Easy Crockpot Bone Broth (original) (raw)

Published by:

Liz Marino

| 03/05/2023 | Last Updated: 08/27/2024

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Make this Easy Crockpot Bone Broth Recipe with chicken bones, beef bones or even turkey! A slow cooker bone broth that is so easy to make!

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!

Liz’s Tips for the Best Bone Broth

• Roast the bones ahead of time– We recommend cooking your bones in the oven before putting them in the slow cooker. Roast at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes before adding to your crockpot.
• Have containers for freezing! You will get at least 12 cups of broth depending on the size of your crockpot. It lasts in the freezer for months. These are our favorite containers for freezing!
• Double strain your broth. I usually strain through a large strainer, discard the bones, then run the broth through a fine mesh strainer to catch any small pieces that may have slipped through.

Ingredients for bone broth:

To make bone broth, you really only need:

• bones– My favorite way to make bone broth is with leftover carcass from cooking 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. I recommend cooking the bones before using.
• water

Sometimes I like to throw in some carrots for extra flavor, but it’s totally not necessary.

Some people also like to add apple cider vinegar to the broth, 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!

Substitutions

Bones: You can use any bones.. chicken, beef, or turkey will all work. I like to use the scraps from our Slow Cooker Chicken or Turkey Breast in Crockpot. We also have a Turkey Broth, Homemade Beef Bone Broth and Homemade Chicken Broth recipe.

Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onion and garlic can add flavor to the broth but are not necessary. Some people like to add vegetable scraps to their broth but I find it gives it a bitter taste.

Seasonings: You can add salt, pepper, or whatever other herbs you’d like to the broth. I prefer to season after it’s cooked.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Some people add apple cider vinegar to their broth but this is not necessary.

Other additions: Some people like to add peppercorns, bay leaves, cloves of garlic or even lemon juice, but we never do.

How to make crockpot bone broth:

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. You can roast them on a baking sheet or in a large baking dish.

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?

Yes, you can reuse the bones in bone broth. Whenever I’ve reused them, the broth has not been as gelatinous or flavorful as the first time using them!

I find that beef bones usually can be used for up to 3 batches, but unless you have a large chicken – usually after the second batch it’s not as flavorful.

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!

To freeze bone broth, let it cool completely.

I freeze my bone broth in these containers for freezing. They come in one or two cup cubes which is perfect!

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!

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, then transfer to the freezer with the caps OFF to prevent the glass from cracking. I strongly discourage it!

For all my freezing tips, check out my post on How To Freeze Soup.

Thawing: When thawing frozen bone broth I usually microwave it directly from frozen. You can also warm it on the stove top.

How long does bone broth last?

Bone broth will last 5-6 days in your refrigerator. I like to store it in a mason jar. 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.

What is bone broth? Bone broth is the SAME thing as chicken stock or broth.

At it’s core, bone broth is really just broth that has been made from bones and cooked over low heat for many hours.

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!

Easy Crockpot Bone Broth

Make this Easy Crockpot Bone Broth Recipe with chicken bones, beef bones or even turkey! A slow cooker bone broth that is so easy to make!

Prep Time : 5 minutes

Cook Time : 12 hours

Total Time : 12 hours 5 minutes

Serves : 12 cups

(hover over # to adjust)

• 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
• 12 cups water (approximately, fill to the top of your crockpot)

1. 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).
2. 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!
3. 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).
4. You can strain the broth a second time if you'd like in case any pieces slipped through.
5. Store in airtight containers for up to 6 days, or put in the freezer until ready to use!

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. 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.

Storage:

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, or put in the freezer until ready to use!

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 65kcal | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 87mg | Potassium: 454mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 11015IU | Vitamin C: 26.3mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American