Keto Chicken Broth – This low carb chicken broth is comforting as a warm bowl of chicken broth nourishing and packed with essential nutrients, but it’s also an excellent low-carb base for countless keto recipes.
What is Keto Chicken Broth?
Keto chicken broth is essentially a homemade or store-bought chicken broth made with minimal carbohydrates, specifically designed to fit into a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet. The main components of the broth—chicken bones, water, and a few seasonings—are keto-friendly.
Chicken broth is a nutritional powerhouse that’s high in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, making it a great addition to a ketogenic lifestyle. Since the keto diet focuses on cutting carbs and increasing healthy fats, chicken broth serves as a nutrient-dense, low-calorie, and zero-carb liquid that can be consumed on its own or used as the base for other keto-friendly meals.
Ingredients for Low Carb Chicken Broth Recipe
Making Keto Chicken Broth from scratch is incredibly easy. The key is to use quality ingredients that maximize both flavor and nutrition without adding unnecessary carbs.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Low Carb Chicken Broth
- Use Apple Cider Vinegar: This is key to extracting minerals from the bones, making the broth richer in nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
- Simmer for Long: The longer you simmer the broth, the more flavor and nutrients you’ll extract. Aim for at least 12 hours, but 24 hours is ideal for a collagen-rich broth.
- Add Fats for More Keto Benefits: For an added keto boost, stir in some healthy fats like grass-fed butter, ghee, or coconut oil before serving. This increases the fat content, making it more keto-friendly.
- Skip the Carby Veggies: While onions and celery add flavor, they also contribute a small amount of carbs. Feel free to skip these if you’re aiming for zero carbs in your broth.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about chicken broth is its versatility. Here are some ways you can modify it to suit your taste and dietary needs:
Add MCT Oil: For an additional keto-friendly fat source, stir in a tablespoon of MCT oil after the broth has cooled slightly.
Spicy Low Carb Chicken Broth: Add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh ginger for a warming, spicy kick.
Herbed Chicken Broth: Play with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, or basil. Fresh herbs enhance the flavor without adding carbs.
Bone Broth for Extra Nutrients: If you have access to beef or lamb bones, you can mix them with chicken bones to create a super-nutrient-rich bone broth.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Broth
Low Carb chicken broth can be used in a variety of ways:
- On Its Own: Sip it warm with a dash of salt and pepper for a comforting drink that also supports gut health.
- As a Soup Base: Use the broth to make hearty keto soups like chicken and vegetable soup or keto-friendly egg drop soup.
- For Cooking: Replace water with chicken broth in keto recipes like cauliflower mash, stir-fries, or even zucchini noodles for extra flavor.
- As a Fasting Drink: Many people on a ketogenic diet use chicken broth during intermittent fasting. It’s light, nutritious, and provides essential electrolytes.
How to Store Keto Chicken Broth
Proper storage ensures your broth stays fresh and ready to use whenever you need it:
- In the Fridge: Store your chicken broth in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze broth in ice cube trays for easy portioning, or in larger containers for up to 6 months. Leave room at the top of containers for expansion.
- Reheating Tip: Always heat the broth gently on the stove to preserve its nutrients. Microwaving can break down some of the proteins and collagen.
Recipe FAQs
Is chicken broth keto?
Yes! Homemade chicken broth is naturally low in carbs and perfect for a keto diet, especially when made with simple, whole ingredients like chicken bones, water, and herbs.
Can I buy low carb chicken broth at the store?
Yes, many stores offer keto-friendly chicken broth. Be sure to check labels for any hidden sugars or carbs. Look for broths that are made with simple ingredients and no added preservatives or sugars.
How many carbs are in chicken broth?
Typically, homemade chicken broth contains 0-1 grams of carbs per serving. Store-bought varieties may have more, so always check the nutritional label.
What’s the difference between chicken broth and bone broth?
Bone broth is simmered longer than traditional chicken broth, which results in a more gelatinous texture due to the breakdown of collagen from the bones. Both are keto-friendly, but bone broth offers more nutrients and a richer consistency.
Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot for keto chicken broth?
Absolutely! You can easily make low carb chicken broth in a slow cooker by simmering it on low for 12-24 hours. For an Instant Pot, set it to the “Soup” function for about 2 hours.
Keto Chicken Broth
Keto Chicken Broth - This low carb chicken broth is comforting as a warm bowl of chicken broth nourishing and packed with essential nutrients, but it’s also an excellent low-carb base for countless keto recipes.
Ingredients
- 3.3 lb oxtail (or a mix of bones like chicken feet, marrow bones, etc.)
- 1 medium parsnip or parsley root
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 medium celery stalks
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 medium yellow onion, skin on
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 8-10 cups water (enough to cover bones)
- 1 tbsp sea salt or pink Himalayan salt
Instructions
- Prep the Veggies: Peel and cut the root vegetables into thirds. Halve the onion (leave the skin on for a beautiful golden color) and garlic. Cut the celery into thirds.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Add the vegetables, bay leaves, oxtail, and any additional bones into your slow cooker. (Tip: Use chicken, pork, or beef bones, with or without meat.)
- Add Water and Acid: Pour in 8-10 cups of water or just enough to cover everything. Add vinegar or lemon juice to help release minerals from the bones.
- Cook Low and Slow: Sprinkle in the salt and cover. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for up to 10. For a rich, gelatinous broth, you can extend cooking up to 48 hours. Simply remove the oxtail after the initial time, shred the meat, and return the bones to the slow cooker for more simmering.
- Strain and Store: Remove the large solids, then strain the broth through a fine sieve. Set aside the meaty bones to cool. Once cooled, shred the meat and either use it in recipes or enjoy with a cup of broth.
- Chill and Save: Let the broth cool, then refrigerate overnight. The broth will form a jelly-like consistency, and a tallow layer will form on top. Scrape off the tallow for cooking or discard it.
- Storage: Keep the broth in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in small containers for longer storage.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 487Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 172mgSodium: 1137mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 51g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check out my other delicious keto recipes:
