Here's how to make chicken stock the easy way in a slow cooker. This simple, budget-friendly recipe uses leftovers to make a rich stock.
Crock pot chicken stock is unbelievably simple. Just put chicken bones, some vegetables and water in the slow cooker and turn it on. You really can't do it wrong. It's the easiest way to make chicken stock, and it's so much better than store-bought.
This post includes some affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
The great thing about homemade stock is that you control what goes in it. You don't have to worry about it being too salty, or full of processed food additives.
If you use the bones from this crock pot whole chicken, the stock will have a hint of garlic and lemon. But the only really essential ingredients are the chicken bones and water. You can add whatever vegetables you have. It's a great way to clean out the produce drawer.
You can store your homemade chicken stock in the refrigerator for a few days. If you're not going to use it right away, freeze it in smaller portions. I like to freeze it in a variety of sizes so I can pull out and defrost just what I need. Homemade crock pot chicken stock is a great ingredient to keep in your freezer to make soup or sauce anytime.
More easy slow cooker recipes
Crock Pot Chicken Stock
Ingredients
- 1 organic chicken carcass
- 1 medium onion quartered
- 3 carrots quartered
- 3 celery stalks quartered
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- filtered water to cover
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to slow cooker.
- Set to low and cook for 12 - 18 hours.
- Strain stock and refrigerate or freeze.
Nutrition
Easy Paleo Crock Pot Recipe Ideas
Looking for more healthy slow cooker recipes? Check out these 30 paleo crock pot recipes.
Crock Pot Turkey Bolognese Sauce with Zucchini Noodles
What's your favorite slow cooker recipe? Let me know in the comments below!
Jody says
This works so well. I've been stock piling bones in the freezer then making stock on a Friday night, which means I get to let it cool on a Saturday before I portion it up. Its been nice with a kaffir lime leaf, bay leaf and rosemary from the garden thrown in. Almost no effort.
Lisa says
Awesome! I love the herbs you added - I never would have thought of adding the the kaffir lime leaf. 🙂
Jennier says
Do you freeze your stock in mason jars?
Lisa says
I freeze it in wide mouth jars so it's easier to get the stock out if it's not completely thawed. Make sure you leave enough room at the top for the stock to expand.
Olga says
Superbe retete!!!! Succes!!!
Olga says
Am uitat!!! scuze. Meritati toata lauda
Sylvia says
Can you use the carcass from a rotisarrie chicken to make the stock?
Lisa says
You can, but I always make sure it's an organic chicken with no additives. Sometimes they add processed food chemicals to the rotisserie chickens so you have to read the ingredients on the label carefully!
Bonnie says
Making your own chicken stock is so easy! You can really add what ever veggies you like into it too. I always throw in like 6 cloves of garlic. I haven't tried adding apple cider vinegar to my crockpot stock but will definitely try it next time!
Christa says
This might be a really stupid questiin, vut I have never made my own stock before. So i cook the chicken, after I pick all the meat off it I simple follow the recipe?
Lisa says
That's exactly right, Christa!
Jennifer says
I've made chicken stock like this for years. I don't put in anything but the carcass and water (my kids prefer it this way, for some reason, which suits me fine because it's even easier). I let it cook from the evening I put it on until the morning of the second day afterwards (eg. 30+ hours). I cook mine on high always, because low doesn't seem to be hot enough to keep up the simmer. I suppose that depends on your slow cooker, but it's worth experimenting.