Can We Drink Chicken Broth Directly? Everything You Need to Know

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent studies have shown that drinking warm liquids can help alleviate cold symptoms like a runny nose, making a hot mug of broth a popular remedy. But beyond fighting colds, can we drink chicken broth directly as a beverage? The answer is yes, and it can be a nourishing addition to your daily routine, provided you understand the key factors involved.

Quick Summary

Drinking chicken broth plain is generally safe and can be a hydrating, nutrient-rich beverage. Key considerations include preparation method (homemade vs. store-bought), sodium levels, and distinguishing it from bone broth. For optimal health benefits, homemade or low-sodium options are best.

Key Points

Drinking Broth is Safe: Consuming chicken broth directly as a beverage is safe and a traditional practice, especially for staying hydrated during illness.
Mind the Sodium: Store-bought broths can be very high in sodium, so it is best to choose low-sodium or unsalted varieties, or make your own.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade broth allows for complete control over ingredients and sodium, and may be more nutrient-dense, especially if simmered longer like bone broth.
Broth vs. Bone Broth: Traditional broth is made from meat and is lighter, while bone broth is made from bones over a longer period, resulting in higher nutrient content like collagen and gelatin.
Offers Health Benefits: A good quality broth provides hydration, soothes cold symptoms, supports gut health, and offers immune-boosting properties.
Excess is Harmful: While beneficial in moderation, relying solely on a broth-only diet is unsustainable and can lead to nutrient deficiencies and health risks.
Versatile Ingredient: Beyond sipping, chicken broth can be used as a flavorful base for soups, stews, sauces, and cooking grains.

Is It Safe to Drink Chicken Broth Plain?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to drink chicken broth directly. In fact, many people have done so for centuries, particularly when feeling under the weather. It is essentially a savory, flavored liquid made by simmering chicken meat, herbs, and vegetables in water. The safety and benefits depend heavily on the quality of the broth and how it was prepared.

Homemade chicken broth, made from whole ingredients, is often the most nutritious option. You control the amount of salt and avoid potentially harmful additives. Store-bought broths, on the other hand, can be very high in sodium and may contain preservatives or artificial flavor enhancers like MSG. Low-sodium or unsalted varieties are available and recommended for those watching their salt intake. It is important to read the labels to ensure you're getting a quality product and not a chemical-laden substitute.

The Difference Between Broth and Stock: Why It Matters

While the terms 'broth' and 'stock' are often used interchangeably, there is a technical difference that impacts the nutritional profile.

Chicken Broth

Made from: Meat, herbs, and vegetables.
Simmer time: Relatively short (around an hour) to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
Texture: Thinner and more flavorful than water.
Key benefit: A delicious, hydrating liquid that is easy to digest, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Chicken Stock (or Bone Broth)

Made from: Primarily bones, along with cartilage and other connective tissues, simmered for a much longer period.
Simmer time: Long, often 12-24 hours or more, to extract collagen, minerals, and amino acids from the bones.
Texture: Thicker and more gelatinous when cooled, indicating a high collagen content.
Key benefits: More nutrient-dense, with higher protein and mineral content, and potentially better for gut and joint health due to compounds like collagen and gelatin.

For a daily sipping beverage, both can be suitable. However, if you are seeking specific benefits like joint or gut support, a true bone broth (made by simmering bones for longer) may be a more potent choice.

Potential Health Benefits of Drinking Chicken Broth

Incorporating chicken broth into your diet can offer several wellness advantages:

Hydration: As a water-based liquid, broth is an excellent way to increase your daily fluid intake, especially when sick or during warmer weather. Homemade broth can also be rich in electrolytes like sodium and potassium, aiding in hydration.
Symptom Relief: A warm mug of chicken broth is a classic remedy for colds and flu. The steam can help loosen mucus and clear nasal congestion, while the hot liquid soothes a sore throat.
Gut Health: The gelatin and amino acids found in quality bone broths are known to be beneficial for the digestive system. Glutamine, in particular, may help maintain the integrity of the gut lining.
Immune Support: The amino acids released during the simmering process have been shown to reduce inflammation in the respiratory system. This can help the body fight off illnesses and potentially shorten the duration of a cold.
Nutrient Source: Homemade broths, especially bone broths, can be a source of various minerals and amino acids. While the amounts vary, a good broth can contribute to your daily intake of nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Is there any danger in drinking too much?

