Easy Crockpot Bone Broth Recipe is made from the scraps of a whole chicken, beef or turkey! A slow cooker bone broth that is so easy to make!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my policy and more about affiliate links. This post was originally shared in 2018 but has since been updated
Once you give this Easy Crockpot Bone Broth a try, you’ll never go back to store bought broth.
You can make homemade bone broth in your crockpot for a fraction of the price of store bought broth.
It takes only a few minutes of prep time and 2 ingredients to make!
What is bone broth?
Bone broth is the SAME thing as chicken stock or broth.
At it’s core, bone broth is really just soup made probably the same way your grandma used to make it… with bones that were either leftover from a meal, or that she got from a butcher (our gram’s still make it like this!). Butcherbox also carries beef bones!
The bones and vegetables cook low and slow, creating an extremely nutrient dense, delicious broth.
You might be thinking.. if it’s broth.. what is so great about it?
Many people drink bone broth because it’s so nutrient packed. When the bones are cooked low and slow they can release their naturally occurring collagen + gelatin which is thought to be great for your gut health, skin + nails!
P.S. – If you love crockpot recipes, check out these 45 Healthy Crockpot Recipes!
Want more slow cooker recipes? Get our 40 best crock pot recipes in a printable ebook for less than $11!
Ingredients for bone broth:
To make bone broth, you really only need:
- bones
- water
However, I like to throw in some extra veggies and herbs for flavor. Here I have some carrots, onions + celery as well as some thyme + rosemary.
Some people add apple cider vinegar to allegedly pull out the collagen from the bones, but I never do and my broth is always delicious and rich!
Other helpful tools: crockpot, fine mesh strainer, souper cubes (for storing)
Making the bone broth is really as easy as just filling your pot with water, and turning it on!
How to make crockpot bone broth:
- Add all ingredients to a crockpot (bones, scraps, fat, etc). Cover with water and cook on low for at least 12 hours (16-18 is best).
- You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the size of your crockpot. You can fill to the top of the crockpot!
- Allow broth to cool slightly, and run through a fine mesh strainer into a large pot or container.
- Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or put in the freezer until ready to use!
- Optional, but recommended: Carefully remove carrots, onions + celery from the strainer and place into blender. Puree in blender until smooth (You may need to add a little broth to the blender depending on it’s power)
- Stir veggie puree into strained broth and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Substitutions for bone broth:
Bones – You can use any bones.. chicken, beef, or turkey will all work. I like to use the scraps from our Slow Cooker Chicken Breast or Turkey Breast in Crockpot. We also have a Turkey Broth, Homemade Beef Bone Broth and Homemade Chicken Broth recipe. You can also use the scraps of a rotisserie chicken!
Veggies – Carrots, celery, onion and garlic add flavor to the broth but are not necessary
Seasonings – You can add salt, pepper, or whatever other herbs you’d like to the broth. We love to throw thyme + rosemary into our broth!
Apple cider Vinegar – Some people add apple cider vinegar to their broth to help coax the nutrients out of the bones. This is not necessary, but if you’d like to add it – feel free!
What kind of bones should you use for bone broth?
My favorite way to make bone broth is with leftover bones from a whole chicken. After I’ve cooked the chicken, everything goes in the slow cooker and gets turned into broth!
You can use chicken, beef, turkey or pork bones. They can be raw, or cooked.
Bone Broth Benefits:
‘Gut’ health– If you look online you’ll find many people claiming they have a ‘leaky’ gut. While this isn’t a medical term, it is a real thing. Many people have chronic stomach pain, issues, or intolerances, coming from an unknown cause. Some holistic health coaches believe that these issues stem from small holes in the intestines. Bone broth is filled with gelatin and collagen, which many health coaches claim can help repair these holes, and alleviate stomach issues. (Source)
Fuller skin, lips, and healthier hair– When made with specific types of bones, broth can be loaded with collagen. Collagen allegedly helps to fill out the cells, and can give your skin a fuller, brighter appearance.
Strong joints– You may not be worried about your joints just yet, but if you’re older, or experience joint pain due to an injury or exercise – you’ve probably heard of or taken glucosamine. Most drug stores sell glucosamine in a liquid form or pill, and it can help protect your joints from pain and keep them healthy.
