Slow Cooker Chicken Broth

Slow cooker chicken broth is not only super easy to make, it’s cheaper & healthier than buying store-bought broth.

For the record, I do not think there is anything wrong with store-bought, low-sodium chicken broth. I buy and use it all the time. BUT there’s also something to be said about the simplicity of making your own. Every time I make a batch of homemade chicken broth I ask myself why I continue to buy it.

Chicken Broth vs Chicken Stock

Both chicken broth and chicken stock are remarkably similar, but stock is made with bones whereas broth is made from meat & vegetables. For example, homemade chicken broth is made from chicken meat (usually on the bone) while chicken stock is from bones. Since I used a whole chicken, this is slow cooker chicken broth.

The Gelatin Factor

By simmering your chicken bones, you are releasing collagen into the water. Collagen is also the key ingredient in gelatin, which is what gives Jell-O it’s semi-solid shape. It is here is where all those vitamins and nutrients are hiding in your chicken broth! The collagen is what is holding onto and storing all those nutrients and will release them into your body to send great benefits everywhere. You might also notice that your chicken broth is completely liquid when it’s nice and warm, but as it cools it will become thicker or slightly gelatinous. This is because the collagen turns just a little bit of your chicken broth into gelatin when it cools; this is completely normal, and the broth will go back to being liquid once it has been slowly warmed up.

Storing Chicken Broth

Leftover chicken broth can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze leftover chicken broth, let the broth cool completely. Once cooled, add the broth to an air tight container or freezer-friendly plastic bag. Store the chicken broth in your freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen broth you have two options. You can either thaw the broth overnight  in the refrigerator OR add the broth directly to the slow cooker or Instant Pot & thaw on the warm setting!

Did you know you can also make Bone Broth in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?

You will need a large 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe.

Slow Cooker Chicken Broth

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Shannon Epstein
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 to 5 pound whole chicken
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• Water (to cover)
• 2 to 3 sprigs fresh herbs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Slow Cooker

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker including enough water to cover the ingredients.
2. Cook HIGH 3-4 hours, LOW 6-8.
3. Once cooled, strain broth into another container.

Instant Pot

1. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot. Fill pot with water until it’s 2/3 full. Close and seal vent.
2. Select the Soup setting and set time for 30 minutes. Natural release.
3. Once cooled, strain broth into another container.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on one of the product links, I might receive compensation. For more about my disclosure policy see here: https://fitslowcookerqueen.com/about/disclosure-policy/.