Authentic Chicken Bone Broth Recipe – Turmeric & Spice Infused

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Chicken Bone Broth Recipe – Turmeric & Spice Infused

Hey everyone! There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, nourishing bowl of bone broth, isn’t there? Especially when the weather turns chilly, or you’re just feeling a little under the weather. I first started making bone broth years ago, trying to find a way to use every part of the chicken – and honestly, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. This isn’t just any bone broth, though. This is my family’s go-to recipe for a deeply flavorful, turmeric and spice-infused chicken bone broth, inspired by traditional Indian flavors. It’s packed with goodness and tastes amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken bone broth is more than just a tasty soup base. It’s a powerhouse of nutrients, collagen, and minerals. It’s incredibly soothing, and I swear it helps boost my immunity whenever I feel a cold coming on. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste! You’re taking something that might normally be discarded – the chicken carcass – and turning it into liquid gold. It’s a win-win!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredibly flavorful broth:

• 1 kg chicken bones / chicken carcass
• 1 medium onion
• 1 garlic pod (about 6-8 cloves)
• 2 carrots
• 2 inch fresh turmeric root
• 3 sprigs curry leaves
• 2 inch ginger root
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorn
• 4 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 litres water

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients and why they make this broth so special:

• Chicken Carcass: Don’t toss those bones! They’re brimming with collagen, which is amazing for your skin, joints, and gut health. Ask your butcher if they have carcasses available if you don’t roast a whole chicken often.
• Fresh Turmeric: Forget the powder! Fresh turmeric has a vibrant flavor and incredible anti-inflammatory properties. It gives the broth a beautiful golden hue too. If you can’t find fresh, 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder will do in a pinch.
• Curry Leaves: These little leaves are a staple in South Indian cooking and add a unique, citrusy aroma. You can find them at Indian grocery stores, or sometimes even in well-stocked supermarkets.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This might seem odd, but the acidity helps draw out all those wonderful minerals from the bones. Don’t worry, you won’t taste it in the final broth!
• Spice Blends: Traditionally, bone broth spice blends vary across India. Some families add coriander seeds, fennel seeds, or even a pinch of chili powder for a little heat. Feel free to experiment!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s surprisingly easy.

1. First, gather all your ingredients. Roughly chop the onion, carrots, turmeric, and ginger. No need to be perfect – everything will simmer together for a long time.
2. Add the chicken bones, chopped onion, garlic, carrots, turmeric, curry leaves, ginger, bay leaf, peppercorns, cloves, star anise, cumin seeds, salt, apple cider vinegar, and water to your Instant Pot.
3. Secure the lid, making sure the steam release valve is set to sealing. Then, cook on high pressure for 2 hours.
4. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally. This is important! Don’t quick release, as it can make the broth cloudy.
5. Carefully open the lid (remember, steam!). Let the broth cool slightly.
6. Now, strain the broth to remove all the solids. I like to use a slotted spoon to get the big pieces, then strain it again through a muslin cloth for a super clear broth.
7. Refrigerate the broth until the fat solidifies on top. This makes it easy to skim off – you can use the fat for cooking if you like, or discard it.

Expert Tips

Want to make the best bone broth? Here are a few of my secrets:

• Source Quality Bones: Organic, pasture-raised chicken bones are ideal, but any bones will do.
• Achieving a Clear Broth: Don’t boil the broth vigorously. A gentle simmer is key. And remember, natural pressure release is your friend!
• Maximizing Nutrient Extraction: The longer you simmer, the more nutrients you’ll extract. I often let mine simmer for up to 3 hours in the Instant Pot.

Variations

This recipe is a great base – feel free to get creative!

• Vegan Bone Broth Adaptation: My vegetarian friend swears by making a similar broth using mushroom stems and vegetable scraps (onion skins, carrot tops, celery ends). It’s surprisingly flavorful!
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like a little more warmth, increase the amount of peppercorns and cloves.
• Ayurvedic Adaptation: My aunt, who’s an Ayurvedic practitioner, suggests adding warming herbs like ashwagandha or shatavari based on your dosha.
• Winter/Cold & Flu Season Boost: Add a cinnamon stick and a few cardamom pods for extra warming and immune-boosting benefits.

Serving Suggestions

This broth is incredibly versatile!

• Sip it warm on its own, like a comforting tea.
• Use it as a base for soups and stews.
• Cook rice or quinoa in it for extra flavor and nutrients.
• My kids love it with a little bit of shredded chicken and some noodles.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerated: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Frozen: For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What are the health benefits of chicken bone broth? It’s packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals that support gut health, skin health, and immunity.
• Can I use leftover roasted chicken bones? Absolutely! Roasted bones will add even more flavor.
• What is the best way to freeze bone broth? I like to freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Then, I transfer the cubes to a freezer bag.
• Can I add vegetables other than carrots and onions? Yes! Celery, parsnips, and leeks are all great additions.
• How does apple cider vinegar contribute to the broth? It helps draw out the minerals from the bones, making the broth more nutritious.

Enjoy! I hope this recipe brings you as much comfort and nourishment as it brings my family. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!