Making bone broth at home using leftover Costco rotisserie chicken is a great way to utilize all parts of the chicken. Instead of throwing away the carcass of your Costco rotisserie chicken, use it to create a delicious and nutritious bone broth that is perfect for cooking and sipping. With a variety of ways to make it, you can choose the method that best fits your lifestyle and dietary needs.
What is bone broth and what are its nutritional benefits?
Bone broth is a liquid made by simmering bones, often from chickens, cows, or fish, for an extended period of time. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and collagen, which is reported to improve gut health, boost the immune system, and promote healthy skin and hair.
What is the difference between bone broth vs stock?
While bone broth, stock, and regular broth all start with bones, there are some key differences. Bone broth is made by simmering bones for a longer period of time, sometimes up to 24 hours, which results in a richer flavor and more nutrients. Stock is made with a similar process but typically simmered for a shorter period of time. Regular broth is made by simmering meat and vegetables for a shorter period of time.
What are the ingredients for making bone broth?
When making chicken bone broth or really any type of bone broth, you can use a variety of ingredients. Leftover vegetable scraps and aromatics, such as onions, garlic, and celery, can be added to the pot. Chicken feet are a great addition to bone broth as they are rich in collagen and provide a rich flavor.
Where can I find chicken feet?
If you’ve never cooked with chicken feet before, I highly recommend you try adding it to your chicken bone broth. The cartilage in chicken feet is high in collagen and will contribute to a more nutritious and gelatinous bone broth. You can find fresh or frozen chicken feet sold at most Asian or Hispanic supermarkets. If you don’t see chicken feet out on display at your local supermarket, try talking to the butcher as they may have some set aside.
What is a good substitute for chicken feet?
If you can’t get your hands on chicken feet, I recommend using chicken wings. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks.
How to make chicken bone broth
Chicken bone broth can be made on the stove top, in a pressure cooker, or in a slow cooker. If using Costco rotisserie chicken, there is no need to pre-roast the bones. Otherwise, you can roast the bones in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
For Stovetop:
- In a large pot, add the carcass and bones, chicken feet, and any leftover vegetable scraps and aromatics.
- Add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to help draw out the minerals from the bones.
- Fill the pot with water until the contents are just covered and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let simmer for at least 5 to 6 hours. Longer is better, up to 24 hours is recommended to maximize the richness of your broth.
For Pressure cooker:
- In a pressure cooker, add the chicken carcass and bones, chicken feet, and any leftover vegetable scraps and aromatics.
- Add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to help draw out the minerals from the bones.
- Fill the pot with water until the contents are just covered and seal the lid.
- Cook for 2-3 hours on high pressure.
For Slow cooker:
- In a slow cooker, add the chicken carcass and bones, chicken feet, and any leftover vegetable scraps and aromatics.
- Add a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to help draw out the minerals from the bones.
- Fill the pot with water until the contents are just covered and set on low for 8 to 10 hours.
How to strain bone broth and remove the fat
Once your bone broth is finished, strain out all the bones and aromatics. I recommend laying a cheese cloth over your strainer to achieve the cleanest broth. Once the broth has cooled completely, refrigerate overnight and you will see that the fat has risen to the top and solidified. Carefully use a large spoon to remove the fat. The bone broth underneath should be jiggly and gelatinous.
How to properly store bone broth
You can store bone broth in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months. To freeze the broth, simply pour it into ice cube trays or air tight, freezer-safe containers.
Homemade Chicken Bone Broth
Ingredients
- 2 Bones from 2 whole chickens I like to use the leftover carcass from Costco rotisserie chicken
- 1 onion, peeled and halved
- 1 cup carrots
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled
- 8 oz chicken feet about 6 chicken feet, or 3 feet for each carcass
- 1 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 tbp apple cider vinegar
- 7.5 cups water Just enough to cover the contents of the pot
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients (carcass, chicken feet, garlic, onion, carrots, peppercorns, bay leaves) to a large stockpot or slow cooker pot
- Add just enough water to cover all the contents of the pot
If cooking bone broth on the stovetop
- Heat under medium high heat and bring everything to a boil. Once the water has come to a boil, skim off any foam and impurities that may rise to the surface of the pot. Reduce heat to low and bring to a simmer. Continue to cook with the lid covered for at least 5 to 6 hours (longer is better).
If cooking bone broth in a slow cooker
- Set slow cooker to 8 hours.
How to strain and store the bone broth
- Place fine mesh colander over a large bowl or large measuring cup to strain out the bone broth. I recommend also laying a cheese cloth or kitchen towel over the colander as well.Carefully pour the broth and contents over the colander or use a ladle to transfer.
- Once the broth has cooled down, store in air tight containers in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, the fat will have separated from the broth and solidified at the top of the container. Use a spoon to remove the fat.
- Use the bone broth immediately to sip or for cooking. You can keep the bone broth in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If not consuming within a few days, store in the freezer in a freezer safe container. The bone broth will keep in the freezer for about 6 months.
