Is Homemade Chicken Broth Good for You to Drink? An In-Depth Look

December 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to one study, chicken broth has been found to have immune-boosting benefits and is an effective option for recovering from illness. For this reason, many people wonder if drinking homemade chicken broth is a nourishing habit they should incorporate into their daily routine.

Quick Summary

Homemade chicken broth is a nutritious and hydrating beverage with benefits for gut health, immunity, and joints, offering more value than many commercial products.

Key Points

Supports Gut Health: The gelatin in homemade broth helps repair and strengthen the gut lining, promoting healthier digestion.
Rich in Nutrients: Homemade broth is a concentrated source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, along with crucial amino acids.
Immune System Boost: Research suggests homemade chicken broth may have anti-inflammatory properties that help support the immune system and relieve cold symptoms.
Joint and Bone Support: Extracted collagen and glucosamine from bones can help promote joint health and reduce inflammation.
Superior to Store-Bought: Homemade versions offer a higher nutritional density, better flavor, and less sodium and additives compared to commercial options.
Excellent Hydration: Broth is a flavorful and hydrating beverage, packed with electrolytes that aid in fluid balance.

The Nutritional Power of Homemade Chicken Broth

Homemade chicken broth is a traditional staple, often praised for its comforting qualities, but its true value lies in its rich nutritional profile. Made by simmering chicken meat and bones with vegetables, it releases a potent mix of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are easily absorbed by the body. Unlike mass-produced versions, homemade broth offers a natural source of these compounds without excessive sodium or artificial additives.

Amino Acids, Minerals, and Collagen

During the long, slow simmer, ingredients like chicken bones and connective tissues break down, releasing valuable nutrients into the liquid.

Amino Acids: Homemade chicken broth contains a wide array of amino acids, including glycine, proline, and glutamine. Glycine plays a role in protein synthesis and detoxification, while glutamine is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut lining.
Minerals: As the bones cook, essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus are released into the broth. These minerals are vital for strong bones, nerve function, and energy production.
Collagen and Gelatin: The simmering process extracts collagen from the bones and cartilage. As the broth cools, this collagen turns into gelatin, creating a rich, gel-like texture. This gelatin is believed to support joint health and skin elasticity, though more research is needed on direct dietary absorption.

Gut Health and Digestion

One of the most widely cited benefits of chicken broth is its positive effect on the digestive system. The gelatin found in the broth can be beneficial for the gut lining, which can become permeable due to poor diet or inflammation. Glycine and other compounds work to support the mucosal layer, helping to repair and soothe the gut. A healthy gut environment is vital for nutrient absorption and overall well-being. This is a significant advantage over many commercial broths that lack this gelatin content.

Supporting Joints and Bones

For individuals with joint issues, homemade chicken broth offers a natural way to support cartilage health. It contains glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are key components of cartilage. While many turn to supplements for these compounds, consuming them in a whole-food form like broth is a nourishing alternative. The naturally extracted collagen also contributes to maintaining the integrity of connective tissues throughout the body.

Boosting Your Immune System

The long-held tradition of drinking chicken soup when sick is supported by some scientific evidence. Research suggests that certain amino acids and compounds released during the cooking process may have anti-inflammatory effects. This can help modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation associated with respiratory illnesses. Moreover, the hydration provided by drinking a warm cup of broth is essential for fighting off infection and maintaining overall health.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Nutritional Comparison

Choosing between homemade and store-bought chicken broth can have a significant impact on the health benefits you receive. The slow-simmering process of homemade broth allows for maximum nutrient extraction, a quality often sacrificed in commercial production for speed and consistency.


Feature	Homemade Chicken Broth	Store-Bought Chicken Broth
Nutrient Density	High, with concentrated minerals, amino acids, and collagen/gelatin.	Lower, often lacking rich collagen and amino acids due to shorter cooking times.
Sodium Content	Fully controlled; can be made low-sodium or salt-free.	Varies, but often very high in regular versions to increase shelf life.
Additives	Free of preservatives, artificial flavorings, and other additives.	May contain preservatives, MSG, and other flavor enhancers.
Cost	More cost-effective, utilizing leftover carcass and scraps.	Generally more expensive for comparable quality, paying for convenience.
Flavor Profile	Deeper, richer, and more complex flavor.	Often milder and less complex, sometimes with an artificial aftertaste.
Convenience	Requires time and effort to prepare.	Quick and easy to use directly from the container.

How to Make the Most Nutritious Broth

To maximize the health benefits of your homemade chicken broth, follow these tips:

Use bones and connective tissue: Start with a whole chicken carcass, including feet and necks if possible, as these parts are rich in collagen and gelatin. Roasting the bones first can also add a richer flavor.
Add an acid: A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can help draw minerals out of the bones and into the liquid during simmering.
Simmer slowly: A longer cooking time (at least 6-8 hours for bones) is key to extracting the maximum amount of nutrients. A slow cooker or Instant Pot can make this process more hands-off.
Incorporate vegetables: Adding a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, along with herbs such as parsley and thyme, enhances both flavor and nutritional value.
Don't forget the fat: After chilling the broth, a layer of fat will solidify on top. While some prefer to remove it, this fat contains fat-soluble vitamins and can be a healthy addition to your cooking.

The Verdict: Should You Drink Homemade Chicken Broth?

Yes, drinking homemade chicken broth is undoubtedly a beneficial and nourishing habit. Its concentrated nutrient content, natural gelatin, and comforting warmth make it an excellent choice for supporting digestion, joints, and immunity. While store-bought versions offer convenience, they typically lack the rich complexity and health benefits of a truly homemade batch. By using quality ingredients and a long simmering process, you can create a powerful and restorative drink that far surpasses its commercial counterparts. Incorporating homemade chicken broth into your diet is a simple yet impactful way to boost your overall health and well-being.

Conclusion

Homemade chicken broth is more than just a culinary ingredient; it's a healing elixir. Its rich content of amino acids, minerals, and collagen can offer significant benefits for your gut, joints, and immune system. While store-bought broths provide convenience, the control over ingredients and enhanced nutrient density of a homemade batch make it a superior choice for anyone looking to improve their health. The process of making it is simple, and the rewards are well worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

While often used interchangeably, traditional chicken broth is typically made by simmering meat and some bones for a shorter period. Bone broth, however, focuses on a longer simmering time (up to 24 hours) with primarily bones to extract more collagen, gelatin, and minerals, resulting in a richer, more gelatinous liquid.

For maximum nutrient extraction, particularly gelatin and minerals from the bones, it is recommended to simmer chicken bone broth for at least 6 to 8 hours. Some recipes suggest simmering for up to 24 hours for a richer broth.

Yes, warm chicken broth can help soothe a sore throat and clear a stuffy nose. It provides hydrating fluids and electrolytes, along with anti-inflammatory amino acids that can help your body fight infection.

For most people, drinking homemade chicken broth daily is safe and can contribute to overall health. It's low in calories, hydrating, and full of beneficial nutrients. However, it's always wise to consider personal health conditions and dietary needs, especially regarding sodium intake.

In cooking, stock is generally made primarily from bones and simmered longer, resulting in a gelatinous texture. Broth is made with meat and some bones and cooked for a shorter time, producing a lighter, clearer liquid. However, commercially, these terms are often used interchangeably.

To increase the nutritional value, use a variety of chicken bones and cartilage-rich parts (like feet and necks), and add a splash of apple cider vinegar to help extract minerals. A long, slow simmer and a mix of vegetables and herbs will also enhance the nutrient content.

Yes, using leftover bones from a roasted or rotisserie chicken is an excellent way to make homemade broth. It's a cost-effective and delicious method that transforms food scraps into a nourishing liquid.