Chicken Bone Broth

Age suitable:
6 months +
Servings:
Yields around 2L

Dairy free, Egg free, Gluten Free, Nut free, Soy free

5 stars

About the recipe

This nourishing chicken bone broth is rich in gut-loving collagen and minerals to support immunity, digestion, and overall wellbeing.

Chicken broth is hands-down my favourite broth to make. It’s sweet, comforting, and incredibly versatile, delicious on its own, or added to almost anything to boost nutrition and flavour.

It’s also one of the most nourishing foods you can offer your child. Chicken bone broth is easily digestible, packed with immune-supportive minerals, and full of collagen—making it the perfect addition when starting solids or supporting gut health.

Bonus? You can use a whole chicken to make this, remove the meat after a few hours, and have meals prepped for the week. I also love cooking grains like quinoa, rice, couscous or polenta in broth—it adds flavour and makes them easier to digest.

Age suitable:

Suitable from when you start solids
Use as a cooking liquid for grains, blend into purées, or offer in small sips from an open cup (not to displace breastmilk or formula).

Storage tips:

Fridge: Store in airtight jars for up to 5 days
Freezer: Freeze in silicone ice cube trays or containers for up to 3 months
Tip: Once frozen, transfer cubes into a labelled ziplock bag for easy access

Bone broth confuse you?

We know that making bone broth can be a bit daunting, which is why we wrote this whole blog on everything you need to know about bone broth.

Read More

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (approx. 1.4–1.6 kg)
500g chicken feet or necks (optional, but ideal for gelatin)
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery sticks, chopped
1 brown onion, chopped
Herbs of choice (e.g. celery leaves, parsley, thyme, sage, bay leaves)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
A few black peppercorns
Filtered water (enough to cover ingredients)

Method

Method – Stovetop:

Place the whole chicken, feet/necks (if using), vegetables, herbs, apple cider vinegar and peppercorns into a large pot.

Fill with water to cover ingredients. Bring just to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, lid off.

Simmer for 2 hours, then remove the chicken. Check it’s cooked through, shred the meat for meals, and return the carcass to the pot.

Continue simmering for 12–24 hours, lid on, topping up water as needed. Strain and cool before storing.

Method – Slow Cooker:

Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cover with water.

Cook on low for 12–24 hours.

At the 2-hour mark, remove the chicken, check it’s cooked through, and remove the meat. Return the bones to the slow cooker and continue cooking.

Strain and cool before storing.

Method – Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot:

Add all ingredients to the pressure cooker and cover with water (do not fill past the max line).

Secure the lid and set to high pressure for 2 hours.

Allow natural pressure release. Remove chicken, take off meat, and optionally return bones to cook another short cycle (e.g. 30–60 minutes) for even richer broth.

Strain and cool before storing.

Ingredient swaps & notes:

✔️ Chicken feet or necks help boost the collagen content, but can be left out if unavailable
✔️ Organic chicken is best if possible, but use what you have
✔️ Use fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, sage or bay leaves—or whatever’s on hand

You might also like

Slow-Cooker Roast Chicken

If you’ve got a copy of Toddler to Table, you might recognise this recipe! It’s inspired by our much-loved Lemon Butter Roast Chicken recipe, adapted for the slow cooker to make those busy days even easier. There’s something so comforting about a whole roast chicken, but standing over the oven for hours isn’t always practical. … Continued

Learn more

Leftover Enchiladas

These Leftover Enchiladas are one of our favourite ways to transform slow-cooked meat into an entirely new meal. Soft tortillas are filled with tender shredded meat, black beans, sweet corn and melty cheese, then baked under a rich homemade enchilada sauce until bubbling and golden. They’re comforting, nourishing, freezer-friendly and a brilliant way to stretch … Continued

Learn more

Baby Liver Pate

Introducing liver to babies doesn’t have to mean serving chunks of liver on a plate. This silky smooth pate is one of our favourite ways to introduce one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods in a way that’s gentle, delicious and easy for little ones to enjoy. Chicken liver is one of the richest natural sources … Continued

Learn more

Slow-Cooker Pork Carnitas

If you’ve ever thought slow cooker meals had to be bland, watery or lacking flavour, this recipe is here to change your mind. These Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas are one of my favourite recipes because they deliver juicy, fall-apart pork with crispy, caramelised edges that taste like they’ve come straight from your favourite Mexican restaurant. … Continued

Learn more

Slow-Cooker Chicken, Bacon & Leek Pie

This recipe is adapted from one of our most-loved recipes in Toddler to Table. The original version comes together much more quickly on the stovetop, but I wanted to create a slow cooker version for those busy days when you want dinner to cook itself. As part of my slow cooker series, I’m on a mission … Continued

Learn more

Lasagne Soup

This is one of those meals that tastes like you spent hours cooking… but really it’s just a throw-everything-in-a-pot situation. It has all the cosy flavours of lasagne without the layering, baking or dishwashing marathon. Rich tomatoey broth, tender pasta, hearty mince and creamy cheese on top… honestly the ultimate comfort food. I also love … Continued

Learn more

Chicken Meatballs in a Gingery Broth

This is one of those meals that feels a little bit special, but is actually so simple to make. The meatballs are soft and full of flavour, and cooking them directly in the broth not only keeps them incredibly juicy, but also adds so much depth to the soup itself. It’s the kind of dinner … Continued

Learn more

French Toast

There’s something so comforting about French toast, especially when it becomes one of those go-to meals you can rely on for everyone in the family. This version, from our book Toddler to Table, is exactly that. It’s simple, nourishing, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a baby just starting solids, a busy toddler, or yourself … Continued

Learn more
0