This Easy Crockpot bone broth recipe is made from the remains of a whole chicken, some vegetables and spices in the slow cooker! Paleo, whole30 and inexpensive!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my policy and more about affiliate links. This post was originally shared in 2018, but has since been updated
Once you
try this Easy Crockpot
bone broth, you’ll fall in love!
It’s no secret that both bones have become increasingly popular in recent years. Now you can find bone broth basically in any grocery store, online, or even in some cafes/restaurants!
But… You may be wondering… what is bone broth?
What is bone broth?
Bone broth is
the SAME as chicken broth or broth.
In essence, bone broth is really just soup made probably the same way your grandmother used to make it… with bones that were left over from a meal, or that she got from a butcher (our grams still do so!).
The bone and vegetables are cooked low and slow, creating an extremely dense and delicious broth in nutrients.
You might be thinking… If it’s broth… what’s so good about it? I wrote this entire post about the benefits of bone broth, but I’ll describe them here.
Many people drink bone broth because it is full of nutrients. When bones are cooked low and slow, they release their collagen + natural gelatin, which is believed to be great for your gut health, skin + nails!
PS – If you love crockpot recipes, check out these 45 healthy crockpot recipes!
Yes, bone broth certainly requires a little time and patience to make, but it doesn’t really require work and is incredibly easy to make! If you have a cooking pot. and leftover chicken (or chicken bones!) you’ll be ready to go!
If you’re looking for other slow cooker recipes
, check out these 28 delicious slow cooker recipes.
Ingredients for bone broth:
To make bone broth, you really only need:
- bone water
However, I like to add some extra vegetables and herbs to give it flavor. Here I have some carrots, onions + celery, as well as some thyme + rosemary.
Other useful tools: crockpot,
strainer, walnut milk bag, souper cubes (for storage)
Making bone broth
is really as easy as filling your pot with water and lighting it!
How to make crockpot bone broth
:
- Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker (bones, scraps, fat, etc.). Cover with filtered water and simmer for at least 12 hours (16-18 is best).
- You may need to adjust the amount of water based on the size of your cooking pot. You can fill up to the top of the cooking pot!
- Let the broth cool slightly and pass through a fine-mesh strainer in a large pot or container.
- Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or put it in the freezer until ready to use.
- Optional, but recommended: Carefully remove carrots, onions + celery from the strainer and place them in the blender. Puree in the blender until smooth (you may need to add some broth to the blender depending on its potency)
- Stir the vegetable puree in strained broth and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
<img src="https://thecleaneatingcouple.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-bone-broth-1.jpg" alt="an overload of bone broth bones
” /><img
src=”https://thecleaneatingcouple.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/how-to-make-bone-broth-2.jpg” alt=”an overload of bone broth in a cooking pot after being cooked” />
What kind of bones should you use for
bone broth?
My favorite way to make bone broth is with the leftover bones of a whole chicken. After you have cooked the chicken, everything goes in the slow cooker and turns into broth!
You can use chicken, beef, turkey or pork bones. They can be raw or cooked.
(This broth has a
more orange color because the broth has been mixed with carrots, celery + onion)
I make my Easy Crockpot bone broth a little different from other people. Most people simply strain the broth after it is cooked + use/drink that. I take the vegetables that were cooked with the bones + puree them so that the broth is extra nutrient dense!
It seems to me that it adds even more flavor, and who doesn’t want to sneak into extra vegetables? You have to try!
Can bone broth be cooked for too long?
Technically, yes. If you pass the 24-hour mark, your broth could end up being bitter or getting a strange taste. I normally cook my slow cooker bone broth for about 18-20 hours, and I’ve never had a problem with it, but I wouldn’t cook it anymore!
Can bones be reused in bone broth?
People say you can reuse bones for bone broth, but I’ve never had success with this. Usually, after cooking once, the bones almost disintegrate.
Whenever I’ve reused them, the broth hasn’t been as gelatinous or tasty as the first time I used them!
My bone broth didn’t gel?
It’s okay if your bone broth doesn’t gel, and rest assured it will be just as nutritious! Certain bones/cuts of meat can create a more gelatinous consistency with the broth.
You could also have added a little too much water. Either way, don’t worry, and enjoy it!
How long does bone broth last?
The bone broth will last 6 to 7 days in your refrigerator. If it’s frozen, it can last up to a year, but I would recommend using it within 6 months for freshness!
Can you make this bone broth in the instant pot?
Yes, you can! I prefer to cook my bone broth in the slow cooker, but you can cook it in your instant pot for 120 minutes at high pressure and let it release naturally. You can see our instant bone broth recipe here.
Depending on the size of your instant canister, you may need more or less water. Make sure you DO NOT fill above the maximum fill line! Leave about an inch and a half before the maximum fill line.
Ways to Use Crockpot Bone Broth
You can use bone broth in many different ways. Here are some of my favorites:
- As a base for a delicious soupPour
- into a cup and drink it! It is full of protein + vegetables and is very cozy.
- Add to sauces or stir-fry
- Use instead of water or regular cooking broth
- Freeze it for a dinner or quick meal (or for when a cold strikes!)
it
for flavor
We hope you like this as much as we do! We do this year-round (basically every time I cook a whole chicken!) and it’s a staple in our kitchen/freezer. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised how easy + delicious it is!
Favorite recipes
from The Clean Eating Couple
- Potato and ham soup
- Roast chicken recipe
- The best clay pot recipes
- Roast in clay
- Beef bone broth Instant pot
pot
