Can I just warm up chicken broth and drink it? Exploring this nourishing habit

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Voyage Healthcare, drinking warm broths is an excellent way to stay hydrated and can act as a natural decongestant when you are feeling sick. So, can I just warm up chicken broth and drink it? The short and simple answer is yes, and there are several reasons why this can be a soothing and nourishing addition to your diet.

Quick Summary

It is perfectly fine to warm up and drink plain chicken broth, offering hydration and various nutrients. This practice can be beneficial for managing cold symptoms, supporting gut health, and providing a light, satisfying meal substitute when solid food is unappealing. You can enhance the flavor and nutritional profile with simple additions.

Key Points

Yes, you can drink it: Warming up chicken broth and drinking it plain is a perfectly acceptable and healthy practice.
Excellent for hydration: Broth is a flavorful way to hydrate and replenish electrolytes, especially when feeling unwell or after exercise.
Provides comfort and relief: The warmth and steam of hot broth can help soothe sore throats and clear nasal congestion during a cold.
Supports gut health: The nutrients found in broth, particularly bone broth, can aid digestion and promote a healthy gut lining.
Low-calorie snack alternative: A warm mug of chicken broth is a satisfying, low-calorie option that can help curb cravings.
Enhance the flavor: While delicious on its own, you can boost the taste and nutritional value by adding herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon.

The benefits of sipping plain chicken broth

Yes, you can absolutely just warm up chicken broth and drink it. Many people enjoy it this way, whether it's a store-bought version or a homemade concoction. This simple act offers a number of health and wellness benefits, especially when compared to other less-nutritious hot beverages.

Hydration and electrolyte support

Chicken broth is primarily water, making it a great source of hydration. Unlike plain water, however, it contains electrolytes and minerals that help the body retain fluid more effectively. This is particularly useful when you are sick, or after an intense workout when you have lost fluids and salt. Broth can help restore balance and keep you feeling your best.

Soothing cold and flu symptoms

For generations, chicken soup has been a go-to remedy for colds and flu, and the broth plays a major role in its effectiveness. Inhaling the warm steam can help loosen thick mucus and act as a natural decongestant. Some studies also suggest that certain compounds in chicken can help reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. For those with an upset stomach who can't tolerate solid food, sipping plain broth is an easy and effective way to get nutrients.

Aids digestion and supports gut health

Chicken broth, especially when made from bones, contains compounds that are beneficial for your digestive system. It contains glycine, which can help calm irritation in the digestive tract and maintain a healthy gut lining. A healthy gut environment is crucial for overall wellness, and a warm cup of broth can be a simple way to support it.

A low-calorie, satisfying snack

If you're watching your calorie intake or simply want a light, warming snack, a cup of chicken broth is an excellent choice. It provides a savory, umami flavor that can satisfy cravings and help you feel full, especially if you sip it before a meal. It's a much healthier alternative to processed snacks or sugary drinks.

Boosts immune function

Some research has indicated that chicken broth may have immune-boosting properties. The various minerals, vitamins, and protein extracted during the simmering process can help support the body's natural defenses, aiding in recovery from sickness. While not a cure, it's a supportive and nourishing choice when you feel under the weather.

How to level up your warm chicken broth

While drinking plain, warmed-up broth is perfectly fine, you can easily enhance its flavor and nutritional profile with a few simple additions. Here's a list of ideas:

Add herbs and spices: Simmer woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to add depth of flavor. A pinch of turmeric or ginger can also provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Squeeze in some acid: A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar can brighten the flavor profile and add a zesty kick.
Boost the savory notes: Add a splash of soy sauce or a miso paste for an umami punch. This can make the broth more complex and satisfying.
Mix in fresh garlic and ginger: Lightly simmer minced garlic and fresh ginger to add a powerful, medicinal flavor boost, especially helpful when fighting a cold.
Add vegetables: Throw in some finely chopped carrots, celery, or onions and simmer for a few minutes. This will add more flavor and a few extra vitamins.

Chicken broth vs. bone broth vs. stock: what's the difference?

Understanding the differences between these similar liquids can help you make an informed choice, especially if you are seeking specific nutritional benefits. Here is a comparison:


Feature	Chicken Broth	Bone Broth	Chicken Stock
Ingredients	Simmered chicken meat, vegetables, and seasonings.	Long-simmered chicken bones, vegetables, and seasonings.	Long-simmered chicken bones, some meat scraps, and vegetables.
Simmer Time	Relatively short, typically an hour or less.	Much longer, often 12-24 hours or more.	Longer than broth, typically 2-6 hours.
Nutritional Content	Hydrating, contains vitamins, minerals, and some protein.	More protein, collagen, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals due to long simmer.	More fat, carbohydrates, and protein than broth; contains more minerals.
Consistency	Thinner and more watery.	Thicker, richer, and may congeal when cooled due to gelatin.	Thicker than broth, but thinner than bone broth.
Best for	Sipping, light meals, soup bases.	Sipping for specific health benefits (gut, joints, skin).	Cooking, sauces, and gravies.

Conclusion: A simple, nourishing ritual

Drinking a warm mug of chicken broth is a simple, yet powerful way to nourish your body. It's a hydrating, mineral-rich beverage that can soothe a sore throat, ease digestive issues, and provide a light, satisfying snack. Whether you drink it plain or enhance it with herbs and spices, this practice offers an accessible route to better nutrition and comfort. It's an affirmation that good nutrition doesn't have to be complicated; sometimes, it's as easy as warming up a simple, savory liquid. So go ahead and pour yourself a mug of warmth and wellness.

For more information on the various nutritional benefits and delicious recipes involving broth, you can consult reliable resources like Healthline's guide on stock vs. broth.

Conclusion

Drinking plain, warmed-up chicken broth is a simple and effective way to hydrate and consume valuable nutrients, especially when you are recovering from an illness or need a light, savory snack. While standard broth provides basic nourishment, opting for bone broth can offer a greater concentration of protein and collagen for enhanced gut and joint health benefits. Either way, it's a comforting and healthy practice that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken broth is typically made by simmering chicken meat, vegetables, and seasonings for a shorter period, resulting in a thinner liquid. Chicken stock is made by simmering chicken bones for a longer duration, which extracts more collagen and produces a richer, thicker liquid.

Yes, drinking plain chicken broth daily is generally safe and can be a healthy part of your diet. It's a low-calorie way to stay hydrated and get some nutrients. However, be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you have high blood pressure.

Yes, drinking warm liquids like chicken broth can be very soothing for a sore throat. The warmth and moisture can help ease the pain and irritation.

Chicken broth contains compounds like glycine and glucosamine, particularly in bone broth, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These can help reduce inflammation, especially in the gut.

Drinking chicken broth can support weight loss as a low-calorie, satisfying snack that helps curb hunger. However, it's not a sustainable weight loss plan on its own and should be part of a balanced diet.

To improve the flavor of store-bought broth, simmer it with fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), spices (like garlic powder or ginger), or add a squeeze of lemon juice. This can make it taste more homemade and flavorful.

It depends on your goals. Chicken broth is lighter and great for general hydration and nutrients. Bone broth is richer in protein, collagen, and minerals due to its longer simmer time and is often preferred for specific benefits like joint or gut health.