Amino Acids-Amino acids are great for helping recover from your workout, but they can also help in a number of other areas including digestion and organ function. Most bone broths have a high level of Glutamine, Arginine, Proline and Glycine.
Yes, bone broth certainly requires a little bit of time and patience to make, but it really requires no labor and is incredibly easy to do! If you have a crockpot.. and leftover cooked crockpot whole chicken (or chicken bones!) you’ll be good to go!
If you’re looking for other slow cooker recipes – check out these Paleo Crockpot Recipes.
(This broth has a more orange color because the broth has been blended with carrots, celery + onions)
I make my Easy Crockpot Bone Broth a little different from other people. Most people just strain the broth after it cooks + use/drink that. I take the veggies that cooked with the bones + puree them up to make the broth extra nutrient dense!
I find it adds even more flavor, and who doesn’t want to sneak in extra veggies?! You have to give it a try!
Can you cook bone broth for too long?
Technically, yes. If you go past the 24 hour mark – your broth might wind up turning out bitter or getting a weird flavor. I normally cook my slow cooker bone broth for about 18-20 hours, and have never had an issue with it, but I wouldn’t cook it for any longer!
Do you need to roast the bones for bone broth?
It depends. If you have already cooked a whole chicken, turkey, etc. You don’t need to roast the bones.
However, if you’re using raw bones (specifically beef) you should roast them. I like to quickly boil raw beef bones and then roast them at about 400 degrees for 20 minutes to remove any impurities from the bones. It results in a clearer broth and more flavor. Check out our Beef Bone Broth recipe for more details
Can you reuse the bones in bone broth?
People say that you can reuse the bones for bone broth, but I’ve never had success with this. Typically after cooking once, the bones are nearly disintegrating.
Whenever I’ve reused them, the broth has not been as gelatinous or flavorful as the first time using them!
Want more slow cooker recipes? Get our 40 best crock pot recipes in a printable ebook for less than $11!
My bone broth didn’t gel?
It’s ok if your bone broth doesn’t gel, and rest assured it will be just as nutritious! Certain bones/cuts of meat can create a more jello-like consistency with the broth.
You could also have added a little bit too much water. Either way, don’t worry – and enjoy it!
Can you freeze bone broth?
You can freeze bone broth, and you probably will have to because this makes a lot! For all my freezing tips, check out my post on How To Freeze Soup.
I freeze my bone broth in freezer molds plastic containers, or ice cub trays. These containers for freezing are my favorite way to freeze bone broth.
Freezing in glass: I don’t recommend freezing in glass ever. Liquid expands and it’s very easy for it to crack. If you are going to freeze in glass, fill the bottle leaving about 1-2 inches of room – do not fill to the top because the liquid will expand as it freezes. Put them in the fridge and allow them to completely cool for at least 5 hours.
Once they have been in the fridge for at least 5 hours and are cold, you can transfer to the freezer. I leave the lids off and allow the jars to freeze completely, then add the lids on.
To defrost, I simply take out and put in the fridge the night before. We strongly discourage freezing in glass and even if you do this there’s a good chance the glass will crack!
Ice cube trays: I also like to freeze bone broth in ice cube trays. This is perfect for when you’re making a dish and only need a little bit, but don’t want to defrost a whole jar!
How long does bone broth last?
Bone broth will last 6-7 days in your refrigerator. If frozen, it can last up to a year – but I’d recommend using it within 6 months for freshness!
Can you make this bone broth in the instant pot?
Yes, you can! I prefer to cook my bone broth in the slow cooker, but you can cook this in your instant pot for 120 minutes on high pressure, and let it naturally release. You can see our instant pot bone broth recipe here.
Depending on the size of your instant pot, you may need more or less water. Make sure you DO NOT fill above the max fill line! Leave about an inch and half before the max fill line.
Ways to use Crockpot Bone Broth
You can use bone broth in so many different ways. Here are some of my favorites:
- As the base of our favorite Lemon Chicken Soup
- Pour it in a mug and drink it up! It’s packed with protein + veggies and so cozy.
- Add to sauces or stir fry’s for flavor
- Use in place of water or regular cooking stock
- Freeze it to have for a quick dinner or meal (or for when a cold comes on!)
We hope you love this as much as we do! We make this year round (basically anytime I cook a roasted chicken!) and it’s a staple in our kitchen/freezer. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how easy + delicious it is!
