bone broth soup recipe chicken
The Best bone broth soup recipe chicken
This recipe works wonders for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in after a long week or a special dinner for guests. The broth is so versatile, you can serve it with crusty bread, steamed greens, or even as a base for other meals. And honestly, it’s a game-changer for my family’s health. Bone broth is loaded with collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support digestion, joint health, and even immune function. My daughter, who struggles with some digestive issues, says it helps her feel better after meals, and I’ve noticed my own energy levels holding up better when I make it regularly. It’s not just a meal—it’s a daily ritual that keeps us all feeling our best.
Classic Chicken Bone Broth Soup
A comforting, nutrient-rich soup made with tender chicken, rich bone broth, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for soothing the soul and supporting gut health.
🥘Ingredients
- 4 lbs chicken bones (necks, backs, or carcasses)
- 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns (for extra flavor)
- 2 cups water (or broth if using pre-made)
- 1 lb chicken breast or chicken pieces
- 1 large carrot, sliced
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- 1 small leek or 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a large stockpot, combine chicken bones, chicken pieces, onion, garlic, bay leaf, black peppercorns, and whole black peppercorns. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil. -
2
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours (or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor). Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. -
3
Strain the broth through a fine-mesh strainer, discarding solids. Return the broth to the pot and set aside. -
4
In a separate pot, combine sliced carrots, celery, leek/onion, and remaining broth. Simmer for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender. -
5
In another pot, add diced chicken breast or pieces and enough broth to cover. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Remove chicken and shred or chop. -
6
In a large pot, combine the strained broth, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and salt. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through. -
7
Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
🔧Equipment
- Large stockpot
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine-mesh strainer
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Tips
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end.
- Use any leftover broth to make a simple rice or noodle dish.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu.
Storage: {“fridge”:”Up to 5 days”,”freezer”:”Up to 3 months”}
Watch Video Of How Classic Chicken Bone Broth Soup Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Bone Broth Soup
What is the best way to prepare bone broth for a chicken bone broth soup?
To make the best chicken bone broth for soup, start by using a combination of chicken bones (including necks, backs, and wings), onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bay leaves. Simmer these ingredients in water for at least 6-8 hours to extract the maximum nutrients and flavor. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar to help draw out minerals from the bones.
How long should I simmer the chicken bones for to get the most flavor and nutrients?
For optimal flavor and nutrient extraction, simmer the chicken bones for at least 8 hours, preferably 12-24 hours. The longer you simmer, the deeper the flavor and more minerals (like calcium, magnesium, and collagen) will infuse into the broth.
Can I use any leftovers from roasted chicken for making bone broth?
Yes! Any leftover roasted chicken bones, carcasses, or even the skin can be used—just ensure they are clean and free of excess fat. Adding them to the broth enhances the depth of flavor and adds extra gelatin for a richer consistency.
What are some common ingredients I should include for a rich chicken bone broth soup?
Beyond bones, include aromatics like onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. Adding a splash of vinegar (apple cider or white) helps dissolve minerals. For extra richness, you can also include chicken feet, oxtails, or a splash of chicken stock if needed.
How can I make the broth thicker and more gelatinous?
To boost gelatin content, use bones from animals like chicken feet, oxtails, or beef shanks, which contain more collagen. Simmering longer (12+ hours) also increases gelatin formation. If you want to thicken it further, strain the broth and simmer it down slightly, then whisk in a cornstarch slurry (mixed with cold water) if needed.
