Name: Low Sodium Chicken Bone Broth Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds chicken bones; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks with leaves; 1 onion, quartered; 6 garlic cloves; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 bay leaves; Optional: pinch of black peppercorns; 12 cups water

This low sodium chicken bone broth is full of deep, roasted flavor and a smooth, silky texture. It’s gently simmered over a full day to extract all the nutrients and collagen from the bones—without adding any salt. This makes it ideal for heart-healthy diets, those reducing blood pressure, or anyone following the DASH diet. It’s easy to make in a slow cooker and freezes well for future meals.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed

3 pounds assorted chicken bones: backs, wings, or necks work well.
2 carrots: unpeeled, chopped for natural sweetness.
2 celery stalks with leaves: adds aroma and depth.
1 onion: quartered, unpeeled for color and flavor.
6 garlic cloves: unpeeled for mild, earthy flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: for roasting richness.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: helps extract nutrients from bones.
2 bay leaves: classic herbal flavor.
Optional: pinch of black peppercorns: omit for very strict sodium needs.
12 cups water: or more to keep bones covered.

How To Make Low Sodium Chicken Bone Broth

Roast the Ingredients:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken bones, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well. Roast for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Simmer the Broth:
Transfer roasted items to a large slow cooker. Add vinegar, bay leaves, and black peppercorns if using. Cover everything with water.

Slow Cook for 24–48 Hours:
Set slow cooker to Low and cook for up to 48 hours. Add 1–2 cups water as needed to keep bones submerged.

Strain and Store:
Carefully strain broth using a fine mesh strainer. Discard solids. Pour broth into jars or containers and refrigerate or freeze.

Recipe Tips

Use sodium-free seasoning or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.
Chicken feet or wings boost collagen content naturally.
Roast bones well—they give the broth its rich golden color.
For clearer broth, don’t stir during slow cooking.

How to Store & Reheat

Room Temperature: Not recommended. Always refrigerate.
Fridge: Store up to 5 days in a sealed container.
Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Nutrition Facts (per 1-cup serving)

Calories: 45
Sodium: 35 mg
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 2 g
Carbs: 1 g
Fibre: 0 g
Sugar: 0 g

FAQs

Is chicken bone broth low in sodium?
Not always. Store-bought versions often contain added salt. This homemade version is naturally low in sodium with no added salt.

Can I add flavor without salt?
Yes! Use fresh herbs, garlic, onion, and sodium-free seasoning blends to build flavor without affecting blood pressure.

How long should I simmer bone broth?
Simmer for at least 24 hours and up to 48 hours for maximum nutrients and rich texture.

Is bone broth good for kidney health?
Yes—if it’s low sodium. This version supports kidney health and is suitable for salt-sensitive diets.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes. Use a large stockpot and simmer on the lowest setting for 12–24 hours, adding water as needed.

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