Homemade chicken bone broth is easier to make than you think! It’s also super budget friendly! I like to make mine using the carcass from a rotisserie chicken. My husband will often buy a rotisserie chicken on busy weeknights when I don’t feel like cooking. After we finish up using the chicken I like to save the carcass to make bone broth the next day. By doing this I’m getting more for my money. Not only do I get to use the meat but I’m also getting a delicious, and nourishing broth from the carcass which most people just throw away.
Why’ll You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly
- Great way to reduce food waste
- Rich homemade flavor
- Easy to make
- Perfect for soups, stews and rice
- Freezer-friendly
Ingredients For Chicken Bone Broth
- Rotisserie chicken carcass
- Celery
- Carrots
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Bay leaves
- Chicken bouillon
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Water
- Salt
How to Make Bone Broth
Add Everything to the Pot
Place the chicken carcass into a large pot along with the celery, carrots, onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves, chicken bouillon, black pepper, and water.
Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer the Broth
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Let the broth simmer for 3–4 hours. This slow cooking process helps extract all the flavor from the bones, skin, and vegetables.
Taste the broth once it’s cooled a bit and add salt if needed.
Strain the Broth
Allow the broth to cool slightly.
Carefully strain the broth through a mesh strainer into a large bowl or pot.
Discard the solids left behind.
Use immediately or store for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade chicken broth last?
Stored in an airtight container, the broth will last about 4–5 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze chicken broth?
Absolutely. Let the broth cool completely, then freeze it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Why is my broth gelatinous after chilling?
That’s actually a good thing! The gelatin comes from collagen released from the bones during cooking and is a sign of a rich homemade broth.
Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Bone Broth
- Leave some meat and skin on the carcass for extra flavor.
- Simmering low and slow creates the richest broth.
- You can add herbs like parsley or thyme for additional flavor.
- Freeze broth in smaller portions for easy use later.
- Skim excess fat from the top if desired after chilling.
Ways to Use Homemade Bone Broth
Homemade Chicken Bone Broth
This homemade chicken bone broth is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make using a leftover rotisserie chicken carcass, fresh vegetables, and simple seasonings. Perfect for soups, rice, beans, or sipping on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken carcass
- 2 celery sticks roughly chopped
- 2 whole carrots roughly chopped
- 1/2 onion
- 4 cloves garlic smashed
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 12 cups water
- salt to taste
Instructions
-
Put the carcass in a large pot along with the celery, carrots, onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves, chicken bouillon, black pepper and water.
-
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 3-4 hours.
-
Add salt if needed.
-
Let cool a bit then strain the broth using a mesh strainer. Discard what’s left behind.
-
Store the broth in the refrigerator in a container for up to 5 days or freeze.