Recipes that use this Easy Crockpot Bone Broth
You can use bone broth in so many things. Here are some of our favorite recipes that use crockpot bone broth.
Easy Crockpot Bone Broth
Ingredients
- 1 lb bones from chicken or beef The more bones, the better. You can use the scraps from a whole roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken, or raw bones
- 2 cups celery stalks halved – optional
- 1 cup carrots halved – optional
- 1 cup onion quartered – optional
- sprigs fresh thyme + rosemary optional
- salt/pepper to taste
- 8 cups water (approximately, fill to the top of your crockpot)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a crockpot (bones, scraps, fat, etc). Cover with water and cook on low for at least 12 hours (16-18 is best).
- You may need to adjust the amount of water depending on the size of your crockpot. You can fill to the top of the crockpot!
- Allow broth to cool slightly, and run through a fine mesh strainer into a large pot or container. (This will just be easier to do if it is not scalding hot).
- Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or put in the freezer until ready to use!
- Optional, but recommended: Carefully remove carrots, onions + celery from the strainer and place into blender. Puree in blender until smooth (You may need to add a little broth to the blender depending on it’s power)
- Stir veggie puree into strained broth and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
Jkyle says
This had turned to a gel -I scraped fat off the top – how do I get it to a broth consistency ? J Kyle
The Clean Eating Couple says
There’s no need to scrape the fat off the top. Gel is awesome! When you warm it, it will go back to a broth consistency.
Marci says
Where does the sugar come from?
The Clean Eating Couple says
If you add carrots to it and blend it there will be some naturally occurring sugars but otherwise there is no sugar in this recipe
Cali says
I haven’t made this yet. How much broth does the recipe make? It says it “serves 4 people” but that isn’t very helpful. Thank you.
The Clean Eating Couple says
It makes however much water you add to your crockpot. So if you have an 8 quart crockpot it will make about 8 quarts of broth. It’s really hard to determine a serving size because it depends on your pot and how much water you’re adding.
Brie says
Hello. I found your recipe after I cooked my turkey bones on high in the crockpot for about 9 hours. After reading your recipe I adjusted the temp to low for an additional 6 more hours. Do you think my bone broth is going to be ok after cooking it on high initially? Thank you for your recipe I will use this in the future from start to finish. For years I cooked my bone broth in the stove top simmering for about 3-4 days with veggies I stored in freezer from my kitchen scraps. It was delicious!
The Clean Eating Couple says
It will be totally fine! Sometimes I start mine on high and then reduce it 🙂 Enjoy!
Treend says
This sight has the most helpful information online to learn how to make bone broth in a crockpot. Plus all the reasons to make bone broth for good health.
Thank You
Mary
Hannah says
Hello! Thank you for sharing. Have you ever canned your broth? Thank you
The Clean Eating Couple says
No I have not – I don’t know anything about canning so I can’t offer any advice on this! You’d need to find a specific recipe on how to can it broth for food safety!
Mirsa says
This was so easy to make! I used the leftovers from a rotisserie chicken to make it even easier. Great for sipping. Love the taste!
Sonni says
Do the puréed veggies change the consistency of the broth? Could you still sip on it like a liquid?
The Clean Eating Couple says
It makes it a little bit thicker
June robbs says
Can I use a turkey carved instead of chicken?
The Clean Eating Couple says
Yes you can, June. Any bones – chicken, turkey, beef – all work for this recipe. We also have a How to Make Turkey Broth (Stock) post
Hayley says
So easy, comes out amazing, and saves money!! I recently used this recipe to make bone broth after thanksgiving, but also use it regularly with rotisserie chickens! So good and perfect for having on hand for soups in the winter!!
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you like it, Hayley! Thank you so much!
Beth Cowan says
Sounds like a good recipe. How much apple cider vinegar do you recommend?
Thank you.
The Clean Eating Couple says
I don’t ever add apple cider vinegar to my broth so unfortunately I can’t offer you a recommendation!
Lauren says
I bought a nut milk bag to drain my bone broth but do you have any tips on how to pour it through the bag into a jar without making a mess!! Do you use a funnel or just like crock pot to different bowl when you strain and then to jar:.
