Slow Cooker Chicken Broth Recipe – Easy Family Meal
As I turned the pages of my grandmother’s old recipe book, an aroma wafted through my memories—a rich, nurturing scent of chicken broth simmering on the stove. That smell always represented warmth and home.
One chilly afternoon, I decided to recreate a version that echoed my childhood while fitting into my busy life. No more slaving over a hot stove for hours; instead, I found a way to harness the magic of a slow cooker.
Enter: slow cooker chicken broth. It’s simple. It’s healthy. And best of all, it requires minimal effort. You can toss everything into the slow cooker, continue your day, and return to a golden, delicious broth.
If you want something easy to throw together—whether for a rainy day or to stave off the sniffles—this recipe calls your name.
What is Slow Cooker Chicken Broth?
Slow cooker chicken broth is, quite simply, the essence of chicken, vegetables, and spices transformed into a nourishing liquid. By simmering the ingredients over low heat for several hours, the broth becomes flavorful and rich.
This method extracts deep flavors from the chicken bones and vegetables, resulting in a healthful broth that can be used as a base for soups, sauces, or even sipped on its own.
Unlike quick cooking methods, the slow cooker allows for a depth of flavor that rushing simply can’t achieve. Think of it as the ultimate “set it and forget it” method, turning your kitchen into a fragrant haven as the broth bubbles away.
It is perfect for anyone who appreciates convenience, but it also provides a fantastic flavor that showcases the ingredients.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of slow cooker chicken broth is a beautiful blend of savory and subtle hints of sweetness from the vegetables. The chicken bones provide a delicious, meaty base, while any added herbs bring brightness.
It's not just chicken-flavored water. Each ingredient adds a layer—onions and garlic bring depth, while celery and carrots provide sweetness.
If you toss in spices like bay leaves and black peppercorns, they’ll enhance the complexity even further. The optional elements, such as thyme, parsley, or fennel fronds, can take the broth in delicious directions, depending on your culinary whims. The end result is a steaming bowl of broth that’s comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This?
There’s a multitude of reasons to love this slow cooker chicken broth. Firstly, the convenience is unmatched. You chop some vegetables, throw everything into one pot, and go about your day. Secondly, the flavor is rich and comforting—perfect for a simple bowl of soup or as a base for more elaborate dishes.
Moreover, it's incredibly healthy. You can tailor it to suit your dietary preferences, ensuring no unnecessary additives slip into your meal.
Lastly, it’s budget-friendly. Using leftover chicken bones means that you're making the most out of your ingredients and reducing waste. Your wallet and your heart will thank you!
Ingredients
To create this nourishing broth, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized yellow onions: For sweetness and depth.
- 4 celery stalks: Adds a refreshing taste and aroma.
- 2 medium carrots: Slightly sweet, these are essential for a balanced flavor.
- Bones from one or more roasted chickens: The star ingredient—full of flavor and nutrients.
- 2 bay leaves: For a hint of earthy, aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: To enhance all the other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A slight tang that helps extract nutrients from the bones.
Optional aromatics include:
- Fresh thyme sprigs: For floral notes.
- Parsley stems: Brightness and flavor.
- Garlic cloves: An extra punch of flavor.
- Fennel fronds: Adds a unique sweetness.
- Leek tops: For a mild onion flavor.
- Whole black peppercorns: For subtle spice.
- Tomato skins: A dash of acidity and flavor complexity.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by gathering your vegetables. Chop the yellow onions into quarters. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll be strained out later. Next, slice the celery stalks into 2-inch chunks. Finally, peel and chop the carrots into large pieces.
Step 2: Get the Bones Ready
If you’ve saved bones from roasted chicken, now is the time to bring them out. If you don’t have bones from a roasted chicken, a rotisserie chicken from the store works well too. Just shred off the meat for a meal later, and keep the bones for the broth.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place the chopped vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, layer the chicken bones on top. Toss in the bay leaves, salt, and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients will all work together in harmony to create the savory magic.
Step 4: Cover with Water
Pour cold water over the ingredients until just covered. It's essential to use cold water, as it allows the flavors to extract better. If you're using a larger slow cooker, aim for about 10–12 cups.
Step 5: Set the Slow Cooker
Place the lid on the slow cooker, set it to low, and let it cook for 8–10 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the high setting for about 4–6 hours. But trust me, low and slow unlocks the best flavors!
Step 6: Strain the Broth
Once the time is up, carefully remove the lid—the warmth and aroma will greet you like an old friend. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids. Press down on the vegetables to extract as much liquid as possible.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Allow the broth to cool slightly, then transfer it to jars for storage. Use glass containers for easy refrigeration. If you want to freeze it for later, use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving room for expansion.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips to elevate your broth game:
- Save Your Scraps: Whenever you chop vegetables, save the bits you don’t use, like onion skins or carrot ends. Toss them into the broth-making process.
- Skim the Fat: After the broth cools in the fridge, a layer of fat will solidify on top. Skim it off for a cleaner broth if desired.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs and spices based on your preferences. Bay leaves and thyme are classic, but rosemary can add a delightful twist.
