10 Best Chicken Broth Recipes for Your Slow Cooker

How to Make Chicken Broth in a Slow Cooker: Whole Chicken vs. Parts

Cooking with a Whole Chicken

Using a whole chicken creates a deeply rich, gelatinous broth. Here’s how I recommend doing it:

• Preparation: Rinse the chicken and remove any giblets. Pat it dry.
• Placement: Put the whole chicken into the slow cooker.
• Additions: Include onions, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
• Water: Cover the chicken with cold water, about 8–10 cups.

Cooking with Chicken Parts

Using parts — like wings, thighs, or backs — allows more flexibility and often results in a more collagen-rich broth.

• Selection: Use a mix of parts for the best flavor.
• Technique: Same as whole chicken, but layer parts evenly.

Temperature Settings for Chicken Broth in a Slow Cooker

• Low setting: Cook for 8–12 hours.
• High setting: Cook for 4–6 hours.
• Ideal internal temperature: Ensure chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) before removing the meat if you plan to eat it.

For best results, I always prefer the low setting — it extracts more flavor gently.

Cooking Time for the Best Chicken Broth

• Whole chicken on low: 10–12 hours.
• Chicken parts on low: 8–10 hours.
• Whole chicken on high: 5–6 hours.
• Chicken parts on high: 4–5 hours.

Slow and low always delivers a broth full of depth and character.

Essential Spices and Seasonings for Chicken Broth

My Go-To Spice Blend:

• Bay leaves
• Black peppercorns
• Thyme (fresh or dried)
• Parsley stems
• A pinch of turmeric for color
• Optional: ginger slices for warmth

I always suggest adding salt after cooking — this way, you can adjust according to how you’ll use the broth.

Caloric Content of Chicken Broth

• Plain chicken broth: around 30–50 calories per cup.
• Richer broths (with skin or more fat): up to 80 calories per cup.

Skimming the fat off after chilling can lower the calorie count if you need a lighter broth.

How to Make a Diet-Friendly Chicken Broth

For a healthier, lighter broth:

• Use skinless chicken.
• Remove visible fat.
• Skip starchy vegetables like potatoes.
• Avoid heavy salt early on.

I often make a clean, clear broth just by using lean chicken breast parts and lots of herbs.

First Courses Using Chicken Broth

Here’s how I use homemade chicken broth in starters:

• Classic chicken noodle soup
• Creamy vegetable soup
• Light chicken and rice soup
• Egg drop soup
• Matzo ball soup

The richness of the broth truly makes a difference in these first courses.

Second Courses Made with Chicken Broth

Chicken broth isn’t just for soups! Here are second courses where it shines:

• Chicken and dumplings
• Risotto
• Braised chicken thighs
• Couscous with vegetables
• Jambalaya

Using broth instead of water infuses every grain and bite with incredible flavor.

Methods for Cooking Chicken Broth Beyond the Slow Cooker

In a Microwave

• Use a microwave-safe dish.
• Cook in short 10-minute bursts at medium power.
• Stir and check water levels frequently.
• Not ideal for whole chickens — best for small amounts.

In a Slow Cooker

• As outlined above — my favorite method for depth and ease.

In a Multicooker (Instant Pot)

• Pressure cook on high for 45 minutes.
• Natural release for 30 minutes.
• Yields a very rich, concentrated broth quickly.

On a Skillet

• Not ideal for broth.
• You can brown chicken parts first to develop a deeper flavor before transferring to a pot.

In an Oven

• Use a Dutch oven.
• Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 8 hours.
• Cover tightly and add extra water halfway through if needed.

In Clay Pots or Stoneware

• Fantastic for small batches.
• Slow, even heat helps preserve subtle flavors.

10 Best Chicken Broth Recipes for Your Slow Cooker

Here are my top 10 slow cooker broth recipes:

1. Classic Golden Chicken Broth

Simple, clear, and golden — just chicken, onion, carrot, celery, herbs.

2. Herb-Infused Broth

Add rosemary, sage, and thyme for a rich herbal background.

3. Spicy Ginger Chicken Broth

Add ginger, garlic, and a pinch of chili flakes.

4. Mediterranean Chicken Broth

Tomato paste, oregano, garlic, and a little lemon.

5. Smoky Chipotle Chicken Broth

Chipotle peppers, cumin, and paprika give a smoky flavor.

6. Asian-Style Chicken Broth

Star anise, ginger, scallions, and a dash of soy sauce.

7. Lemon-Dill Chicken Broth

Fresh dill and lemon zest brighten the broth beautifully.

8. Roasted Chicken Broth

Roast chicken parts before adding to slow cooker for extra depth.

9. Bone Broth

Use a mix of chicken bones and wings; simmer at least 24 hours.

10. Vegetable-Enriched Chicken Broth

Add extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, and leeks for a hearty, vitamin-packed broth.

FAQ About Cooking Chicken Broth (Based on My Experience)