The Clean Eating Couple says
Hi Lauren – I first run my broth through a regular strainer. Then I set the nut milk bag in a bowl or a large measuring cup and use another measuring cup to pour it through. hope that helps!
Priscilla says
This was so easy to make and so worth it! Cooked it for 18 hours as recommended and it is literally the best bone broth I have ever tasted! Highly recommend!
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you liked it, Priscilla! Thank you so much!
Mike Birkla says
I plan to use chicken feet and gizzards along with the bones from roasted chicken.
should I roast the chicken feet and gizzards ??
The Clean Eating Couple says
I would roast them
The Clean Eating Couple says
I would roast them before you put them in the pot
kalysam @ Jango Recipes says
Such a beautiful recipe and presentation. It’s definitely the type of food for everyday meal. Can’t wait to give it a try.
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thank you so much!
Aubrey Ferrando says
Creamy and amazing bone broth!! I added carrots, celery, onion, 6 cloves garlic, 1 bunch fresh parsley, about an inch of ginger (peeled), and a few dashes of pink salt, fresh black pepper and red pepper. Followed all of the recommended steps (low slow cooked for 17 hrs, strained, added back veggies, puréed veggies and stock, and then drained again through mesh bag) and the end result was nothing short of amazing! I have made the recipe multiple times now.
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you liked it, Aubrey! Thank you!
KATHELINE R TATE says
I have made chicken bone broth in a crockpot. I t is very easy to make. I use Chicken feet and Beef bones. Chicken feet has more collagen needed for my health. I add onions, garlic, carrots, celery and lots of herbs, such as Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Parsley . I think that sometimes I have overcooked it because I recently read that it should not be overcooked because the nutrients can be lost. Another tip was to cook it long to get all of the nutrients from the bones. I will cook it for only 12 hours on low to preserve the taste.
The Clean Eating Couple says
Glad you liked it!
Mary says
Love love love this recipe. Never in a million years would I have guessed I would make my own bone broth. This is so simple and to know I am using clean bone broth for cheap excites me. I get excited to find recipes that call for broth so I can use it. Try it, you’ll be surprised at what you get
The Clean Eating Couple says
I’m so glad you gave it a try! It really is the best broth and you can’t beat the price 😉
Chrissi says
This is simple and tasty! I use it for all sorts of soup and bean recipes! I highly recommend blending in the vegetables like she suggests. It makes the broth richer. I freeze in ice cubes like she suggests also so I can get as little or as much as I need at a time.
The Clean Eating Couple says
So happy you like it, Chrissi! Thank you!
Molly says
Not sure why I’ve never made this before! Easy to just dump the bones and some veggies and add water. I got 9 cups of broth. I use it for soups and to make rice.
The Clean Eating Couple says
Yay! Isn’t it so simple!? We use the broth for the same things! It really does make the best rice!
Heather says
Made this with a leftover half rotisserie chicken. My slow cooker cooks everything WAY too fast, so in about 4 hours,, I had a delicious golden broth that I drank for lunch on a very cold February day.
So simple yet so delicious! Will never throw away another rotisserie chicken carcass before using it for broth!
The Clean Eating Couple says
So glad you liked it, Heather! It really is the best way to use up leftover chicken!
Robin says
This is the first time I’ve ever made my own broth and it was super easy and good. Now that I know how simple it is, I’ll do it every time!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Glad you enjoyed it, Robin! Thank you so much!!
Jen Westerlund says
I stirred my chicken bone broth…is that a problem?
The Clean Eating Couple says
No, it will be fine. Your broth might be a little more cloudy but it will taste/work just fine!
Melissa Silva says
Hi I have a question a lot of recipes say you’re supposed to roast the bones in the oven first this recipe doesn’t tell you to do that would it still come out good?
The Clean Eating Couple says
Hi Melissa – It depends. If you have already cooked a whole chicken, turkey, etc. You don’t need to roast the bones.
However, if you’re using raw bones (specifically beef) you should roast them. I like to quickly boil raw beef bones and then roast them at about 400 degrees for 20 minutes to remove any impurities from the bones. It results in a clearer broth and more flavor.
Jenna Rose says
This is the best broth I’ve ever made and it’s SO very easy. I make it twice a month. It freezes so well, too!
The Clean Eating Couple says
Thanks, Jenna! So glad you like it!