Homemade Chicken Broth From Your Crock Pot

There’s something deeply comforting about walking into your kitchen and smelling the rich, golden aroma of homemade chicken broth simmering away. It’s more than just a soup base—it’s warmth, nourishment, and a little piece of home all in one pot. I make this broth almost every week because it’s not only delicious but also a fantastic way to clear out the fridge and pantry. Plus, there’s no better feeling than knowing exactly what’s going into your food—no preservatives, no mystery ingredients. This recipe is perfect for busy weeks when you want something wholesome and satisfying without spending hours at the stove.

What Is Homemade Chicken Broth?

Homemade chicken broth is a flavorful liquid made by slowly simmering chicken bones, meat, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Unlike store-bought versions that often contain additives or excess sodium, this version uses simple, whole ingredients to create a rich, clean-tasting stock. The slow cooking process helps extract collagen from the bones, resulting in a slightly gelatinous texture when chilled—something you won’t find in most commercial broths. Whether you’re using leftover chicken carcasses, scraps from roasts, or even wing tips and giblets, every bit counts toward building deep, savory flavor. It’s the secret behind restaurant-quality soups, stews, and risottos, and once you try it, you’ll never go back.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade chicken broth recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves slow cooker meals or wants to eat cleaner. First off—set it and forget it. Throw everything in your crock pot before bed, turn it on in the morning, and come home to a fragrant, full-flavored broth ready to use. No babysitting required! And since you’re using up odds and ends like onion skins, carrot tops, celery ends, and leftover veggie scraps, it’s incredibly budget-friendly and eco-conscious too. The result? A versatile liquid that’s great for everything from classic chicken noodle soup to creamy vegetable purées or risotto. It freezes beautifully, so you can portion it out and pull a cup straight from the freezer whenever hunger strikes. Best of all, it tastes like comfort food made with love—not chemicals.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Broth

Quick Overview

Making homemade chicken broth in your slow cooker takes less than 10 minutes of prep and then lets you do your thing while it works its magic. Just toss in chicken parts (or a whole breast if you prefer), add some basic veggies and herbs, cover with water, and let it cook low and slow. After several hours, strain, skim off any fat, and store for later use. It’s hands-off cooking at its finest—and trust me, it’s worth every minute waiting for that first sip.

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breast halves
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 tomato, quartered
• 1 cup carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2–3 sprigs thyme
• 3 bay leaves
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley (I used cilantro)
• Whole peppercorns
• Kosher salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place all the ingredients into your crock pot.
2. Fill the pot with enough water to fully cover everything.
3. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
4. Once done, remove the solids—discard the vegetables and set aside the chicken for other recipes like salads or soups.
5. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth for clarity.
6. Let it cool slightly before refrigerating or freezing.

What to Serve It With

While this broth stands perfectly on its own as a warming solo meal, it truly shines when transformed into something special. Pour it over rice or quinoa for a simple grain bowl, or stir in egg noodles and diced carrots for a cozy chicken noodle soup. You could also blend in roasted vegetables for a hearty minestrone, or swirl in cream and parmesan for a decadent risotto. Leftover chicken from this batch makes amazing sandwiches, grain bowls, or even tacos. The possibilities are endless—and all thanks to one pot of golden goodness.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Chicken Broth

• Use quality bones and scraps: Don’t hesitate to save wing tips, backs, or leftover chicken parts—they pack tons of flavor.
• Skim the fat early: If you’re planning to freeze it, skim off excess fat after cooling; it solidifies quickly and is easy to remove.
• Add acid at the end: A splash of apple cider vinegar during cooking helps extract more minerals from the bones.
• Don’t oversalt: Taste before seasoning since you’ll be using this in other dishes later.
• Label and date: Freezing in labeled containers helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate your broth within two hours of cooking to ensure safety. It will keep fresh for up to 5 days in airtight containers. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays or small portions—this makes it super easy to grab a cube for quick soups or sauces. When reheating, bring to a gentle simmer on the stove or microwave in a covered dish with a splash of water to prevent scorching. Avoid boiling vigorously, as it can break down the delicate flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

There’s real power in a pot of simmering broth—not just in the taste, but in what it represents: care, tradition, and the simple joy of feeding yourself well. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s effortless, economical, and always delivers. Whether you’re making it to clear out the fridge, prepare for a cold day, or simply want to feel grounded, this homemade chicken broth hits the spot every time. So next time you’ve got a few chicken scraps or an afternoon with nothing urgent to do, give this a try. Your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you.

Homemade Chicken Broth

What's better than coming home to homemade chicken stock and cleaning out your refrigerator at the same time. Simply throw all the ingredients into the Slow Cooker the night before, turn it on in the morning and come home to a splendid broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 3 pieces chicken breast halves
• 1 piece onion (quartered)
• 1 piece tomato (quartered)
• 1 cup carrots
• 2 stalks celery
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 3 leaves bay leaves
• 1 handful fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• Place all ingredients into crock pot and fill with water.
• Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
• When it's done, throw out all the vegetables, strain the liquid and remove the chicken for other recipes, like chicken salad, or anything that calls for shredded chicken.
• If you're not using the stock right away you can store it in containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for several months.
• When the stock is chilled, the fat will rise to the top and harden and you can easily remove it.

Notes

This versatile broth is perfect for soups, stews, or sipping on its own. It’s also great for meal prep and freezing for later use.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg

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