Nourishing Chicken Bone Broth with Spiced Rice and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Introduction
This nourishing bone broth is a comforting and flavorful way to make the most of a chicken carcass. Packed with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, it offers both warmth and nutrition, perfect for a cozy meal any time of year.

Ingredients
- 1 meaty chicken carcass, plus any jellified roasting juices from it, skin and fat discarded
- 1 large onion, halved and sliced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 bay leaves
- 1-2 red chillies, halved, deseeded and sliced
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Small pack coriander, stems and leaves chopped and separated
- 1 large garlic clove, finely grated
- 250g pouch wholegrain basmati rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Break the chicken carcass into a large pan and add the sliced onion, 1.5 litres of water, lemon juice, and bay leaves. Cover and simmer gently for 40 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for easier handling.
- Step 2: Place a colander over a bowl and scoop out all the bones into it. Pick through the bones, stripping off any remaining chicken and onion, and return these to the bowl with the broth.
- Step 3: Return the strained broth and any jellified roasting juices to the pan. Stir in the chilli, ground coriander, ground cumin, coriander stems, lemon zest, and grated garlic. Heat gently until just bubbling, taking care not to overboil to preserve delicate flavors. Taste and season with salt if needed.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the wholegrain basmati rice according to the pack instructions. Once cooked, toss the rice with the coriander leaves.
- Step 5: Ladle the hot broth into serving bowls and top with the coriander rice. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, roast the chicken carcass in the oven until golden before simmering to enhance the broth’s flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chilli to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder broth.
- Try stirring in a handful of chopped spinach or kale at the end for added greens.
Storage
Store leftover broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid boiling off flavor. The cooked rice can be stored separately and kept refrigerated for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze the broth for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can substitute the wholegrain basmati rice with any rice you have on hand, such as brown rice or white basmati. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is it necessary to remove the bones before serving?
Yes, removing the bones ensures the broth is safe and pleasant to eat. Straining also keeps the texture smooth and free of small bone fragments.
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Nourishing Chicken Bone Broth with Spiced Rice and Fresh Herbs Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This nourishing bone broth recipe uses a meaty chicken carcass simmered with aromatic spices, lemon, and herbs to create a flavorful and mineral-rich broth. Paired with wholegrain basmati rice tossed in fresh coriander leaves, this comforting meal supports immune health and delivers a warm, satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Broth Ingredients
- 1 meaty chicken carcass, skin and fat discarded, plus any jellified roasting juices
- 1 large onion, halved and sliced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 bay leaves
- 1–2 red chillies, halved, deseeded and sliced
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Small pack fresh coriander, stems and leaves separated and chopped
- 1 large garlic clove, finely grated
- 1.5 litres water
Rice
- 250g pouch wholegrain basmati rice
Instructions
- Simmer the broth: Break the chicken carcass into a large pan and add the sliced onion, 1.5 litres of water, lemon juice, and bay leaves. Cover the pan and simmer gently for 40 minutes to extract the flavors and minerals from the bones.
- Strain and pick the meat: Remove the pan from heat and allow to cool slightly for easier handling. Place a colander over a bowl and scoop out all the bones. Pick through the bones to strip off any remaining chicken meat and onion pieces, returning these to the broth.
- Enhance the broth flavors: Return any broth from the bowl and the jellified roasting juices to the pan. Add the red chillies, ground coriander, ground cumin, coriander stems, lemon zest, and grated garlic. Heat gently for a few minutes until the broth is just bubbling; avoid boiling to preserve delicate flavors. Taste and add salt only if necessary.
- Prepare the rice: Meanwhile, cook the wholegrain basmati rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, toss the rice with the chopped coriander leaves for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Ladle the hot broth into bowls and top with the coriander-infused rice, serving immediately for a warming and wholesome meal.
Notes
- Discard chicken skin and fat to keep the broth light and clear.
- Simmer gently and avoid boiling vigorously to maintain a delicate broth flavor.
- Use the coriander stems in the broth for flavor, and reserve the leaves to garnish the rice for freshness.
- You can adjust the number of red chillies to your preferred spice level.
- This broth is excellent for soothing colds due to its mineral content and antioxidant-rich ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Global
Keywords: bone broth, chicken broth, comforting soup, wholegrain rice, immune boosting meal, healthy broth, nourishing soup, coriander, lemon broth

