What is chicken bone broth high in? The essential guide

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a quality bone broth that gels when chilled is a sign that it is rich in collagen and other beneficial nutrients. This slow-simmered liquid offers far more than just flavor, providing a concentrated source of protein, amino acids, and minerals derived from the bones and connective tissues.

Quick Summary

Chicken bone broth is high in protein, particularly collagen, which breaks down into gelatin and important amino acids like glycine and proline. It also contains trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, along with beneficial compounds like glucosamine and chondroitin that support gut and joint health.

Key Points

Rich in Protein: A single cup of chicken bone broth can provide a significant portion of your daily protein intake, primarily in the form of gelatin.
Abundant in Amino Acids: Key amino acids like glycine, proline, and glutamine are plentiful, supporting gut lining, joint health, and detoxification.
Source of Connective Tissue Compounds: Contains natural glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, which are beneficial for lubricating joints and reducing inflammation.
Contains Trace Minerals: Extracts small amounts of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus from the bones.
Gelatin-rich for Gut Health: The gelatin content helps to heal and maintain the intestinal wall, improving digestive function and soothing digestive upset.
Support for Skin, Hair, and Nails: The collagen in the broth supports the health and elasticity of skin, and strengthens hair and nails.

Protein and Gelatin: The Core of Bone Broth's Power

When you simmer chicken bones, the lengthy cooking process breaks down the collagen in the connective tissues into gelatin. This process is what gives a well-made bone broth its signature rich texture and savory flavor. A cup of high-quality chicken bone broth can contain 8 to 11 grams of protein, a significant amount more than standard chicken broth. This high protein content is primarily from the gelatin and its component amino acids, rather than the muscle meat itself. It's a key factor for individuals looking to increase their protein intake, support muscle mass, or feel more satiated.

The Amino Acid Profile: More Than Just Protein

Beyond basic protein, chicken bone broth is celebrated for its specific amino acid profile, including glycine, proline, and glutamine. These amino acids are critical for various bodily functions:

Glycine: Plays a role in improving sleep quality, mood, and detoxification processes.
Proline: Essential for building connective tissue, which supports skin, joint, and tendon health.
Glutamine: A key nutrient for maintaining the intestinal wall and can support gut healing.

Vitamins and Minerals: The Micronutrient Contribution

While not a significant source of every vitamin and mineral, chicken bone broth still provides a valuable mix of micronutrients. The inclusion of bone marrow during simmering adds trace amounts of vitamins, while the bones themselves provide minerals. An acidic ingredient like apple cider vinegar is often added to help pull these minerals from the bones into the liquid.

Key Mineral Content

Calcium: A small but absorbable amount contributes to bone health.
Magnesium: Involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body.
Phosphorus: Works with calcium to support strong bones and teeth.
Potassium: An important electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions.

Beneficial Compounds for Joint and Gut Health

Beyond protein and minerals, the breakdown of connective tissue releases compounds known for their therapeutic properties. These are often sold as dietary supplements but are present in a more bioavailable, natural form within the broth.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These compounds, derived from the cartilage and tendons, are well-known for their role in reducing inflammation and supporting joint health, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis.
Hyaluronic Acid: Found naturally in connective tissues, this compound is known for its ability to hydrate and lubricate joints and skin.

Comparison Table: Chicken Bone Broth vs. Chicken Broth

To understand why chicken bone broth is considered a nutritional powerhouse, it's helpful to compare it to standard chicken broth. The differences highlight the benefits of the extended simmering process.


Feature	Chicken Bone Broth	Standard Chicken Broth
Cooking Time	Long simmer (12-48 hours)	Short simmer (45 min - 2 hours)
Primary Ingredients	Bones, connective tissue, optional meat scraps, vegetables, herbs	Primarily meat, vegetables, herbs
Protein Content	High (8-11g+ per cup)	Low (1-6g per cup)
Gelatin Content	High (gels when chilled)	Low or none (stays liquid)
Amino Acid Profile	Rich in glycine, proline, glutamine	Less diverse amino acid profile
Mineral Content	Contains trace minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus)	Lower mineral content
Nutrient Density	High, concentrated nutrients	Lower, less concentrated

Conclusion: More Than Just a Soup Base

In conclusion, chicken bone broth is high in a complex profile of beneficial components that go beyond simple flavor. Its long simmering time coaxes out significant amounts of protein in the form of gelatin and essential amino acids, as well as trace minerals and potent anti-inflammatory compounds like glucosamine and chondroitin. These elements provide comprehensive support for digestive wellness, joint health, and overall nutritional intake. For those seeking to add a nutrient-dense, easily digestible liquid to their diet, high-quality chicken bone broth is a compelling option. For the best quality, consider making your own or seeking brands that specify a long simmering process.

For more detailed information on the health aspects of nutrition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website is an authoritative source.(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5533136/)

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicken bone broth contains gelatin, which is rich in amino acids like glutamine. Glutamine helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal wall and can soothe digestive inflammation, potentially healing a condition known as 'leaky gut'.

While chicken bones are rich in calcium, only a small amount leaches into the broth during the simmering process, typically providing less than 5% of your daily value. For a richer mineral content, adding an acidic ingredient like apple cider vinegar can help draw more minerals out.

The main difference is the cooking time and ingredients. Bone broth is simmered much longer (12-48 hours) and uses more bones and connective tissue, which yields a much higher concentration of protein (gelatin), collagen, and minerals compared to standard chicken broth.

The gel-like consistency of chilled bone broth is a sign of high collagen content. During the long simmering process, collagen breaks down into gelatin, which solidifies when cooled. This is a marker of a nutrient-dense, high-quality broth.

Yes, chicken bone broth contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are natural compounds found in cartilage. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and are often used to support joint health and ease symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Store-bought bone broth can vary significantly in quality. A high-quality store-bought version should contain at least 8 grams of protein per cup and gel when chilled. However, many cheaper products are made from concentrates and contain less nutrients.

Bone marrow is a concentrated source of nutrients and contributes vitamins A, B2, B12, and E, as well as minerals like iron, selenium, and zinc, to the final broth.