Cozy Nourishment: My Go-To Crockpot Bone Broth Recipe

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There’s nothing quite like a pot of bone broth simmering away, filling the kitchen with the kind of aroma that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re craving comfort, healing, or just a flavorful base for your favorite soups and stews, bone broth is a timeless staple—and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home, especially with the help of a slow cooker. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to build a nourishing, rich broth using a variety of bones, veggie scraps, and a few special add-ins that give it that next-level depth (hello, chicken feet!). Let’s dive in.

Equipment:

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• Crockpot or PFAS-free Slow Cooker

• Tongs or Slotted Spoon

• Large fine mesh strainer

• Glass Mixing Bowl

• Cheesecloth or Nut Milk Bag

• Soup Ladle

• 32-oz Canning Jars

• Canning Funnel

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. bones (see note below)

• 1 lb. chicken feet

• 3-4 cups vegetables (see note below)

• 1 head of garlic, cut in half lengthwise

• 1 piece kombu, 1/2 cup wakame, or other sea vegetable

• Fresh herbs and seasonings (rosemary, parsley, thyme, bay leaves dried oregano, peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon stick, etc.)

• 10-12 cups of water (preferably filtered)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• Optional: ¼ cup dried astragalus root for immunity support

• Optional: 1-inch knob of ginger

Bone Broth Recipe Ingredient Notes: What to Use and Why It Matters

A truly nourishing broth broth recipe starts with thoughtfully chosen ingredients—bones, veggies, and a few superfood extras. Here's how I build my base:

Bones

The more variety, the better! Head to your local butcher or check the freezer section at your grocery store and mix and match based on what’s available and your taste preferences.

• Beef knuckle bones – Adds hearty structure and gelatin.

• Marrow bones – Creamy, nutrient-rich, and delicious.

• Short rib bones – Meaty and savory.

• Neck bones – High in collagen, for silky texture.

• Oxtail bones – Bold, umami-packed flavor.

• Shank bones – Dense in minerals, great for depth.

• Poultry carcass – Lighter, subtly sweet flavor.

Adding Chicken Feet (Optional but Awesome!)

Oh, chicken feet—let's chat about these little powerhouses! I know, my friend Stacy gives me the side-eye every time I mention tossing them into my broth pot (she thinks they're a bit repulsive) but hear me out. I add about 1 pound to the mix, and they truly elevate the game.

Chicken feet are collagen powerhouses—yes, they look weird, but they break down into pure gelatin and completely disappear into the broth. Packed with minerals and joint-supporting nutrients, they create that luxurious, jiggly texture you want in a true bone broth. Plus, once you strain it, you’d never know they were there. Don’t knock it till you try it!

Vegetables

Use what you have—scraps, peels, and ends are all fair game. I keep a freezer bag of veggie odds and ends for this exact purpose. If starting from fresh, here’s my go-to combo:

• Unpeeled carrots – Sweetness and color.

• Celery – Classic aromatic base.

• Onion (skin on) – Adds flavor and a rich golden hue.

• Leeks – Light, oniony lift.

• Mushrooms – Especially lion’s mane, for added depth.

• Leafy greens – For a mineral-rich bonus.

Herbs & Spices

These little flavor-builders take your broth from basic to crave-worthy. You don’t need all of them—just a few go a long way. Here are my favorites:

• Rosemary – Piney, earthy backbone.

• Parsley – Fresh, clean finish.

• Thyme – Subtle, savory herbal note.

• Bay leaves – Classic depth with a slightly floral touch.

• Oregano (dried) – Warm, Mediterranean vibe.

• Peppercorns – Gentle heat and spice.

• Star anise – Sweet, licorice-like lift.

• Cinnamon stick – Cozy, unexpected warmth.

Extra Boosters (Optional but Worth It)

• Garlic – Immunity and flavor.

• Apple cider vinegar – Helps draw out nutrients.

• Sea vegetables – Iodine, minerals, umami goodness.

• Astragalus root – Herbal support for immunity and stress.

• Ginger – Warming and anti-inflammatory.

Whether you’re new to bone broth or a seasoned simmerer, this crockpot method makes it easy to nourish your body and soul with minimal effort. I hope this inspires you to make a big batch, customize it to your liking, and savor the many benefits one mug at a time. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out—or what fun twist you add to make it your own!

Happy Cooking!

Amy

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