Name: Homemade Bone Broth In The Slow Cooker
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-494745H29M17S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 pounds chicken bones from a whole roasted chicken; 10-12 cups water; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Homemade bone broth is one of those comforting staples that can elevate any dish. When I first dipped my toes into the world of cooking, making bone broth felt like a rite of passage. The simple act of simmering bones, aromatic flavors, and the magical transformation of ingredients left me in awe. It’s not just a drink or a base for soups—this nourishing potion is packed with health benefits and a rich, savory flavor that makes it stand apart from anything you’d find in a store.

The beauty of making Homemade Bone Broth In The Slow Cooker is that it requires minimal hands-on time while providing maximum flavor. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and a wonderful way to make good use of leftover bones from a roasted chicken. You’ll find yourself sipping on a bowl of this delicious broth on chilly days or using it as a base for your favorite soups. So grab your slow cooker and let’s dive into crafting this wholesome delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just a little prep, you can set your slow cooker and forget about it for hours, perfect for busy days.
Irresistible Flavor: The long cooking time melds flavors together, creating a rich and savory broth that’s far better than store-bought.
Flexible Serving: Drink it on its own, use it for soups, or even risottos—it’s versatile enough for any meal.
Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this broth supports your immune system and gut health.
Budget-Friendly: Using leftover chicken bones is a great way to minimize waste and save money.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2-3 pounds chicken bones from a whole roasted chicken: Using leftover bones is ideal as they already have that roasted flavor, which adds depth to your broth.
10-12 cups water: You need enough water to cover the bones completely, ensuring all the nutrients are extracted.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: This helps draw out the minerals from the bones, enriching the broth.
Optional: 1 teaspoon salt: Season the broth to taste, or adjust seasoning when serving.

How to Make Homemade Bone Broth In The Slow Cooker

Add Chicken Bones: Place the 2-3 pounds of chicken bones in your 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. It’s essential to use bones that are already roasted for maximum flavor.
Cover with Water: Pour in 10-12 cups of water, ensuring the bones are fully submerged. Leave about an inch of space at the top to prevent overflow during cooking.
Add Vinegar and Salt: Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. If you prefer, mix in 1 teaspoon of salt at this stage, but feel free to adjust later.
Set to Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 12-24 hours. The longer you allow it to simmer, the richer and more flavorful your broth will be.
Cool Down: Once cooking time is up, turn off the heat and let the broth cool slightly. The scents in your kitchen will be heavenly!
Strain the Broth: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the broth into a large bowl or container. This removes any small bone fragments or impurities.
Store Properly: Discard the bones and let the broth cool completely before refrigerating. Store it in airtight containers.

Storing & Reheating

Store your homemade bone broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, which should take about 5-10 minutes. Remember that the texture may change a bit after freezing, but you can refresh the flavor by simmering with fresh herbs or adding a splash of vinegar.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When simmering, avoid adding too much salt initially. You can always season when using the broth for soups or sauces, as flavors concentrate during cooking.
To enhance flavor, consider adding aromatics like onions, garlic, or bay leaves during the cooking process.
If you want a clearer broth, try straining it twice or through a coffee filter.
Allow the broth to cool in smaller portions to speed up the cooling process and help it chill evenly.
For added richness, consider adding a small amount of tomato paste before cooking.

It’s delightful to experiment with the ingredients! Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Homemade bone broth is undoubtedly a household staple worth incorporating into your meal prep routine. Whether you’re sipping a warm cup to soothe your soul or using it as a base in your favorite recipes, this nourishing broth will become a cherished part of your kitchen repertoire. I encourage you to give it a try—there’s something incredibly fulfilling about sharing a homemade broth with loved ones. Enjoy the process, and savor every sip!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use bones from any meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe is for chicken bones, you can also use bones from beef, pork, or lamb. Just ensure they’re roasted for richer flavor.

How do I know when the broth is done?

The broth will look golden and aromatic. If it has simmered for at least 12 hours and has taken on a robust flavor, you’re good to go!

Can I add vegetables to the broth?

Yes! Adding vegetables like celery, carrots, and onions during cooking can boost the flavor even more. Just strain them out before storing the broth.

Is homemade bone broth safe to store in the fridge?

Yes, as long as you store it in an airtight container and consume it within 5 days. For longer storage, freezing is ideal.