Gut Healthy Chicken Bone Broth from Scratch

A Simple, Nourishing Broth Worth Making at Home

Chicken bone broth has been a kitchen staple for centuries, and for good reason — it transforms humble leftover bones into a deeply flavorful, nutrient-rich liquid you can sip on its own or use as a base for soups, grains, and sauces. Making it from scratch is far easier than most people expect, and the results are noticeably richer than anything you’ll find in a carton. Once you have a batch simmering on the stove, your kitchen will smell incredible for hours.

Ingredients

• 2–3 pounds chicken bones (carcass from a roasted chicken, backs, necks, or feet — or a combination)
• 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
• 3 stalks celery, roughly chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered (skin on is fine)
• 6 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• Small bunch of fresh parsley (stems included)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 10–12 cups cold filtered water (enough to cover the bones by about 2 inches)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste at the end)

How to Make It

1. Optional roasting step (recommended): If your bones are raw or you want a deeper, richer flavor, spread them on a rimmed baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 30–35 minutes until golden brown. This step is not necessary if you’re using a leftover roasted chicken carcass.
2. Blanch the bones (optional but helpful): Place the bones in a large stockpot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Let boil for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse the bones under cold water. This removes impurities and helps produce a cleaner, clearer broth.
3. Build the pot: Return the bones to your stockpot or slow cooker. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, peppercorns, parsley, and thyme. Pour in the cold filtered water until everything is submerged by about 2 inches.
4. Add the vinegar and rest: Let the pot sit, unheated, for 30 minutes before turning on the heat. This allows the vinegar to begin drawing minerals from the bones.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low so the broth maintains a very gentle simmer — you should see only occasional small bubbles. Avoid a rolling boil, which can make the broth cloudy and bitter.
6. Skim the foam: During the first 30–45 minutes of simmering, use a large spoon or ladle to skim off any grayish foam that rises to the surface. This is normal and just means the broth is releasing proteins and impurities.
7. Simmer low and slow: Continue simmering on the lowest heat possible for a minimum of 4 hours and up to 12 hours on the stovetop. The longer the simmer, the more collagen and gelatin will be extracted from the bones. A slow cooker set to low for 12–24 hours also works beautifully.
8. Strain the broth: Once the broth is done, remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the broth through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth (or just a fine-mesh strainer) into a large heatproof bowl or pot. Discard the solids.
9. Season and cool: Add salt to taste. Let the broth cool to room temperature, then transfer to glass jars or airtight containers. Refrigerate overnight. A layer of solid fat will form on top — you can remove and discard it, or stir it back in for added richness depending on your preference.
10. Check for gel: A properly made bone broth will be slightly or fully gelatinous when cold — this is a good sign that collagen-rich gelatin has been extracted from the bones. It will return to liquid once gently reheated.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep time: 20–30 minutes (plus 30 minutes resting before heating)
• Cook time: 4–12 hours (stovetop); up to 24 hours (slow cooker)
• Servings: Makes approximately 8–10 cups of finished broth
• Storage: Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months

Why It Supports Overall Wellness

Chicken bone broth is a whole-food preparation, meaning its nutritional profile comes from real ingredients cooked slowly over time rather than from supplements or additives. Here’s what the research and nutritional science suggest about its components:

• Collagen and gelatin: Long simmering draws collagen from bones, cartilage, and connective tissue. Once consumed, this breaks down into gelatin and amino acids. Research suggests that collagen-derived amino acids — particularly glycine and proline — may support the integrity of the gut lining, which plays a role in digestive health and overall immune function.
• Glycine: This amino acid, found in meaningful amounts in bone broth, may support liver function, promote restful sleep, and play a role in the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes, according to several studies in nutritional biochemistry.
• Easily digestible protein: Bone broth provides a small but meaningful amount of protein in a form that is gentle on the digestive system, making it a useful option when your gut needs a break from heavier foods.
• Minerals from bones: Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus may leach into the broth during cooking, particularly when acid (the apple cider vinegar) is present. While the exact amounts vary depending on cooking time and bone type, bone broth can contribute to overall mineral intake as part of a balanced diet.
• Hydration and warmth: Sipping warm broth contributes to daily fluid intake and may provide a gentle, calming effect — something as simple as staying well-hydrated supports energy levels, digestion, and cognitive function throughout the day.
• Vegetables and herbs: Garlic, onion, carrots, and celery bring their own set of antioxidants, vitamins, and plant compounds to the broth. These are extracted in small but worthwhile amounts during the long cooking process.

It’s worth noting that bone broth is not a cure or treatment for any condition. Think of it as one genuinely nourishing ingredient in a varied, whole-foods diet — something your great-grandmother would recognize as simply good food.

Consistency beats any single food or product. If you’re also considering a supplement to complement these habits, here’s our independent take: Prodentim Review 2026: Honest Verdict After Testing It.