Best Bone Broth Recipe: Chicken, Beef & Turkey

Bone Broth Recipe

Bone broth is making waves these days and for good reason! It’s affordable, packed with age-defying collagen, and super easy to make at home using your Instant Pot, slow cooker, or just a simple stockpot on the stove. Let me guide you step by step on how to make delicious Turkey, Beef, and Chicken Bone Broth.

What is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is a savory, nutrient-rich liquid made by simmering animal bones like beef, chicken, turkey and fish for a long period. Along with bones, it usually includes connective tissue, vegetables such as celery, carrots, onions, and even herbs and garlic for extra flavor.

Want that jelly-like texture when it cools? That’s all about the collagen! Adding a little apple cider vinegar or white vinegar helps break down proteins and connective tissue, making the broth higher in protein and collagen.

Beef Bone Broth

This is a basic beef bone broth recipe perfect for weekend cooking. It freezes well, too—lasts up to 6 months in the freezer! If you prefer, refrigerate before freezing to skim off any solidified fat.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ pounds of beef bones (like oxtail, short rib, knuckle, and shank)

• 2 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 large onion, cut into 8 pieces

• 1 medium leek, roots trimmed, cleaned, and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 1 whole head garlic, halved crosswise

• 12 cups water (or enough to cover)

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

2. Place the beef bones on the baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Move the roasted bones to a large stockpot, pouring in any juices from the baking sheet. Add celery, onion, leek, and garlic.

4. Pour just enough water to cover everything. Stir in the bay leaves, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

5. Bring it all to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a very low simmer. Cover and leave a small vent for steam. After 12 hours of simmering, remove any excess foam or impurities. To keep bones submerged, add water as necessary.

6. Turn off the heat and let it reach room temperature. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the vegetables and bones from the soup.

Chicken Bone Broth

This recipe is perfect if you’ve got a whole roasted chicken leftover. The bones and carcass are packed with flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients

• Bones and carcass of 1 roasted chicken

• 12 cups filtered water

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: rosemary, herbs, lemon slices (leftover from roasting)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, add the chicken bones. Toss in any leftover herbs or lemon slices for added flavor.

2. Pour in water until it generously covers the bones (about 12 cups).

3. Add salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice as a substitute).

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 hours until the liquid reduces by about one-third or half.

5. Strain the bones and discard them. Store in glass jars or use right away. For one to two months, the broth can be stored in the freezer.

Pro Tip:

Because the broth contains collagen, it is normal for it to become gelatinous in the refrigerator. It will liquefy once again when heated.

Turkey Bone Broth

Got a leftover turkey carcass from Thanksgiving or a holiday meal? Don’t waste it—make a flavorful turkey bone broth instead!

Ingredients

• Turkey carcass (including skin and drippings)

• Onions or leeks

• Garlic

• Carrots

• Celery

• Optional: mushrooms, apple cider vinegar, thyme

Instructions

1. Place the turkey bones and apple cider vinegar in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the bones by an inch.

2. Simmer for 8-12 hours. Add vegetables in the last hour and herbs in the last 20 minutes for the best flavor.

3. Strain and cool the broth before storing.

Slow Cook Bone Broth

Looking for an easier way to make bone broth? You can set it and forget it with the slow cooker method. When you wake up, the broth will be rich and flavorful after 15 hours of simmering on low heat.

Instant Pot Bone Broth

The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time for a quicker option. Follow the same instructions, but set it to the "soup/broth" function for 2 hours. It’s a lifesaver when you need broth fast!

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Bone Broth Benefits

Highly Nutritious

Bone broth is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamin A, K2, zinc, and iron. It's a powerhouse of nutrients no matter which animal source you use!

Protects Joints

Bone broth is rich in collagen, which becomes gelatin when cooked. Gelatin contains amino acids like glucosamine and chondroitin, known to help with joint pain and reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.

Aids Digestion

The amino acids in bone broth can improve digestion, particularly for those with inflammatory bowel disease or leaky gut syndrome.

Better Sleep

Glycine, an amino acid in bone broth, has been shown to promote better sleep. Who wouldn’t want to sleep more soundly?

May Help with Weight Loss

Because bone broth is rich in protein, some claim it can help you feel fuller for longer, aiding in weight loss. While I wouldn’t rely on broth alone to fill me up, it could be a healthy addition to your diet.

Fights Inflammation

Bone broth contains amino acids with anti-inflammatory properties, such as glycine and arginine, which may help lower inflammation in the body, especially for people with obesity and chronic illnesses.

FAQs

How to Store Bone Broth?

After simmering for hours, strain and store your bone broth as needed. You can add it directly to soups or save it for later. Glass jars are perfect for freezing up to 1-2 months. Just be sure to leave space at the top for expansion!

How Much Bone Broth Should You Drink Daily?

Honestly, drink as much as you want. Start with 1-2 cups a day and see how you feel. Bone broth is a food-based medicine, so there’s no real limit—listen to your body and adjust as needed.

What’s the difference between bone broth and regular broth?

Bone broth is simmered for longer, extracting more collagen, nutrients, and minerals, while regular broth is quicker to make.

Can I use different types of bones in one broth?

Of course! Your broth will taste richer if you mix bones like turkey, chicken carcass, and oxtail.

Does bone broth have to be gelatinous?

Not necessarily, but gelatinous broth indicates high collagen content, which is a good thing!

How long does bone broth last in the freezer?

Up to 2 months, as long as it’s stored in an airtight container.

Can bone broth help with skin health?

Yes! The collagen in bone broth can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.