Rotisserie Chicken Bone Broth Recipe (Slow Cooker, Instant Pot & Stovetop)

This rotisserie chicken bone broth recipe is the easiest way to turn leftover chicken bones into rich, flavorful broth you’ll actually use. Made from a store-bought rotisserie chicken and simple vegetables, this homemade bone broth works in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stovetop and tastes far better than store-bought.

If you’ve ever picked up a carton of stock at the grocery store and thought, “I can do better than this,” you’re absolutely right. Making your own homemade chicken broth is easier than you might think, and the flavor payoff is huge.

This recipe uses a leftover rotisserie chicken carcass (or even a whole chicken you’ve roasted yourself) to make a rich and nourishing chicken stock. Whether you simmer it low and slow on the stovetop, let it go in the crockpot, or pressure cook it in the Instant Pot, you’ll end up with liquid gold that’s perfect for everything from chicken noodle soup to weeknight casseroles.

And here’s a little secret that sets this recipe apart: a splash of apple cider vinegar. It helps pull nutrients and collagen out of the bones for a richer, more flavorful stock. Don’t worry, it won’t taste vinegary at all!

Why Rotisserie Chicken Makes the Best Bone Broth

Rotisserie chicken bones are perfect for homemade bone broth because they’re already roasted, which adds deeper flavor and richer color to the broth. The roasting process also helps release collagen and nutrients from the bones more easily during simmering, giving you a silky, nourishing broth with minimal effort.

Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to make homemade chicken broth — just a few simple ingredients and the bones from your leftover rotisserie chicken.

• Rotisserie Chicken Carcass: The star of the show! Using a leftover rotisserie chicken adds incredible depth and richness because the bones are already roasted. You can also use bones from a whole chicken or any roasted chicken you’ve made.
• Onions: White or yellow onions add natural sweetness and body to the stock. No need to peel — just give them a rough chop.
• Carrots: A couple of carrots lend color and a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Celery: This humble veggie gives your broth that classic “chicken soup” aroma and flavor.
• Garlic: Adds a subtle layer of savoriness. Smash the cloves or roughly chop — no need to fuss.
• Fresh Herbs: A mix of thyme, rosemary, parsley, and bay leaves create a fragrant base. Use dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand.
• Peppercorns: Whole black peppercorns give gentle spice and depth without overpowering.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a splash helps extract collagen and minerals from the bones, giving your broth a silky texture and extra nutrition.
• Salt: Start light — you can always season more later once the broth has reduced.
• Water: The liquid foundation of your stock. Add enough to cover the bones and veggies, leaving room at the top of your slow cooker, stock pot, or Instant Pot.

How to Make Chicken Stock From Rotisserie Chicken

Slow Cooker (Crockpot)

Slow cooker rotisserie chicken bone broth is especially convenient because you can let it simmer overnight without babysitting it. We have places to go!

Instant Pot Chicken Stock

1. Place ingredients in a 6–8 qt Instant Pot. Add water to cover but don’t go past the max fill line.
2. Pressure cook on high heat for 40 minutes. Let it do a natural release for 30 minutes (don’t use quick release).
3. Remove the lid carefully. Strain broth into a large bowl.
4. Season to taste, then refrigerate for 2–4 hours. Skim the fat.

Stovetop (Stock Pot Method)

1. Place chicken carcass, veggies, aromatics, and herbs in a large stock pot. Cover with cold water.
2. Bring just to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook uncovered for 6–8 hours, adding water as needed to keep bones submerged.
4. Strain the liquid into a safe container, discard solids, season, and refrigerate for 2–4 hours before skimming fat.

How to Use Rotisserie Chicken Bone Broth

This rotisserie chicken bone broth is incredibly versatile and can be used anywhere you’d normally reach for boxed broth or stock. Here are a few easy ways to use it:

• Soups & Stews: Use bone broth as the base for chicken noodle soup, chicken tortilla soup, or vegetable soup for deeper flavor.
• Cooking Grains: Swap water for bone broth when cooking rice, quinoa, or couscous to add richness and extra nutrients.
• Sauces & Gravies: Bone broth works beautifully in pan sauces, gravy, and creamy casseroles where you want added depth without heaviness.
• Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Meals: Use this broth in slow cooker recipes, shredded chicken dishes instead of store-bought stock.
• Sipping Broth: Warm it up and season with a pinch of salt and pepper for a simple, comforting cup of broth.
• Freezer Meals: Bone broth is perfect for freezer soups, casseroles, and make-ahead meals — just portion it out and freeze for later.

Storage Tips

Easy portions: Freeze in cubes using ice trays, then transfer cubes to freezer-safe bags for quick use.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container or covered mason jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I love using these reusable jar lids.

Freezer: Transfer cooled broth to a freezer-safe bag, glass jars or souper cubes. Leave headspace for expansion. Keeps 3–4 months.

Note: see how to freeze soup in mason jars.

FAQs

Soup Recipes using Rotisserie Chicken Broth:

Recipe