The Best Organic Whole Chicken Bone Broth Recipe

Homemade organic chicken bone broth is a nutrient-dense liquid made by simmering leftover chicken carcass, bones, skins, and meat. It’s loaded with collagen, amino acids, and minerals that offer amazing health benefits, including promoting joint health, improving gut function, and boosting the immune system. Whether you use it as a base for soups, sauces, or simply sip it on its own, chicken broth is an essential kitchen staple. With the option to cook it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot pressure cooking method, this versatile recipe allows you to make homemade chicken bone broth in a way that fits your schedule.

Ingredients for Organic Chicken Bone Broth:

• Leftover bones, skins, and meat from one whole organic chicken (including the carcass)
• 1 organic onion, chopped
• 2 organic carrots, chopped
• 8 cups of water (preferably filtered for purity)
• 1 teaspoon organic apple cider vinegar (helps draw out collagen from the bones)
• A pinch of salt (to taste)
• 2-3 organic bay leaves (optional, but adds a wonderful depth of flavor)

Why Use Organic Ingredients for Bone Broth?

Choosing organic chicken and vegetables in your bone broth ensures you’re getting the most nutrient-rich, clean ingredients possible. Organic chicken bones are naturally higher in collagen, which is crucial for gut health, skin elasticity, and joint mobility. This method of using leftover chicken carcass reduces food waste while maximizing the nutritional value of your broth. In addition, organic vegetables and apple cider vinegar help to create a cleaner, healthier broth that is free from harmful pesticides, chemicals, or preservatives.

Using organic apple cider vinegar is particularly important because it helps break down the collagen in the bones, which results in a richer, more flavorful broth. The bones release gelatin during the slow simmering process, making your chicken bone broth silky smooth and packed with nutrients.

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Health Benefits of Bone Broth: Why It’s So Good for You

Bone broth is more than just a flavorful liquid; it’s a powerhouse of health benefits that can support various aspects of your health. Here’s why incorporating homemade bone broth into your diet is so beneficial:

Rich in Collagen and Gelatin:

One of the most notable health benefits of bone broth is its high collagen content. Collagen is the protein that gives structure to our skin, hair, and connective tissues. As you simmer bones, the collagen breaks down into gelatin, which is beneficial for joint health and skin elasticity. Consuming collagen-rich bone broth can help improve joint mobility, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote healthier skin overall. The gelatin in bone broth can also help to heal and seal the gut lining, supporting digestive health and potentially helping with conditions like leaky gut.

Amino Acids for Joint and Bone Health:

Bone broth is rich in amino acids such as proline, glycine, and glutamine, which are essential for the maintenance of healthy joints, muscles, and tissues. These amino acids play a crucial role in supporting collagen synthesis, reducing inflammation, and protecting the cartilage in the joints. The gelatin in the broth provides glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which are often used in supplements for joint pain and arthritis relief.

Supports Immune Health:

Bone broth is known for its immune-boosting properties. It is packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which support the immune system and overall health. Additionally, the gelatin in the broth helps to keep the digestive system healthy, which is closely linked to immune function. A strong gut can help protect the body from infections and inflammation, making bone broth a great addition to any health regimen.

Improves Sleep and Mental Health:

The amino acid glycine found in bone broth has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can promote better sleep. Glycine has also been linked to improved cognitive function and mental clarity. Consuming bone broth can therefore not only support physical health but also help manage stress and enhance mental well-being.

Promotes Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails:

As a source of collagen, bone broth contributes to the health of your skin, hair, and nails. The amino acids and minerals found in bone broth help strengthen hair and nails while improving skin elasticity and moisture retention. The collagen helps reduce wrinkles and supports overall skin tone, making it a popular natural beauty remedy.

Detoxifies the Body:

Bone broth is also an excellent source of glycine, an amino acid that plays a vital role in detoxification processes. Glycine helps to regulate liver function and promotes the removal of toxins from the body. Additionally, the gelatin found in bone broth can support the body’s ability to absorb and digest nutrients more effectively.

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Why Use Organic Air-Chilled Chicken in Your Bone Broth?

When making bone broth, the quality of the chicken you use is crucial for obtaining the best flavor and nutritional benefits. This is why organic air-chilled chicken is the best option for your broth. Here are several reasons why choosing air-chilled organic chicken makes a significant difference:

Why Organic Chicken:

Avoiding Corn and Soy Feed: Conventional chickens are often fed a diet that includes corn and soy, which can introduce harmful chemicals into the meat, including pesticides and herbicides. Organic chickens, on the other hand, are raised without the use of corn and soy-based feed, making them a cleaner and healthier choice. Organic feed is free from synthetic chemicals and additives, resulting in higher-quality, more nutrient-dense chicken that is better for you and the environment.

Better Chicken Conditions: Organic chickens live in more humane and natural conditions than conventionally raised chickens. They roam freely with more space and avoid confinement in crowded, stressful environments. This leads to healthier, happier animals and, as a result, healthier meat. Using organic chicken bones in your broth guarantees high-quality ingredients, which results in a more flavorful and nutritious broth.

No Antibiotics or Hormones: Organic chickens grow without antibiotics, hormones, or growth stimulants. Conventional chicken farming often uses these substances to prevent disease and promote growth. These chemicals can enter the meat and eventually end up in the human diet. By choosing organic air-chilled chicken, you avoid these harmful chemicals, making the broth safer and healthier for you and your family.

