Rotisserie Chicken Broth (2024)

This rotisserie chicken broth is so easy to make with the bones from a rotisserie chicken, some vegetables and herbs! A great alternative for those looking to make a homemade chicken broth that is low sodium with no MSG or natural flavors. This quick chicken broth recipe will be a staple in your kitchen!

My own health journey led me to start making my broth at home to be able to control the ingredients. I use broth so often in cooking, as a base for things like Crustless Chicken Pot Pie or a delicious Boursin Soup. Using it so often, simple ingredients really do make a difference in flavor and taste.

Rather than having to buy bones separately, I love this rotisserie chicken stock! All you need a rotisserie chicken for another dinner, and once the meat is used, the carcass can be transformed into a lovely low sodium broth that's bursting with flavor.

In this post, I'll show you what recipes you can use the chicken for, as well as how to best store and freeze this rotisserie chicken broth!

Why Make Broth with a Rotisserie Chicken?

I use rotisserie chickens so often for meals including soup, chicken salad, and even in enchiladas. But so many of us just throw away the chicken bones and don't even realize you can get a whole new meal out of it.

By using a rotisserie chicken for bone broth, you don't have to buy bones (which can be expensive now) or go through cooking a whole chicken at the same time. Plus you don't even have to cook this right away - the bones can be frozen and used whenever you have time.

You'll love this rotisserie chicken stock because:

• Easy - Can be made in an instant pot, slow cooker, or on the stove.
• Versatile - Perfect for sauces, soups, and even to sip on it's own.
• Low Sodium - For this recipe, you control the sodium content with the ingredients used. This recipe is also MSG-free.
• Great for Nausea - Looking for a recipe to sip when feeling nauseous or during a migraine attack? This is gentle on the stomach!
• Added Protein - Cooking with bone broth can add protein to your meals with about 10 extra grams per cup.

Equipment Needed

I love making this rotisserie chicken broth recipe in an instant pot, but there are a few different methods.

• Instant Pot - If you're looking at getting an instant pot, I have this one. It's not the fancy one with all the bells and whistles, but it's less expensive and works really well for everything I need it for. Make sure you have one that's at least 6 quarts. You can not fill the pot over ⅔rd's full with liquid, so this recipe was created with that in mind.
• Slow Cooker - Make this in the slow cooker by simmering on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
• Stovetop - You can also simmer over the stove for 2-4 hours. The longer it simmers, the more flavor you will have. This is also how you turn chicken broth into bone broth.
• Fine mesh strainer - A mesh strainer is needed to filter out the vegetables and bones. from the broth.

A note on tyramine - Tyramine and glutamate build up in broth the longer you cook it. This is where the gelatinous texture comes from when you go from regular chicken stock or broth to bone broth. If you're sensitive, choose a faster cooking method like the instant pot. If you want the benefits of the collagen and electrolytes from bone broth, cook for longer.

Ingredients

Homemade chicken stock can really be customized to whatever you have on hand. Here are a few of my favorites.

• Rotisserie chicken - You just want to use the bones and skin, so pick off the meat and then save the carcass and skin by placing into a freezer-safe bag. Freeze or place in the fridge until ready to use. I recommend using a good quality rotisserie chicken, like "naked" chicken without a lot of added spices or flavorings.
• Celery - A few stalks are all you need for a light flavor.
• Shallots - I prefer shallots to onions from a flavor perspective, even if onions are well-tolerated.
• Garlic - A few cloves work great for added flavor.
• Herbs - Rosemary, thyme, and parsley are my recommendations.
• Water - Filtered water makes a great base for broth!

How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Broth

Technically this rotisserie chicken broth can also be classified as a stock since we're using bones here, but there are just a few easy steps to make this recipe. I personally love the instant pot chicken stock because it's fast and easy with a ton of flavor.

Instant Pot

Rough chop the celery so it fits in the pot. Cut the shallots in half and smash the garlic cloves. Place inside the instant pot with the rotisserie chicken carcass that has the meat picked off. Pour in enough filtered water to reach the "max" point on your instant pot.

Lock the lid, making sure your "valve" is also closed (IE not pointing towards the steam icon). Close the lid. Hit the "pressure cook" button (sometimes these say "manual) and adjust the time for 40 minutes.It will begin to build pressure and the valve will seal.

Once the 40 minutes are done, leave the lid on. It should turn to a "warm" setting while the pressure does a natural release. Let the chicken broth sit for about 30 minutes, then turn the knob to release any extra pressure. Watch your hands so you don't have hot steam close to them!Strain out the vegetables and bones with a fine mesh strainer.

Slow Cooker

Chop the vegetables similarly and place the rotisserie chicken carcass into a large crockpot and fill with about 8-9 cups of water. Cook on high heat for about 4 hours or on low heat for 7-8 hours. Strain out the vegetables and bones with a fine mesh strainer.

Stovetop

Chop the vegetables similarly and place the rotisserie chicken carcass into a large stock pot and fill with about 8-9 cups of water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer for about 2-4 hours. Strain out the vegetables and bones with a fine mesh strainer.

How to Make Bone Broth

I don't recommend this for those in the elimination phase, but for others who tolerate collagen well, bone broth does come with some great health benefits and is an easy way to get in protein when you don't feel well.

The easiest way to make rotisserie chicken bone broth is to do it with a slow cooker. Follow the same directions, but cook over low heat for a long time - around 16-18 hours. Just be careful to not go over 24 hours as the flavors can become very bitter.

Storage Recommendations

To store rotisserie chicken broth, place in the fridge in a large mason jar or two for up to 3-5 days.

The best way to store broth is in the freezer. Broth will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. Make sure the broth is cool before doing this and double bag to prevent leaks, or put upright in an airtight container. I do not recommend freezing it in glass, as liquid expands and it is easy to crack.

Best Way to Freeze Broth

• Ice Cube Trays - This is great for sauces or when you're using small amounts. Just measure them out so you know how much will defrost. Place it into a pan when you're making a sauce!
• Ziplock Bags or Re-usable Equivalent - Generally I like to double bag if using this method. I'll lay these flat in the freezer so they don't take up a lot of space. This is best for soups and stews where you'll need more than 1 cup.

How to Use Chicken Broth

Here are a few recipes I love to use this chicken broth for, but you can also just sip it on its own.

• Chicken and Brown Rice Soup
• Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
• Crustless Chicken Pot Pie
• Chicken Tinga Tacos
• Boursin Soup
• Chicken in Puff Pastry
• Use it to cook rice or pasta! So much more flavor than using water.

Recipes Using Rotisserie Chicken

If you don't want to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken, you can make your own whole roast chicken very easily.

• Chicken and Brown Rice Soup
• Green Enchilada Chicken Soup
• Chicken Salad
• Best Chicken Sandwich
• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls

Recipe FAQ