Chicken Feet Collagen Bone Broth
Although American cuisine often discards chicken feet, cultures around the world have long enjoyed them. And for good reason: chicken feet are naturally rich in collagen and can be transformed into a delicious, nourishing, and deeply satisfying broth. I’m here to teach you just how good this can be!
Be Sure To Try My Instant Pot Beef Bone Broth Next!
Reviving An Old Tradition
As interest in nutrient-dense foods grows, we’re seeing a renewed focus on eating fewer calories and reducing sugar, salt, and fat—principles that have shaped countless modern “diets.” But our ancestors approached food very differently. They didn’t count calories or follow diet plans; they used the entire animal because nothing could afford to go to waste. In doing so, they also benefited from the wide range of nutrients found throughout the animal—from muscle and bones to skin, connective tissue, and organ meats.
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Benefits of Chicken Feet Collagen Bone Broth
Chicken feet are a natural source of collagen and gelatin, providing amino acids that the body uses in maintaining connective tissue, skin, bones, and joints. Chicken feet make a very rich bone broth because they are high in connective tissue. But don’t take my word for it! If you’re curious or want to learn more about the health benefits of chicken feet, check out this peer-reviewed article I found in the National Library of Medicine:
“Thus, collagen and gelatin from natural sources like chicken feet merit special attention because, although chicken feet are considered waste material in various countries, they contain important nutrients and have essential health-beneficial properties.”
Bonus benefits: Chicken feet are incredibly cheap. For my 2-pound pack, I pay only $5.00! The texture is exactly what I want, and the results are amazing! I purchase chicken feet at my local farmers’ market because they are pasture-raised and high-quality.
How To Cook Chicken Feet for Collagen
I will share two methods to prepare chicken feet broth: Instant Pot and Slow Cooker. If you need to make this broth rather quickly, check out my Instant Pot instructions. If you prefer to “set it and forget it,” read my slow cooker instructions. Either way, you’ll end up with a delicious, flavorful, collagen-rich broth.
Instant pot instructions
Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and fill the water to the MAX FILL line. Using frozen chicken bones is fine. Cook under high pressure for one hour, then allow the pressure to release naturally. Strain the broth and pour it into glass containers.
slow cooker instructions
**Note: This recipe calls for a 24-hour cook time**
Add all ingredients to a large slow cooker. Fill the water to the top of the pot. Cook on HIGH for two hours, then on LOW for 22 hours. Once the broth is cooked, strain it and pour it into glass containers.
For both recipes, allow the broth to cool in the refrigerator overnight before freezing. Once the chicken feet broth cools, it will thicken and be highly gelatinous.
How To Serve Chicken Feet Bone Broth
Using this chicken feet collagen broth as the base for many soups is my favorite way to consume its benefits. As we enter into the soup season, I’ve shared some of my favorite autumn soup recipes below! You might also enjoy this broth heated in a mug with a little salt and pepper for a warm and cozy, nutritious drink, especially if you’re warding off a sore throat or seasonal germs. Enjoy!
other recipes you might enjoy:
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Creamy Sweet Potato Hamburger Soup
- Crock-Pot Chicken Taco Soup
- Instant Pot Ham & Bean Soup
Chicken Feet Collagen Bone Broth
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken feet
- 1 whole chicken carcass
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped (optional)
- 5 garlic cloves (optional)
Instructions
- ***Please note: you cannot feed dogs onions and garlic, so omit them if you plan to feed any to them.
Instant Pot
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot (frozen chicken feet and bones are perfectly okay), and fill with water until you reach the MAX FILL LINE.
- Cook under high pressure for 1 hour, then allow the pressure to release naturally. Strain the broth and pour it into glass containers. Let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before freezing.
Slow Cooker
- Add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Fill with water to the very top of the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours, then on LOW for 22 hours.
- Once the broth is cooked, strain it and pour it into glass containers. Let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before freezing.
- Broth will be gelatinous and flavorful. Add salt and pepper if sipping by the mugful, or add to soups for a nutritious broth.
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