Bone Broth Recipe: How to Make It, Variations, and Benefits 🍲

Bone broth has gone from traditional comfort food to modern wellness staple. Whether you’re sipping it for health, using it in soups, or experimenting with trends like bone broth hot chocolate, it all starts with a good bone broth recipe.

A well-made bone broth is rich in flavor, minerals, and collagen — and it’s easier to make at home than most people think.

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What Is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is a slow-simmered stock made by cooking animal bones, connective tissue, and aromatics in water for hours. The long cooking time extracts collagen, amino acids, and minerals, giving it both flavor and nutrition.

Classic Bone Broth Recipe (Step by Step)

Here’s a versatile recipe you can use with chicken, beef, or turkey bones.

Ingredients:

• 3–4 lbs bones (chicken, beef, or mixed)

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 onion, quartered

• 3 cloves garlic, smashed

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract nutrients)

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 tsp black peppercorns

• Water to cover

Instructions:

1. Roast bones (optional, for richer flavor) at 400°F for 25 minutes.

2. Place bones and veggies in a large pot or slow cooker.

3. Add vinegar, spices, and enough water to cover.

4. Simmer on low: 12–24 hours for beef, 6–12 hours for chicken.

5. Strain broth through a fine mesh sieve.

6. Cool, refrigerate, and skim fat if desired.

The longer you simmer, the richer your bone broth becomes. Patience equals flavor and nutrition.

Chicken Bone Broth Recipe 🍗

If you want something lighter, chicken bones are ideal.

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken carcasses or raw chicken backs.

• Simmer 6–12 hours for a golden, nourishing broth.

• Perfect base for soups, risottos, or sipping warm in a mug.

Bone Broth Hot Chocolate ☕🍫

Yes, it sounds unusual, but bone broth hot chocolate is trending. It’s a protein-rich, savory-sweet drink that combines wellness with indulgence.

How to make it:

1. Heat 1 cup strained bone broth.

2. Whisk in 2 tbsp cocoa powder + 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey.

3. Add a splash of vanilla extract.

4. Froth with a whisk or blender.

It’s creamy, chocolatey, and surprisingly satisfying — especially during cold months.

Table: Bone Broth Cooking Times

Type of Bones	Simmer Time	Flavor Profile
Chicken bones	6–12 hours	Light, golden, mild
Beef bones	12–24 hours	Rich, dark, hearty
Turkey bones	8–12 hours	Slightly stronger than chicken
Mixed bones	12–18 hours	Balanced, versatile

Bone Broth Fast

Some people follow a bone broth fast, where they consume only broth (and water/tea) for 24–72 hours. Proponents say it helps reset digestion, reduce inflammation, and support weight management.

However:

• It’s not suitable for everyone.

• Shouldn’t be long-term without medical guidance.

• Works best as an occasional reset, not a regular diet.

Bone broth fasts are popular in wellness circles, but they should complement a balanced lifestyle, not replace it entirely.

Health Benefits of Bone Broth

• Collagen & gelatin: Support joint and skin health.

• Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus.

• Gut health: Amino acids like glutamine may aid digestion.

• Satiety: Warm, protein-rich broth curbs hunger.

How to Use Bone Broth in Recipes

Bone broth isn’t just for sipping — it’s a powerhouse ingredient:

• Base for soups and stews.

• Cooking liquid for rice, quinoa, or grains.

• Braising meat or vegetables.

• Blending into sauces or gravies.

Common Mistakes When Making Bone Broth

• Boiling instead of simmering: Leads to cloudy broth.

• Not adding vinegar: Misses out on nutrient extraction.

• Too little time: Flavors and collagen won’t fully develop.

The key is low, slow cooking — the longer, the better.

Final Word: Bone Broth Recipe

A good bone broth recipe is simple: bones, aromatics, water, and time. From chicken bone broth recipes to creative uses like bone broth hot chocolate, this nutrient-dense staple is versatile, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

FAQ

What is the best bone broth recipe? Simmer bones, aromatics, vinegar, and water for 6–24 hours depending on the type of bones.

How to make bone broth? Roast bones, add veggies and vinegar, cover with water, and simmer low and slow before straining.

What is bone broth hot chocolate? A wellness trend where bone broth is mixed with cocoa, sweetener, and vanilla for a savory-sweet drink.

What is a chicken bone broth recipe? Use chicken bones simmered 6–12 hours with onion, carrots, and garlic for a light, golden broth.

What is a bone broth fast? A short-term fast where you consume only bone broth and liquids for 24–72 hours.