Why Air-Chilled Chicken

Air-Chilled vs. Chlorinated Water: Many conventional chicken processing plants use chlorinated water to wash and clean the meat. This process can leave behind chemical residues in the chicken, which can affect the quality and safety of the meat. Air-chilled chicken, like Belle Evans, however, is processed without the use of chlorine or other chemicals. The air-chilling method preserves the natural flavors and textures of the meat and helps to maintain a clean, safe product. Additionally, air-chilled chicken retains less water compared to conventionally processed chicken, which can lead to a more concentrated, flavorful broth.

Higher Nutrient Content: Organic, air-chilled chicken has been shown to have a higher nutrient profile compared to conventionally raised chicken. Organic chicken tends to have more omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, making it a more nutrient-dense option for bone broth. This contributes to a richer, more healthful broth that can provide your body with essential nutrients for overall wellness.

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How to Make Organic Chicken Bone Broth: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, or Instant Pot

Now that you understand the incredible health benefits of bone broth and the importance of using organic air-chilled chicken, it’s time to dive into making your own at home. This recipe gives you several options for cooking your homemade chicken bone broth—whether you prefer the traditional stovetop method, the convenience of a slow cooker, or the speed of an Instant Pot pressure cooking method.

How to Make Organic Chicken Bone Broth on the Stovetop:

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by chopping the organic onion and carrots into large chunks. You don’t need to chop them finely as they will cook down and soften during the long simmering process.
2. Add Chicken Bones and Water: In a large pot, place your leftover chicken carcass along with the chicken bones, skins, and any remaining meat. Pour in 8 cups of filtered water to cover the bones, leaving a bit of room at the top for the ingredients to simmer. Add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to help draw out the collagen and minerals from the bones.
3. Bring to a Boil: Turn the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. You may need to skim off some foam or impurities that rise to the top during the first 30 minutes of simmering.
4. Simmer for 6-8 Hours: Allow the broth to simmer for 6 to 8 hours. The longer you simmer it, the richer and more flavorful the broth will become. Ensure that the water level doesn’t run too low during the simmering process—add more water if necessary.
5. Add Vegetables and Bay Leaves: After 6 hours of simmering, add the chopped onion, carrots, and a couple of bay leaves. These ingredients will infuse the broth with additional flavor as it continues to cook. Let it simmer for another 10 hours, totaling 16 hours of simmering.
6. Strain the Broth: Once the broth has fully simmered, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the bones, vegetables, and other solids. Discard the solids, keeping only the rich, flavorful broth.
7. Store or Can the Bone Broth: Store the strained broth in mason jars or freezer-safe bags. If you want to can your broth, leave one inch of headspace in each jar and be sure to label them with the date. You can use the broth within 7 days if stored in the refrigerator, or freeze it for longer-term storage.

Slow Cooker Method for Organic Chicken Bone Broth:

If you prefer a slow cooker method for your chicken broth recipe, this option is incredibly convenient and hands-off. It allows you to set it and forget it. This makes it perfect for busy days when you don’t want to keep an eye on the stove.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Place the leftover chicken bones, skins, meat, chopped onion, carrots, and bay leaves into the slow cooker. Add 8 cups of water, salt, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
2. Set the Slow Cooker: Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 8-10 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can set it to high for 4-5 hours. But the longer simmer on low will yield a more flavorful broth.
3. Check the Water Level: During the slow cooking process, check the water level a few times. If it runs low, top it off with more water.
4. Strain and Store: After the cooking time has finished, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids. Store the broth in mason jars or freezer-safe bags.

Instant Pot Pressure Cooking Method for Organic Chicken Bone Broth:

For a quick and efficient way to make homemade chicken bone broth, the Instant Pot is your best friend. With Instant Pot pressure cooking, you can make flavorful chicken broth. It takes just a fraction of the time it takes on the stovetop or slow cooker.

1. Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot: Place the leftover chicken carcass, bones, skins, and meat into the Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, bay leaves, salt, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Pour in 8 cups of water, making sure not to exceed the max fill line.
2. Set the Instant Pot: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual pressure cook for 45 minutes on high pressure. Once it’s finished cooking, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 15 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.
3. Strain the Broth: After releasing the pressure, carefully open the Instant Pot. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids. The resulting broth will be rich and ready to use in recipes or as a stand-alone drink.
4. Store or Can: Pour the strained broth into mason jars or freezer-safe bags and store. As with other methods, leave one inch of headspace for canning.

Tips for the Best Chicken Bone Broth:

• Roasting the Bones: If you have extra time, consider roasting the bones before simmering them to bring out a deeper, richer flavor. Roast the bones in the oven at 400°F for 30-45 minutes before adding them to the pot or slow cooker.
• Collagen-Rich Broth: For a thicker, collagen-rich broth, use bones that have a lot of cartilage, like chicken feet or wings. These bones will yield a gel-like consistency when cooled, which is a great indicator of a nutritious broth.
• Store in Small Batches: Freeze your broth in smaller portions (like 2-3 cups) to make it easier to defrost and use as needed.

Why Bone Broth is a Health Powerhouse:

Chicken bone broth is known for its numerous health benefits, thanks to the minerals, collagen, and amino acids extracted from the bones and cartilage during the long cooking process. Collagen, for example, is great for skin elasticity, joint health, and improving gut health. The gelatin formed from the collagen is also excellent for improving the health of your digestive tract, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy skin and hair.

Adding Bone Broth to your diet is also an excellent source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are often under-consumed in many diets. Drinking homemade chicken bone broth regularly can help replenish these essential nutrients and support overall health.

For more ways to use what you have check out these videos:

• Discover the Top 10 Secrets to Save Big on Food!
• How to Do a Pantry Challenge
• 5 Recipes for Canned Chicken!

MORE LEFTOVER FRIENDLY RECIPES TO TRY

• Use your leftover chicken in this Mediterranean Chopped Salad Recipe
• Use your leftover burgers to make Big Mac Wraps

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