Chicken Soup from Bones: Easy Steps that Heals & Hearty

If you’ve ever enjoyed a comforting bowl of chicken soup, imagine taking that taste to the next level. Chicken soup made from bones isn’t just any soup – it’s nutrient-rich, incredibly flavorful, and packed with health benefits. In this article, we’ll show you why making chicken soup from bones is a must-try, how to do it, and how it compares to regular chicken soup.

Why Chicken Soup from Bones is a Must-Try Recipe

Chicken soup from bones isn’t your typical soup. It’s a healing, nutritious broth that has been cherished for generations. Making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and get a rich, collagen-packed soup that you won’t find in store-bought versions. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a cold day or aiming to improve your health, this broth is your go-to remedy.

Health Benefits of Homemade Chicken Soup

Homemade chicken soup from bones offers a host of health benefits. The long simmering process extracts collagen, amino acids, and essential minerals that promote joint health, improve skin elasticity, and support gut health. It’s especially soothing when you’re feeling under the weather, helping with congestion and boosting your immune system. Drinking bone broth regularly can help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin.

The Nutritional Value of Chicken Soup Made from Bones

When made from bones, chicken soup becomes a powerhouse of nutrients. Bone broth is rich in proteins, minerals like calcium and magnesium, and essential amino acids. It’s also full of gelatin, which helps strengthen your joints and supports better digestion. It’s a low-calorie, nutrient-dense option compared to most store-bought soups.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content of a cup of homemade chicken bone broth:

What is Chicken Soup from Bones?

So, what’s the difference between chicken soup from bones and regular chicken soup? The main difference lies in the cooking process. Chicken soup from bones is made by simmering the bones for hours to extract nutrients, collagen, and flavor. This creates a richer, more nourishing broth compared to a standard chicken soup made with just meat.

Bone Broth vs. Regular Chicken Soup: What’s the Difference?

While both are delicious, bone broth made from chicken bones offers far more in terms of nutrition and flavor. Bone broth is thicker, richer, and contains a higher concentration of nutrients like collagen and amino acids, which are essential for your skin, joints, and gut health. Regular chicken soup is more basic, often just a broth with chicken meat, and doesn’t provide the same health benefits or depth of flavor.

Why You Should Make Chicken Soup from Bones

Making chicken soup from bones is not just about taste – it’s about nourishing your body. The homemade version is free from preservatives, packed with nutrients, and has a depth of flavor that can’t be beat. Plus, using leftover bones you would normally throw away is a great way to reduce waste while making something truly nourishing for your health.

“Chicken soup from bones isn’t just food; it’s a nourishing, healing remedy for your body. Packed with collagen and amino acids, it’s like giving your joints, skin, and gut some much-needed TLC.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Soup from Bones

Now that you know why chicken soup from bones is so special, it’s time to get into the fun part – making it! Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. With a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a rich, flavorful broth ready in no time. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Bone Broth

Making chicken soup from bones requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start:

• Chicken Bones (from a whole chicken, wings, thighs, or carcasses)
• Water (enough to cover the bones)
• Vegetables (carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and any other preferred veggies)
• Herbs (bay leaves, thyme, parsley, rosemary, etc.)
• Vinegar (helps extract minerals from the bones)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Optional: You can add things like ginger, turmeric, or lemon to give your broth extra flavor and health benefits.

How to Prepare Your Chicken Bones for Soup

Start by prepping your chicken bones. If you’re using leftover bones from a roasted chicken, that’s perfect! If you’re starting from raw bones, you may want to roast them first to enhance the flavor. Roasting the bones adds a beautiful caramelized taste to the broth, but it’s not mandatory.

Place the bones in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes before you start simmering. The vinegar helps to break down the collagen and draw out minerals from the bones.

Simmering vs. Boiling: The Secret to Perfect Bone Broth

This is one of the most important steps. To make perfect chicken soup from bones, you’ll want to simmer, not boil. Boiling can cause the broth to become cloudy and can also break down the delicate flavors you’re trying to extract from the bones.

Bring the pot of bones and water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once the water starts simmering, lower the heat to a very low setting so it continues to simmer gently. You should see small bubbles forming, but nothing too rapid. Simmer the broth for at least 6-8 hours (the longer, the better!), and up to 24 hours if you want a deeper, more concentrated flavor.

Common Problems and Solutions When Making Chicken Soup from Bones

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned when making chicken soup from bones. But don’t worry! There are easy fixes for the most common problems you might run into. Let’s explore these issues and how to solve them.

Problem #1: Broth Tastes Bland – How to Fix It

It can be disappointing if your broth doesn’t have the deep, rich flavor you were hoping for. If your broth tastes bland, it might be because it needs more seasoning or you haven’t simmered it long enough.

Solution:

• Add more seasoning: Sometimes, a little more salt, pepper, and herbs can make all the difference. Don’t forget the magic ingredient – vinegar! Adding a small splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can help balance the flavors and bring out the richness.
• Let it simmer longer: If you didn’t simmer it long enough, the flavors might not have had time to develop. Try simmering it for a few more hours for a more concentrated taste.

Problem #2: Cloudy Broth – What Went Wrong?

Cloudy broth isn’t the end of the world, but it can be a little off-putting. Cloudiness happens when proteins from the chicken are released into the broth during cooking.