While generally healthy, drinking excessive amounts of store-bought chicken broth can lead to an excessive sodium intake, which is a concern for individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney issues. Restrictive diets consisting only of chicken broth are unsustainable and can lead to nutrient deficiencies and potential electrolyte imbalances. A balanced diet is always the best approach for long-term health.

Making Your Own vs. Store-Bought Broth


Feature	Homemade Broth	Store-Bought Broth
Ingredients	Whole, unprocessed. You control the quality of meat, vegetables, and seasonings.	Varies greatly. Can contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and high levels of salt.
Nutritional Content	Generally higher in nutrients if made from bones (bone broth), with readily absorbable minerals and amino acids.	Can be less nutrient-dense than homemade. Must check labels carefully for actual content.
Sodium Control	Complete control over sodium content. Easily make a low-sodium or salt-free version.	Often very high in sodium. Low-sodium varieties are better but still need scrutiny.
Convenience	Requires time for simmering and preparation. Can be frozen for later use.	Highly convenient and readily available in cartons or cans.
Cost	Often more economical, especially if using leftover bones or vegetable scraps.	Can be more expensive for high-quality, organic varieties.

Incorporating Chicken Broth into Your Daily Life

Drinking chicken broth directly is one of the simplest ways to enjoy it, but it is also a versatile ingredient.

Sipping: Simply heat it in a mug and enjoy it warm. You can enhance the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, some grated ginger, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Cooking Grains: For a boost of flavor and nutrients, use chicken broth instead of water when cooking rice, quinoa, or other grains.
Base for Sauces and Soups: Broth forms the foundation for countless soups, stews, and gravies. It adds depth and richness to your dishes.
Sautéing Vegetables: Use a splash of chicken broth instead of oil when sautéing vegetables for a low-fat, flavorful alternative.
Smoothies: Some enthusiasts even blend chicken bone broth into savory smoothies for a protein and collagen boost.

Conclusion

So, can we drink chicken broth directly? The clear answer is yes. It's a safe, hydrating, and potentially beneficial addition to your diet. The key is to be mindful of its source, especially when it comes to sodium content in store-bought varieties. Whether homemade or carefully selected from a store, a warm cup of chicken broth can be a nourishing and comforting beverage. For those seeking maximum benefits, prioritizing a real bone broth made with a long, slow simmer is the best path. Always consume it as part of a balanced diet, not as a replacement for whole foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking plain chicken broth can be healthy. It is hydrating and contains minerals and amino acids. However, the health benefits largely depend on whether it is homemade or a low-sodium store-bought version, as many commercial brands are very high in salt.

You can drink store-bought chicken broth, but you should read the nutrition label carefully. Look for low-sodium or unsalted varieties to avoid excessive salt intake and check for added preservatives or artificial flavors.

Chicken broth is made by simmering meat for a short time and is thinner, while bone broth is made by simmering bones for an extended period. Bone broth is richer in minerals, collagen, and gelatin.

Drinking chicken broth every day is generally safe as part of a balanced diet. Consuming it in moderation and choosing low-sodium versions is key to avoiding excessive salt intake and potential health issues.

Yes, a warm mug of chicken broth can be beneficial for colds. The steam helps clear nasal passages, and the warm liquid soothes a sore throat. Some studies suggest it can also help reduce respiratory inflammation.

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for water in many cooking applications, such as boiling grains like rice or quinoa, to add flavor and nutrients to the finished dish.

The primary risk of drinking too much store-bought broth is excessive sodium consumption. Relying on it as a sole source of nutrition is dangerous and can lead to nutrient deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances.

You can enhance the flavor of plain chicken broth by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, grated ginger, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a dash of hot sauce.