This isn’t just a broth — it’s a healing ritual in a bowl. Slow-simmered chicken bones release collagen, amino acids, and minerals that soothe the gut, nourish the brain, and calm the nervous system.
Each spoonful is warm, gentle, and grounding — ideal for days when emotions feel fragile and your body needs deep nourishment without overstimulation. The addition of soft vegetables adds natural sweetness and texture, while maintaining digestibility for sensitive systems.
Bone broth has long been considered a medicinal food — rich in glycine, glutamine, and collagen, it helps repair the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and promote a sense of internal safety — something many people with depression or anxiety desperately need.
This dish is quiet, warm, and restorative — like coming home to yourself after being lost.
🕒 Total Time: 60 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 2
🔥 Calories per serving: ~220 kcal
🛒 Ingredients
For the Bone Broth:
- 500g chicken bones (with a bit of meat – necks, wings, carcass)
- 1.5 liters water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals from bones)
- 1 slice of fresh ginger (optional – for digestion and warmth)
- 1 clove garlic, lightly crushed
- 1 small onion, peeled and halved
- Salt to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 small carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 zucchini or courgette, sliced
- 1 handful spinach or baby greens
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- Optional herbs: parsley, thyme, or a bay leaf
🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Broth:
- In a large pot, combine chicken bones, water, vinegar, onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Skim any foam from the surface in the first 10 minutes.
- Simmer gently (uncovered or partially covered) for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Add the Vegetables:
- After 45 minutes of simmering, add carrot, celery, and zucchini. Cook for another 10–15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add spinach and herbs in the last 2–3 minutes, just until wilted.
- Season with salt to taste.
3. Strain and Serve:
- For a clear broth, strain out the solids. For a heartier meal, keep the tender vegetables and shredded bits of chicken in.
- Serve warm in a deep bowl. Sip slowly. Breathe deeply.
💡 Tips for Mood & Nutrition
- Collagen and glycine support gut lining repair — important because gut health and brain health are directly linked.
- Warm liquids help relax the vagus nerve, promoting a sense of calm and emotional regulation.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness and added vitamin C.
- If appetite is low, sip the clear broth alone — even that small act is healing.
- You can freeze extra portions for easy access to healing support on difficult days.
🎯 Note:
This bone broth is not just food — it’s comfort, care, and connection in liquid form. Perfect for a gentle dinner or an emotional reset, especially during moments of burnout, grief, or overwhelm.
