I have a confession to make (I wonder how many blog posts I’ve started with that statement–I always feel like I’m confessing something here).

I haven’t always made good use of my leftover chicken bones.

In fact, I used to let my cat eat them (I think at least a hundred of you just unsubscribed from my blog–Uh oh). Well, not the actual bones, but the carcass. In college, my cat and I used to split a rotisserie chicken. This explanation isn’t making things any better is it? I feel like there is no way that I can not sound like a decidedly gross cat lady. To be fair, I was nineteen and lived alone with a slightly bossy (and always hungry) feline roommate. This isn’t making anything better. At all. I should probably erase this entire paragraph, but I shall leave it in the spirit of truth telling and friendship.But, as you can imagine… the girl who used to split a store bought rotisserie chicken with her cat while watching Sex In The City was not the type of girl to save the bones and make her own broth. She was more like the kind of girl who lived on Quiznos sandwiches and cheap vodka. Yeah, baby. We’ve come a long way. I wish I could go back and gift my nineteen year old self a crock pot. Oh, and maybe tell her to lay off the gluten. Also, wear crop tops. You’ll wish you had later. That crop top wearing season of life is short. Be naked. Love yourself. Stop eating full meals with your cat. Also, those jeans you just bought are kinda tacky. Oh, when you turn 21, you’re going to be tempted to mix liquor and beer–this won’t end well. But… seriously, use this crock pot. Make your own chicken broth. It’s easy. It’s good for you. The end.

Well, that was a serious digression. I will keep the rest of this post all informational and business-y.

You’re probably thinking “What’s so great about homemade broth anyway?” No prob. I’ll give you a short rundown.

Benefits of Bone Broth {The Short List}:

• It’s Cost Effective: I’ve been known to shell out $4 to $5 a quart for organic broth. In this case, I bought a whole organic chicken for $15. I cooked it to serve four people. I then took the bones and made about three quarts of organic broth! So, something that would have originally cost me an additional $15 was made from the scraps of dinner!
• It’s Nutrient Dense: It’s a great source of minerals! By preparing your bone broth this way you’re creating a great source to add more calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and other trace minerals into your diet.
• It’s A Great Source of Proline & Glycine: Proline and Glycine are essential amino acids. Proline is helpful in maintaining healthy bones ligaments and joints and Glycine helps to detoxify your liver and aid in the production of the powerful antioxidant Glutothione.
• It Helps Heal Your Gut: Ever heard of leaky gut syndrome? Bone broth is a great source of both gelatin and collagen which can be crucial players in restoring gut health. It’s also great for your joints, hair, nails, skin and bones. Want more gelatin in your broth? Add in a couple of chicken feet!

And, like I said… that’s just a short list.  Ready to get down to broth business? Cool.

Remember that Roasted Chicken that we made earlier this week? Don’t throw away the bones. It’s going to make amazing, cheap and nourishing chicken stock. In fact, you can make this stock with any ol’ leftover chicken carcass. It’s not particular. Once you’re finished with your whole chicken, simply add the carcass and any remaining bones to your crock-pot.  Pour in a little apple cider vinegar –this is going to help leach more calcium out of the chicken bones which adds a lot of nutritional benefit to the broth. Add in some onions, garlic and veggies. Throw in some herbs to your liking. If I’ve roasted a chicken with veggies I might add the remainder of those into the pot as well. It all adds to the flavor. Fill the crock pot with water (so that it covers the bones). Put the lid on your crock pot and set it on low for 12-24 hours. I tend to like my broth a bit darker, so I allow to to cook overnight.After simmering away all night this is what’s left waiting for you in the morning! A mineral rich chicken broth that’s ready to be strained and stored for use. I might have also just ladled a cup for sipping straight out of the slow cooker. What can I say? I’m an eager beaver.

Once you strain your broth you can bottle it up in mason jars and refrigerate it for up to a week. If you can’t use it all up in that time, put it in freezer safe containers (if you’re using mason jars make sure they are FREEZER SAFE or they will crack and explode) and freeze the broth for up to six months.

I also like to make little broth cubes. I pour the broth in a silicone mold (in this case in the shape of tiny people because…why not) and allow it to freeze solid. I then add them to a ziplock bag. This way if I need just a little bit of stock or want to heat a mug for sipping I don’t have to defrost a whole jar. I simply add a couple of these broth cubes to a pot or pan and it adds instant flavor!

Note: I am not a medical professional or a health practitioner. I am simply sharing things from my own experience and my own research on these topics. If you need medical attention please seek advice from a medical practitioner! Thanks. 🙂

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.