Citric Acid Free Ginger-Garlic Chicken Bone Broth Tonic
This slow-simmered tonic is the kind of thing that warms you from the inside out — deeply golden, fragrant with ginger and garlic, and layered with the earthy richness that only comes from hours on the stove. The combination of fresh ginger coins, smashed garlic, ground turmeric, and fresh thyme builds a broth that feels genuinely restorative without relying on any of the citric acid-laden additives or preservatives you'll find lurking in most store-bought versions. A splash of apple cider vinegar goes in at the very start, not for flavor but to help draw minerals from the bones before the heat even kicks on — a small step that makes a real difference in the final depth of the broth. Skimming the foam early keeps everything clean and clear, so what you end up with is a beautifully translucent, golden liquid rather than something murky or bitter. The lemon juice listed at the end is entirely optional, which makes this recipe easy to keep completely free of citric acid concerns — just skip it and the broth stands perfectly well on its own. Sip it straight from a mug, use it as a base for soups, or freeze it in portions so you always have something nourishing on hand. It's the kind of recipe you'll come back to every time the weather turns or you just need something that feels like it's actually doing you some good.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 lb chicken bones (backs, necks, or carcass)
- 6 cups cold water
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced into coins
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 stalks celery, roughly chopped
- 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the chicken bones in a large stockpot or Dutch oven and cover with the cold water. Add the apple cider vinegar and let the bones soak for 10 minutes — this helps draw minerals from the bones before heat is applied.
- 2
Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. As the liquid heats, skim off any gray foam that rises to the surface, until the foam subsides and the liquid is mostly clear, about 5 minutes.
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