Is it good to drink hot chicken broth? A Comprehensive Guide

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2008 study in the journal Chest, warm liquids, like hot chicken broth, can be effective in relieving upper respiratory cold symptoms by clearing a stuffy nose and soothing a sore throat. This age-old remedy is more than just a comfort food; it is packed with nutrients that offer substantial health benefits, making the question, 'Is it good to drink hot chicken broth?' a resounding yes for many wellness goals.

Quick Summary

Hot chicken broth offers notable health benefits, including enhanced hydration, immune system support, and improved gut health. Its warmth can also soothe respiratory symptoms, while nutrients like collagen and amino acids contribute to joint health and overall well-being. Both homemade and quality store-bought versions are beneficial additions to a balanced diet.

Key Points

Immune Support: The nutrients in chicken broth, including amino acids like arginine and glutamine, can help strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Enhanced Hydration: Broth is an excellent source of fluids and electrolytes, making it a great way to stay hydrated, especially when sick.
Gut Health: Rich in gelatin and glutamine, broth helps to heal and protect the digestive tract lining, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
Joint and Connective Tissue Health: The collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin extracted from bones during simmering can support joint health and potentially reduce pain.
Respiratory Relief: Inhaling the steam from hot broth can act as a natural decongestant, clearing stuffy sinuses and soothing a sore throat.
Weight Management: Low in calories and high in protein, drinking chicken broth can promote satiety and assist with weight loss goals.
Sleep Improvement: The amino acid glycine found in bone broth may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Skin Health: Collagen contributes to skin elasticity, hydration, and can reduce signs of aging.

Is it good to drink hot chicken broth? The Health Benefits Explained

For centuries, people have turned to hot chicken broth as a healing and comforting beverage, particularly during illness. Beyond its ability to soothe a sore throat and warm the body, the nutrient-rich liquid provides a range of physiological advantages. The process of simmering chicken bones and meat with vegetables extracts valuable minerals, amino acids, and compounds like collagen that are easily absorbed by the body.

Why Hot Broth is More Than a Placebo Effect

While a warm mug of broth certainly feels comforting, scientific evidence supports its efficacy. The steam from hot liquids acts as a natural decongestant, opening up airways and helping to clear mucus. Additionally, the warmth helps to soothe throat irritation and can slow the migration of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the upper respiratory tract, reducing inflammation. It's a holistic approach that tackles both the physical symptoms and provides nutritional support.

Gut Health and Digestion

One of the most significant benefits of drinking chicken broth is its positive impact on gut health. When prepared properly, especially as a bone broth simmered for many hours, it contains gelatin and the amino acid glutamine.

Gelatin: This substance helps to protect and heal the lining of the digestive tract, which is crucial for preventing conditions like leaky gut.
Glutamine: This amino acid is vital for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal wall. It nourishes the cells lining the gut, helping them to repair and strengthen, which in turn improves overall digestion and nutrient absorption.
Digestive Juices: Broth can stimulate the flow of digestive juices, further aiding in efficient nutrient breakdown and absorption.

Immune System Support

When fighting an illness, your body needs extra support, and hot chicken broth provides just that. The minerals, electrolytes, and anti-inflammatory amino acids like arginine and glutamine work together to strengthen the immune system. Broth also provides essential hydration, which is critical when fighting a fever or dealing with a cold. The added vegetables typically used to make homemade broth, such as carrots, celery, and onions, contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for immune function.

Joint and Connective Tissue Health

The long simmering process of making bone broth extracts valuable collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin from the bones and cartilage.

Collagen: The primary structural protein in your skin, bones, muscles, and tendons, collagen promotes elasticity and strength.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These compounds are known to support joint health, potentially reducing pain and stiffness associated with age or arthritis.

Comparison: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Chicken Broth


Feature	Homemade Chicken Broth	Store-Bought Chicken Broth
Nutrient Content	Higher in nutrients like gelatin and amino acids due to longer simmering.	Varies widely by brand; often contains less collagen and gelatin.
Ingredients	You control the quality of bones, meat, and vegetables. Can be organic.	May contain added preservatives, sodium, and artificial flavors. Check labels carefully.
Sodium Level	Easily controlled by adding minimal or no salt during preparation.	Typically high in sodium. Choose low-sodium varieties if watching intake.
Taste	Rich, deep, and complex flavor profile.	Flavor can be less robust or artificial compared to homemade.
Effort & Cost	Time-consuming but cost-effective, especially when using leftover bones.	Quick, convenient, and readily available, but can be more expensive for high-quality versions.

For maximum nutritional benefits, homemade, long-simmered bone broth is often the best choice, but quality store-bought options can also be a healthy addition to your diet.

Is it good to drink hot chicken broth for weight loss?

Yes, hot chicken broth can be a useful tool for weight management. Its high protein content can promote a feeling of fullness, reducing overall calorie intake. The broth is naturally low in calories and can be a satisfying, savory alternative to higher-calorie snacks. A 2020 systematic review even suggested an inverse correlation between soup consumption and obesity risk, indicating that regularly incorporating broth-based soups may support weight loss goals. However, it's not recommended to follow a restrictive, broth-only diet, as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

Drinking hot chicken broth is an overwhelmingly positive practice for overall wellness. From its comforting qualities during a cold to its scientifically backed benefits for gut health, immunity, and joints, it is a versatile and nutritious addition to any diet. Whether you choose to make a rich bone broth from scratch or opt for a high-quality, low-sodium store-bought alternative, a warm mug of chicken broth offers a powerful, bioavailable source of essential nutrients. Incorporating it into your daily routine is a simple yet effective way to support your body's healing processes and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

For a truly nourishing experience, consider making a homemade version. Here is a simple guide to get you started: How to Make Chicken Bone Broth

How to enjoy your hot chicken broth

As a morning ritual: Swap your coffee for a mug of warm broth to gently awaken your digestive system and provide a boost of bioavailable nutrients.
During a cold: Sip hot broth to soothe a sore throat, clear nasal congestion, and rehydrate your body.
For hydration: Use broth to replenish electrolytes lost through exercise or illness.
Before meals: Drink a cup before eating to increase feelings of fullness and support weight management.
As a base for cooking: Use it as a flavorful base for soups, stews, sauces, or to sauté vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

While often used interchangeably, chicken stock is typically made from bones, resulting in a more gelatinous texture and richer nutrient profile due to the collagen and minerals extracted. Chicken broth is usually made with meat and vegetables, is clearer, and has a lighter flavor profile.

Homemade broth is often preferred because you can control the quality of ingredients and simmer it for longer to extract maximum nutrients. It is also a good way to control sodium levels. However, high-quality, low-sodium store-bought options can also offer significant health benefits.

Yes. Drinking hot chicken broth provides hydration and electrolytes essential when sick. The hot steam acts as a natural decongestant to clear stuffy airways, while the broth itself can soothe a sore throat and provide easily digestible nutrients.

Yes, especially bone broth. The long simmering process releases gelatin and amino acids like glutamine that help to heal and protect the lining of the digestive tract. This can improve digestion and overall gut health.

Yes, drinking hot chicken broth daily is generally considered safe and beneficial for many people, especially homemade or low-sodium varieties. It provides consistent hydration and nutrient intake that supports overall wellness.

As part of a balanced diet, yes. Chicken broth is low in calories but can promote feelings of fullness due to its protein content, which can help manage calorie intake. However, it should not be used as the sole source of nutrition in a restrictive diet.

The nutrients found in chicken broth can include protein, amino acids (like glycine and glutamine), electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium), and trace minerals. Bone broth, in particular, is rich in collagen and gelatin.