Collagen Broth With Chicken Feet (Pasture-Raised, Gelatin-Rich, Paleo/Keto)

If you want a bone broth that sets like Jell-O, use chicken feet. They’re packed with skin, cartilage, and tendons—the collagen-dense parts that melt into a gelatin-rich, mineral-forward broth. 

I recommend having a cup of this broth first thing every morning (before drinking caffeine).

Why I Use Chicken Feet (Benefits)

• Collagen & gelatin: Naturally high in glycine and proline—amino acids that may support gut lining, skin elasticity, hair/nails, and joints.

• Serious jiggle: Feet deliver reliable gel without powders.

• Nose-to-tail nutrition: A traditional, waste-less way to cook.

• Paleo/keto friendly: Pure protein + minerals, no dairy or grains.

Ingredients

• 1 bag pasture-raised, corn- & soy-free chicken feet

• Filtered water (cover by 1–2 inches)

• 1 white onion, quartered

• 5–8 garlic cloves, whole

• 1–2 tsp whole peppercorns

• 4-5 bay leaves

• 6 tbsps salt, to taste

Optional: 1–2 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar (helps with mineral extraction, not essential because feet already gel beautifully).

Quick Prep 

Rinse feet well. 

Stovetop Method (Best Flavor)

1. Add Feet, onion, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves. Cover with filtered water by 1–2 inches.

2. Gentle simmer: Bring just to a simmer, then reduce to low. Skim foam in the first 20 minutes.

3. Low & slow: Keep the laziest bubble for 6–12 hours (don’t hard boil).

4. Season: Lightly salt mid-way, adding more as you go if you like more salt (like me)

5. Strain & chill: Strain through a fine mesh strainer; chill then transfer in to a glass container and refrigerate overnight. It should gel once cold.

6. Drink:  Scoop the chicken broth jello into a pot and gently warm on low (don't boil).  Once at a low simmer, transfer to a mug, sip and enjoy.

How I Use This Collagen Broth:

• Morning mug with sea salt + squeeze of lemon (optional).  Have a cup of this every morning before any caffeine.

• Soup base (try my Thai Butternut Curry Soup, Meatball Soup, Post Surgery Healing Soup)

• Sauces & reductions for steaks/veggies

• Use for any recipe that calls for chicken broth/stock (One Pan Chicken & Rice)

Storage:

• Fridge: 4–5 days (it will set firm).

• Freezer: Up to 3 months (jars with headspace, cubes, or flat packs).

• Reheat: Low and gentle; avoid a violent boil.

FAQs:

Is chicken feet broth high in collagen?
Yes. Chicken feet are collagen-dense (skin, cartilage, tendons), which typically yields a gelatin-rich broth that sets when chilled.

Do I need vinegar for bone broth?
Optional. Apple cider vinegar can help pull minerals, but chicken feet gel without it. Use if you like the flavor.

Why did my bone broth not gel?
Usually heat was too high or there was too much water. Keep a gentle simmer and reduce at the end for a thicker set.

Is chicken feet collagen broth keto and paleo?
Yes—this recipe is naturally keto/paleo and dairy-free. It’s protein- and mineral-rich with virtually no carbs.

Recipe Card:

Chicken Feet Collagen Broth (Gelatin-Rich Bone Broth)
Ingredients: Pasture-raised chicken feet, filtered water, onion, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, salt.
Method: Rinse/clean → cover with water + aromatics → gentle simmer 6–12 hrs (or Instant Pot 90 min) → strain → chill to gel → finish with salt.

xo,

Jamie