The Remarkable Benefits of Chicken Feet

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Chicken feet might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of nutritious and delicious foods, but they are a powerhouse of benefits. From their high collagen content to their role in bone broth, chicken feet are a surprising source of nutrition!

This is the blog post that I never intended to write. Yes, I write a lot about homesteading and self-sufficiency, but, I just could not get on board with chicken feet. I hate to waste, probably more than the average person so when we would butcher chickens, I would gladly save the feet for my “crunchier” friends.

Cooking and peeling chicken feet just wasn’t for me. I’m not that committed I would tell myself. However, this last weekend as we butchered our chickens I had the nudge to save the feet for myself. I add store-bought collagen powder to my coffee every day…why not use this naturally available resource to add more collagen to my diet? So…I saved the feet! My family was disgusted…

I did some more research and found that peeling them isn’t really necessary and that I could use my instant pot to make this collagen-rich broth.

Let’s look at the benefits of chicken feet, how to make a nutrient-rich chicken feet broth, how to add chicken feet to your bone broth, and the incredible collagen they provide.

Prep of Chicken Feet…To Peel or Not to Peel…

This is a matter of preference. Some people say you should peel the feet first, others say you don’t need to. I think peeling comes from the idea that they will somehow be cleaner if they are peeled. I don’t know about you, but peeling chicken feet sounds…tedious and not very fun.

I choose not to peel them. That is my preference. We butcher our own chickens and honestly, by the time we soak them and scald them, the feet are not disgusting anymore. They are quite clean. If you wish to peel the feet, it does come off relatively easy once you have boiled them for about 5 minutes or so.

Just to be sure, I go ahead and boil some water, drop them in, and let them go for about 2-3 minutes. I then give them another rinse and a good look. Then I proceed with the recipe for chicken feet broth.

The Benefits of Chicken Feet

1. Rich in Collagen: Chicken feet are packed with collagen, a protein that is essential for maintaining healthy skin, joints, and bones. Collagen helps improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and support joint health by maintaining cartilage.
2. Joint Health: The glucosamine and chondroitin in chicken feet are known to support joint health. These compounds are often found in supplements for arthritis and joint pain.
3. Bone Health: The high calcium and phosphorus content in chicken feet can contribute to stronger bones, making them a great addition to your diet if you want to improve your bone density.
4. Boosts Immune System: Chicken feet contain essential minerals and nutrients that can help boost your immune system, aiding in overall health and well-being.
5. Gastrointestinal Health: The gelatin from chicken feet aids in digestive health by supporting the lining of the digestive tract. This can be particularly beneficial for those with leaky gut syndrome or other digestive issues.

How to Make Chicken Feet Broth

Making chicken feet broth is simple and yields a flavorful, nutrient-dense liquid that can be used in various dishes or consumed on its own. My fear and my 16 year old daughter’s fear was that the house was going to smell like chicken feet (whatever that smells like). The truth is, it just smelled like chicken and with the added onions and garlic and spices, it actually smelled really good!

Please note: My recipe does not call for Apple Cider Vinegar. I don’t like the taste of it in bone broth, and I read this article to confirm my suspicion that it isn’t necessary! 4 Things Experts Get Wrong in Making Bone Broth

Here’s a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of chicken feet
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns
• Salt to taste
• Water-enough to cover the feet by an inch or two

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Feet: Rinse the chicken feet under cold water. If desired, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to remove any impurities, then rinse again.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken feet in a large pot. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns.
3. Add Water: Add enough water to cover the ingredients by about two inches.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
5. Cook: Let the broth lightly boil for 12-24 hours. The length of time is important, but so is the high temperature.
6. Skim: Every 20 minutes or so during the first couple of hours, skim the foam and gunk off the top. This will result in a clearer bone broth. If you don’t do this and wind up with a cloudy broth…no worries, it is still edible.
7. Strain: After cooking, strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids. Discard the solids and let the broth cool.
8. Store: Store the broth in glass jars in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.

Collagen from Chicken Feet

The high collagen content in chicken feet is one of their most significant benefits. Collagen is vital for maintaining skin elasticity, reducing the signs of aging, and supporting joint health. When chicken feet are simmered for extended periods, the collagen breaks down into gelatin, which is easily absorbed by the body.

Benefits of Collagen:

• Skin Health: Improves skin hydration and elasticity, reducing wrinkles and promoting a youthful appearance.
• Joint Health: Supports cartilage, reducing joint pain and stiffness.
• Gut Health: Gelatin from collagen helps repair the gut lining, aiding in better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Bone Health: Provides essential nutrients that support bone density and strength.

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Chicken Feet in Bone Broth

Including chicken feet in bone broth recipes can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the broth. Bone broth is known for its healing properties, and chicken feet amplify these benefits with their rich collagen content.

Bone Broth Recipe with Chicken Feet:

1. Follow the basic chicken feet broth recipe above, but add a mix of other bones (such as beef, pork, or poultry bones) to the pot.
2. Cook for an extended period (24 hours) to ensure all the nutrients are extracted from the bones and feet.
3. Strain and store in jars in the fridge for up to a week or you can freeze or can the broth for longer storage.

Bone Broth with Chicken Feet in the Instant Pot

1. Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot:
   • Place the bones, chicken feet (if using), onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns into the Instant Pot.
   • Pour in enough water to cover the bones and vegetables, up to the maximum fill line of the Instant Pot.
2. Pressure Cook:
   • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
   • Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the timer for 2.5 hours on high pressure.
3. Natural Release:
   • Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to “Venting.”
4. Strain the Broth:
   • Open the Instant Pot lid and carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot to remove the solids. Discard the solids.
5. Cool and Store:
   • Let the broth cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the broth to glass jars or containers.
   • Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. The broth will gel when chilled due to the collagen content.

Bone Broth with Chicken Feet in the Slow Cooker or Crockpot

Simply place all the ingredients listed above in the slow cooker and cook on high with the lid on for up to 24 hours.

Strain and place in jars for future use. Or it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. You can put the broth in jars and freeze it, if you leave about an inch or so of head space. You could also pour it into good zipper bags and freeze it flat.

If you are into canning, you can also pressure can bone broth for future use. Here is a great post on how to can bone broth.

Tips for Perfect Bone Broth

• Bone Variety: Use a mix of bones (marrow bones, neck bones, and joints) for the best flavor and nutrient profile. Adding chicken feet enhances the collagen content.
• Seasoning: Add salt to taste, but it’s best to season lightly and adjust when using the broth in recipes.
• Skimming: If you prefer a clearer broth, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top during cooking.
• Cook on the highest heat you can without boiling it over and making a mess…
• Use lots of feet and bones! The ratio needs to be 1:2 bones to water.

Uses for Bone Broth with Chicken Feet

• Soups and Stews: Use bone broth as a base for hearty soups and stews.
• Cooking Grains: Cook rice, quinoa, or other grains in bone broth for added flavor and nutrition. I hardly ever cook rice with just water, I always use bone or chicken broth. Don’t worry that it is gelled, it will liquify once it’s heated.
• Sipping: Enjoy a warm cup of bone broth on its own as a soothing and nourishing drink. This one is a bit harder for me, I seem to only enjoy this in the winter or if I am sick.
• Sauces and Gravies: Use bone broth to enhance the flavor of sauces and gravies.
• Pour over your dog’s food…yep, chicken foot broth is good for your pups too!

Will You Try Chicken Feet?

What do you think? Will you give chicken feet a try? No judgment from me either way, but don’t be surprised if at some point you suddenly change your mind!