich, savory, and slightly sweet. A sour or off smell indicates overcooking or contamination.
3. Gelatinous Texture: Once cooled, a properly cooked broth should set into a soft jelly due to collagen. This is a clear sign that the broth is nutrient-dense.
4. Taste: A deep, savory flavor with complexity is a good indicator. If it tastes weak, it may need more time; if overly bitter, it may have been cooked too long.

Ingredients Needed

The beauty of chicken bone broth lies in its simplicity, though ingredient choices can elevate flavor and nutrient content. Essentials include:

• Chicken bones: Use a mix of carcasses, necks, wings, and feet for maximum gelatin.
• Vegetables: Onion, carrots, celery are traditional, providing natural sweetness and aroma.
• Aromatics: Garlic, leeks, and herbs like parsley, thyme, or bay leaves.
• Acid: A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice helps extract minerals from the bones.
• Seasoning: Salt is optional during cooking; many prefer to season afterward.
• Water: Enough to cover the bones completely, typically 10-12 cups for a standard slow cooker.

Optional additions include peppercorns, ginger, or mushrooms for added depth.

How To Make Chicken Bone Broth In Slow Cooker

1. Prepare the Bones: If using raw bones, roasting them at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes enhances flavor.
2. Add Vegetables and Aromatics: Roughly chop onions, carrots, and celery, then place them with the bones in the slow cooker.
3. Add Acid: Pour 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice over the bones and vegetables. Let sit for 20-30 minutes before adding water.
4. Fill With Water: Add enough water to cover ingredients, leaving at least an inch of space at the top to prevent overflow.
5. Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker on low. Allow to simmer for 12-24 hours, occasionally skimming foam or impurities from the surface.
6. Strain: Once finished, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve. Discard solids or compost.
7. Cool and Store: Allow to cool before refrigerating. Fat may solidify on top-this can be skimmed or stirred back in.

When Things Go Wrong

Even slow cooker bone broth can occasionally go awry:

• Bitter taste: Usually from overcooking bones or herbs, especially leafy greens. Reduce cooking time or remove herbs earlier.
• Cloudy broth: Often caused by vigorous boiling; slow, gentle cooking reduces cloudiness.
• Too thin: Indicates insufficient collagen extraction; next time, include more joints or feet and cook longer.
• Unpleasant smell: Usually due to insufficient cleaning of bones or vegetables, or leaving at unsafe temperatures. Always ensure hygiene and proper slow cooker function.

Expert Tips

• Use a mix of bones: Carcasses, necks, wings, and feet ensure a rich gelatin content.
• Roast bones for flavor: Even a short 30-minute roast intensifies the broth’s taste.
• Don’t forget the acid: Vinegar or lemon juice is essential for extracting minerals.
• Skim foam: Early foaming can cloud the broth; skim gently in the first 2 hours.
• Store properly: Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in portions for months.

Can I Do This Without A Slow Cooker?

Absolutely. Bone broth can also be made on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot:

• Stovetop: Simmer on low in a large stockpot for 12-24 hours, monitoring water levels to prevent drying.
• Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot: Significantly reduces cooking time, usually 2-3 hours under high pressure. However, the flavor may not be as deep as a slow simmer.

Reheating Leftovers In Slow Cooker

Reheating bone broth in a slow cooker is simple:

1. Transfer refrigerated broth to the slow cooker.
2. Set to low heat and cover.
3. Reheat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Avoid boiling, as excessive heat can alter flavor and reduce gelatin content.

This method keeps the broth smooth, flavorful, and nutrient-dense.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed To Make Chicken Bone Broth In A Slow Cooker?

The basic ingredients include chicken bones (from a whole chicken, carcass, or wings), water, vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, garlic, apple cider vinegar (to help extract nutrients), and optional herbs and spices like bay leaves, thyme, and peppercorns.

How Long Should I Cook Chicken Bone Broth In A Slow Cooker?

Cooking time can range from 12 to 24 hours on low heat. A longer cooking time allows more nutrients, minerals, and collagen to be extracted from the bones, resulting in a richer and more flavorful broth.

Should I Roast The Bones Before Making The Broth?

Roasting bones at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and color of the broth, though it is optional. Raw bones can also be used for a lighter broth.

How Much Water Should I Add To The Slow Cooker?

Add enough water to fully cover the bones and vegetables, usually around 10-12 cups for a standard 6-quart slow cooker. Avoid overfilling to prevent spills and underfilling to ensure proper extraction of nutrients.

Do I Need To Skim The Fat During Cooking?

Yes. Skimming the foam and excess fat that rises to the surface during the first few hours helps produce a clearer broth. Some fat can be left for flavor, but removing it periodically improves clarity and taste.

Can I Use Leftover Bones From A Roasted Chicken?

Absolutely. Leftover bones, including the carcass, wings, or necks, are ideal for making bone broth. Make sure to remove most of the meat, but a small amount left on the bones adds flavor.

Do I Need To Add Vinegar To The Slow Cooker?

Yes, a small amount of acid like apple cider vinegar (1-2 tablespoons per quart of water) helps break down the bones and extract minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus into the broth.

How Do I Store Chicken Bone Broth After Cooking?

Let the broth cool to room temperature, strain it through a fine mesh or cheesecloth, and store it in airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

Can I Add Herbs And Spices During Cooking?

Yes. Herbs such as parsley, thyme, bay leaves, and rosemary, as well as spices like peppercorns, can be added for flavor. Add delicate herbs like parsley at the end to preserve their aroma and nutrients.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Chicken Bone Broth?

Chicken bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, minerals, and gelatin, which may support joint health, digestion, skin health, and the immune system. Its nutrient density depends on the bones, cooking time, and added vegetables.