Chicken Bone Broth is winter cooking at its most deliberate—quiet heat, long hours, and steady extraction. This version focuses on clarity and body rather than overpowering flavour. Starting cold, simmering gently, and seasoning late allows collagen to dissolve slowly, creating a broth that feels light on the palate yet deeply grounding. Aromatics are added with restraint so the chicken remains the lead, not the background. The final broth turns softly gelatinous when chilled, signalling that the bones have given up their structure fully. It works as a warming cup on cold mornings, a base for soups, or a clean foundation for grains and stews.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
1 kgChicken bones (back, neck, wings, and carcass)
3 litresCold water
1 largeOnion (quartered)
1 mediumCarrot (roughly chopped)
2Celery stalks (roughly chopped)
4Garlic cloves ( crushed )
2Apple cider vinegar
10Black peppercorns
2Bay leaves
2Fresh thyme
to taste Salt
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Bone Preparation
Place the chicken bones in a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot. Rinse briefly under cold running water to remove surface blood and loose fragments. This quick rinse improves clarity without stripping flavour. Drain thoroughly before returning the bones to the pot so excess water does not dilute the extraction.
Description - Step 2
Cold Water Start
Pour cold water over the bones, ensuring they are fully submerged. A cold start allows proteins and collagen to release gradually as the temperature rises. This controlled extraction is key to achieving a body without cloudiness and helps prevent aggressive boiling later.
Description - Step 3
Acid Activation
Add apple cider vinegar to the pot and allow the bones to rest in the water before heating. This soaking period helps loosen minerals from the bone matrix. The vinegar does not add sourness but supports deeper collagen breakdown during the long simmer.
Description - Step 4
Initial Simmer
Place the pot over medium heat and slowly bring it to a gentle simmer. As foam and grey impurities surface, skim them away using a spoon. Removing these early keeps the broth clear and avoids muddy flavours later in the cook.
Description - Step 5
Aromatic Addition
Add onion, carrot, celery, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce the heat immediately so the liquid barely moves. Aromatics should steep, not boil, allowing the broth to stay balanced and chicken-forward rather than vegetal.
Description - Step 6
Long Slow Cooking
Partially cover the pot and maintain a very low simmer for 6 hours. Stir occasionally and add hot water if bones become exposed. Over time, collagen converts to gelatin, giving the broth a full mouthfeel without heaviness.
Description - Step 7
Final Seasoning
Add salt only during the final half hour of cooking. Late seasoning prevents over-concentration as liquid reduces and gives better control over balance. Taste and adjust carefully—the broth should feel clean, not salty.
Description - Step 8
Straining
Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard bones and vegetables, which have fully given up their flavour. Avoid pressing solids, as this can cloud the broth.
Description - Step 9
Cooling and Storage
Cool rapidly by placing the container in an ice bath, then refrigerate. Once chilled, the broth should set softly. A natural fat layer will form on top, acting as a protective seal during storage.