Solution:

• Skim the surface: As the broth simmers, foam will form on the surface. Use a ladle or spoon to skim this foam off. Doing this regularly will help keep the broth clear.
• Strain carefully: Once the broth is done simmering, strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any remaining particles.

Problem #3: Fatty Layer on Top – Should You Skim It?

It’s normal for a layer of fat to form on top of your chicken soup as it simmers. While this layer can add richness to your soup, it can be too much for some people.

Solution:

• Skim it off: If you prefer a cleaner, lighter broth, you can skim the fat off with a spoon. Alternatively, after the broth has cooled, you can refrigerate it, and the fat will solidify on top, making it easier to remove.
• Use the fat for flavor: If you don’t mind a richer broth, you can leave the fat in. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and richness.

Variations of Chicken Soup from Bones

Once you’ve mastered the basic chicken soup from bones, feel free to get creative! You can easily make variations by adding vegetables, herbs, or even grains to make it a more filling meal.

Adding Vegetables to Your Chicken Soup

Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic are classic vegetable additions to chicken soup. These not only contribute flavor but also add nutrients. You can also experiment with other vegetables like parsnips, leeks, or even leafy greens for more variety.

Turning Your Chicken Soup into a Hearty Meal

To make your chicken soup into a heartier dish, add grains like rice, barley, or noodles. These ingredients soak up the flavor of the broth and make the soup more filling. You can also add shredded chicken from the bones to make it more protein-packed.

“Don’t be afraid to get creative with your chicken soup! The beauty of bone broth is how versatile it is. Add in your favorite vegetables, herbs, and grains to make the soup your own.”

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Soup from Bones

Once you’ve made a big batch of homemade chicken soup from bones, you’ll probably want to store some for later. The good news is that bone broth keeps really well when stored properly, and you can enjoy the benefits of your delicious soup for days or even weeks to come.

Storing Chicken Soup from Bones

There are several ways to store chicken soup from bones, depending on how long you plan to keep it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Refrigeration:
   If you plan to eat the soup within the next few days, simply let the soup cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bone broth will keep for about 3-4 days in the fridge. To make it easy, you can store it in individual portions.
2. Freezing:
   For longer storage, freezing is your best option. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. You can also use ice cube trays to freeze small portions, which is perfect for adding to sauces or for quick reheats. Bone broth can be frozen for up to 3-4 months.Tip: When freezing, leave some room at the top of the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes.

Reheating Chicken Soup from Bones

Reheating chicken soup from bones is easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind to preserve its rich flavor and texture.

1. Stovetop:
   The best way to reheat your bone broth is on the stovetop. Pour the broth into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to gently warm it until it’s hot and simmering. Avoid boiling, as that can cause the broth to become cloudy or lose some of its richness.
2. Microwave:
   If you’re in a rush, you can reheat bone broth in the microwave. Pour the broth into a microwave-safe container and heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Make sure to cover the container with a microwave-safe lid to prevent splattering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicken Soup from Bones

Here are some common questions people have when making chicken soup from bones, along with the answers to help you out.

Can I use any type of chicken bones?

Yes, you can use a variety of chicken bones for your soup. The best options are those that have a little meat left on them, like wings, thighs, or carcasses from a whole chicken. The more bones you use, the richer and more flavorful the broth will be. You can also combine bones from different parts of the chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken bones?

Absolutely! If you have leftover bones in the freezer, you can still use them. Just toss the frozen bones into the pot with water, and follow the same process. You might need to simmer the bones for a little longer to extract all the nutrients, but frozen bones work just as well as fresh ones.

Can I add meat to the soup?

Yes, you can! Adding meat like shredded chicken to your bone broth after it’s finished simmering is a great way to enhance the soup. You can either use leftover roasted chicken or cook fresh chicken directly in the broth. Just be sure to remove any bones before serving.

How do I make my bone broth more flavorful?

There are a few tricks to amp up the flavor of your chicken soup:

• Use a variety of vegetables: Carrots, onions, celery, and garlic are essential for flavor, but feel free to add leeks, parsnips, or even mushrooms.
• Herbs and spices: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley bring wonderful aromas. You can also add a pinch of turmeric or ginger for extra warmth.
• Season well: Don’t forget to add salt and pepper. A dash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can balance the flavors and add a subtle zing.

Can I make chicken soup from bones in a slow cooker or pressure cooker?

Yes, both methods work great! Here’s how:

• Slow Cooker: Simply add your bones, water, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Set it on low for 8-12 hours, and you’ll have a rich, flavorful broth by the end.
• Pressure Cooker/Instant Pot: If you’re short on time, a pressure cooker or Instant Pot can make the process much faster. Cook your bone broth on high pressure for 1-2 hours, and you’ll get a deep, flavorful broth in less than half the time of traditional simmering.

“The beauty of chicken soup from bones is its versatility. You can use any chicken bones you have on hand, and the flavors will always come out rich and comforting.”

Enjoy the Magic of Chicken Soup from Bones

There you have it! Making chicken soup from bones is an incredibly rewarding process that’s both simple and packed with benefits. Whether you’re creating a hearty meal or just want a healthy, nourishing broth, the slow-simmered flavors and nutrients of bone broth are second to none. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken bones that might otherwise go to waste.

With just a few ingredients, a little patience, and some creativity, you can enjoy homemade chicken soup from bones anytime. Whether you’re drinking it for its health benefits or savoring it as a comforting meal, you’ll be glad you put in the time and effort to create something so nourishing and delicious. 🥣✨