- Add Umami: A tablespoon of soy sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can deepen the overall broth flavor.
- Use Frozen Bones: If you cannot cook the broth right away, freeze leftover bones. You can build up a stash for the next time you get cooking.
Nutrition Information
Chicken broth is known for its comforting qualities, but it’s also packed full of nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of nutrition per cup of homemade chicken broth (roughly):
- Calories: 15–25 per cup (varies based on ingredients)
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Fat: 0-1 gram (depending on skin removal from the chicken)
- Carbohydrates: 2-3 grams
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg (depends on the salt added)
Additionally, it's a good source of vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus extracted from bones and vegetables. Hydration and warmth make this broth a great choice when you’re feeling under the weather.
How Can You Store This Slow Cooker Chicken Broth?
After making a big batch of broth, proper storage is essential for retaining its flavor and nutrients. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in the fridge. It will usually last about 4-5 days in a sealed container.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing your broth. It freezes well and can last for months. However, ensure you leave some room at the top of your containers or bags to allow for expansion as it freezes.
Alternative Ingredient Choices
Sometimes you may find yourself missing an ingredient. No worries! Here are some substitutions:
- Onions: If you have shallots on hand, they can replace the onions perfectly, adding a sweeter touch.
- Celery: Leeks can step in as a substitute, offering a milder flavor without dulling your broth.
- Bones: If times are tough, store-bought chicken stock can be a quick fix. Look for low-sodium varieties for a healthier option. Just remember, you’ll need to adjust seasonings accordingly.
Conclusion
Making slow cooker chicken broth is an enriching experience that yields a comforting, versatile culinary staple. With under 30 minutes of active preparation and a slow cooker doing the rest, it frees up your time while rewarding you with a flavorful delicacy.
This broth not only warms your insides but becomes a foundational ingredient for countless recipes. From a simple cup to a complex soup, its magic stretches across your kitchen creations.
So, go ahead, embrace the slow cooker, toss in those bones, and prepare for a warm, savory embrace that will fill your kitchen with the scents of love and nourishment. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this homemade goodness, you'll never look back!
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Before jumping into the depths of slow cooker chicken broth, let’s explore what complements this savory elixir. Its warm, rich flavor makes it a versatile base or side for numerous dishes. You might find it delightful when served alongside comforting noodles or hearty grains.
Imagine a bowl of steaming chicken broth boosting a simple rice dish or a vibrant vegetable medley on the side—it’s a match made in culinary heaven.
Toss in some tender dumplings, or drizzle it over hearty grains like quinoa or couscous for a fulfilling meal. The possibilities are endless, but remember, the star here is the broth itself. It adds depth to stews, enhances sauces, and can even lend warmth to a cold salad.
Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find a way to incorporate it into nearly every meal.
- 2 medium-sized yellow onions
- 4 celery stalks
- 2 medium carrots
- Bones from one or more roasted chickens
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (for seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a touch of acidity)
- Optional aromatics: fresh thyme sprigs, parsley stems, garlic cloves, fennel fronds, leek tops, whole black peppercorns, tomato skins
- Start by gathering your vegetables. Chop the yellow onions into quarters. Don’t worry about making them perfect; they’ll be strained out later. Next, slice the celery stalks into 2-inch chunks. Finally, peel and chop the carrots into large pieces.
- If you’ve saved bones from roasted chicken, now is the time to bring them out. If you don’t have bones from a roasted chicken, a rotisserie chicken from the store works well too. Just shred off the meat for a meal later, and keep the bones for the broth.
- Place the chopped vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, layer the chicken bones on top. Toss in the bay leaves, salt, and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients will all work together in harmony to create the savory magic.
- Pour cold water over the ingredients until just covered. It's essential to use cold water, as it allows the flavors to extract better. If you're using a larger slow cooker, aim for about 10–12 cups.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker, set it to low, and let it cook for 8–10 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the high setting for about 4–6 hours. But trust me, low and slow unlocks the best flavors!
- Once the time is up, carefully remove the lid—the warmth and aroma will greet you like an old friend. Strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve to remove the solids. Press down on the vegetables to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Allow the broth to cool slightly, then transfer it to jars for storage. Use glass containers for easy refrigeration. If you want to freeze it for later, use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving room for expansion.
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories from Fat 20kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 950mg40%
- Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Save Your Scraps: Whenever you chop vegetables, save the bits you don’t use, like onion skins or carrot ends. Toss them into the broth-making process.
- Skim the Fat: After the broth cools in the fridge, a layer of fat will solidify on top. Skim it off for a cleaner broth if desired.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs and spices based on your preferences. Bay leaves and thyme are classic, but rosemary can add a delightful twist.
- Add Umami: A tablespoon of soy sauce or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can deepen the overall broth flavor.
- Use Frozen Bones: If you cannot cook the broth right away, freeze leftover bones. You can build up a stash for the next time you get cooking.
I’m Crystal Ivers, a registered dietitian and the creator of Easy Family Meal. Living in Chicago with my family, I’m passionate about helping busy families create simple, nutritious, and delicious meals. Through my blog, I share easy-to-make recipes and practical tips to make family mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.