Nourishing Chicken Bone Broth

A delicious, collagen-rich, gut-healing broth for immunity, digestion, and hormone balance.

Why I Love This Broth

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm cup of chicken broth. Especially when it’s made from scratch. Beyond comfort, it’s also one of the most therapeutic foods you can make.

Homemade chicken broth delivers amino acids, collagen, and minerals that support your joints, skin, gut lining, and immune system. It’s a foundational recipe I use in many of my client plans, a food-first way to restore balance and help the body heal naturally.

The Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 packs chicken bones (2–3 lbs bones)

• 2 large carrots, roughly chopped

• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

• 1 medium onion, quartered (no need to peel)

• 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps pull minerals and collagen from bones)

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 handful parsley stems or leaves

• 1 handful fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried (optional)

• 1 tsp Celtic sea salt or good-quality sea salt

• 1 tsp black peppercorns

• 12 cups filtered water

  
  

Optional Add-Ins for Deeper Nourishment:

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger (for digestion + inflammation)

• Fresh dill stems

• 1 small piece kombu or 1 tbsp dulse flakes (for trace minerals)

• 1 tbsp turmeric + pinch black pepper (for anti-inflammatory support)

Slow Cooker Method

1. Add bones and all ingredients to your slow cooker.

2. Pour in water and apple cider vinegar.

3. Cook on low for 12–24 hours (the longer it simmers, the richer the collagen and flavour).

4. Strain and season to taste.

5. Let cool before storing. Skim off any hardened fat if preferred.

Stovetop Method

1. Add bones and ingredients to a large stock pot (6–8 L).

2. Add water and apple cider vinegar; bring to a light boil.

3. Reduce to a very gentle simmer for 6–10 hours.

4. Skim foam off the surface as needed.

5. Strain and season to taste.

Storage

• Keeps 5–6 days in the fridge

• Freeze in glass jars or cubes for up to 3 months

Why This Broth Matters

1. Supports Gut Repair

Gelatin and amino acids like glycine and glutamine help repair the gut lining, soothe inflammation, and improve digestion.

2. Strengthens Immunity

Bone broth is rich in minerals and compounds that support white blood cell activity and calm inflammatory cytokines. It’s a foundational immune tonic.

3. Nourishes Skin, Hair, and Joints

Collagen from the bones supports connective tissue — helping maintain skin elasticity, healthy hair, and joint lubrication.

4. Balances the Nervous System

Warm, savoury broth supports the parasympathetic response (“rest and digest”), helping regulate cortisol and stress recovery.

5. Replenishes Minerals and Electrolytes

Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium make this broth ideal for post-workout recovery, hydration, or adrenal support.

Approximate Nutrition per 1 Cup

(Varies depending on simmer time and bones used)

Calories ~40-60kcal

Protein 6-10g

Fat 1-3g

Carbohydrates <1g

Sodium 250-400mg

Collagen + Gelatin 3-6g (estimated)

How to Use It

• Sip 1 cup mid-morning or afternoon for a gentle protein boost

• Use as a cooking base for soups, sauces, or grains

• Enjoy after workouts for recovery and hydration

• Drink before bed to calm the nervous system and support sleep

Final Thoughts

This is food as medicine, simple, grounding, and healing. Whether you’re rebuilding gut health, supporting hormones, or recovering from stress, homemade chicken broth offers a foundation your body can thrive on.

We’re playing the long game. Small changes. Big outcomes. Real health.

Your partner in health and longevity,

Stacie Mylonas, RHN