Chicken is a staple in many households, offering a versatile and affordable protein source. However, after enjoying a delicious chicken meal, you’re often left with scraps: bones, skin, and sometimes even leftover meat. Instead of tossing these valuable resources in the trash, learn how to transform them into useful ingredients and reduce your environmental impact. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what to do with chicken scraps, from making flavorful broth to creating dog treats and enriching your garden.
Transforming Chicken Bones: Liquid Gold and More
Chicken bones are a treasure trove of flavor and nutrients, and discarding them is a missed opportunity. By simmering them with water and aromatics, you can extract their goodness and create a versatile ingredient for soups, sauces, and gravies.
Making Chicken Broth: The Foundation of Flavor
Homemade chicken broth is far superior to store-bought varieties in terms of flavor and health benefits. It’s free from artificial additives and preservatives, and packed with collagen, which is beneficial for joint health and skin elasticity. The process is simple and requires minimal effort.
First, gather your chicken bones. Leftover roasted chicken carcasses, wings, and necks all work well. The more bones you use, the richer the flavor of your broth will be. Place the bones in a large stockpot or slow cooker. Add aromatics such as onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs like parsley and thyme. These ingredients enhance the flavor profile of the broth.
Cover the bones and vegetables with cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and the collagen to extract from the bones. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. This step ensures a clear and flavorful broth.
Simmer for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for a richer, more intense flavor. The longer you simmer, the more collagen and nutrients you’ll extract from the bones. Once the broth is done, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. This removes any solids, leaving you with a clear liquid.
Allow the broth to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. In the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 5 days. In the freezer, it can last for several months. You can freeze the broth in ice cube trays for smaller portions, or in larger containers for use in soups and stews.
Chicken broth can be used as a base for soups, stews, sauces, and gravies. It can also be used to cook grains like rice and quinoa, adding flavor and nutrients. Drinking chicken broth on its own is a soothing and nourishing way to stay hydrated and boost your immune system.
Beyond Broth: Bone Meal for Your Garden
After making broth, the bones will be significantly softened. While you can discard them at this point, you can also take a step further and transform them into bone meal, a valuable fertilizer for your garden. Bone meal is rich in phosphorus and calcium, essential nutrients for plant growth.
To make bone meal, spread the softened bones on a baking sheet and bake them in a low oven (around 200°F) until they are completely dry and brittle. This process can take several hours. Once the bones are dry, grind them into a fine powder using a food processor or coffee grinder.
The resulting bone meal can be added to your garden soil to improve plant growth. It’s particularly beneficial for flowering plants and vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. Bone meal helps promote strong root development, abundant blooms, and increased yields.
Repurposing Chicken Skin: Crispy Treats and Flavorful Fat
Chicken skin is often discarded due to its high fat content. However, with a little creativity, you can transform it into delicious and versatile ingredients.
Chicken Cracklings: A Savory Snack
Chicken cracklings, also known as chicken skin chips, are a crispy and flavorful snack that’s surprisingly easy to make. They’re a great alternative to potato chips and offer a satisfying crunch.
To make chicken cracklings, remove the skin from the chicken. Spread the skin in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 20-30 minutes.
Alternatively, you can fry the chicken skin in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the skin from crisping properly.
Once the cracklings are done, drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. They can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or used as a topping for salads, soups, and other dishes.
Chicken Fat (Schmaltz): A Culinary Secret Weapon
Chicken fat, also known as schmaltz, is rendered chicken fat that’s used in cooking. It adds a rich, savory flavor to dishes and can be used in place of butter or oil.
To render chicken fat, collect the skin and any excess fat from the chicken. Cut the fat into small pieces and place them in a heavy-bottomed pot or skillet. Cook over low heat until the fat has rendered and the skin is crispy.
Strain the rendered fat through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth. This removes any solids, leaving you with pure chicken fat. Store the schmaltz in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks.
Schmaltz can be used to sauté vegetables, roast potatoes, or make pie crusts. It’s also a key ingredient in traditional Jewish cuisine, used in dishes like matzo ball soup and latkes.
Leftover Chicken Meat: Creative Culinary Applications
Even small amounts of leftover chicken meat can be transformed into delicious and satisfying meals. Don’t let those precious morsels go to waste.
Chicken Salad: A Classic Repurposing Recipe
Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be made with leftover chicken meat. It’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or even as a dip with crackers.
To make chicken salad, shred or dice the leftover chicken meat. Combine it with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and any other ingredients you like, such as grapes, cranberries, or nuts. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer.
Chicken salad can be served on bread, lettuce wraps, or crackers. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Chicken Fried Rice: A Weeknight Dinner Staple
Chicken fried rice is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for using up leftover chicken meat. It’s a great way to transform small amounts of chicken into a satisfying and flavorful dish.
To make chicken fried rice, stir-fry cooked rice with leftover chicken meat, vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions, and soy sauce. You can also add scrambled eggs for extra protein.
Chicken fried rice is a customizable dish that can be adapted to your taste preferences. Add your favorite vegetables, sauces, and spices to create a unique and delicious meal.
Chicken Tacos: A Fiesta of Flavor
Leftover chicken meat can be used to make delicious and flavorful chicken tacos. Simply shred or dice the chicken and season it with taco seasoning.
Warm tortillas and fill them with the seasoned chicken, along with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese. Chicken tacos are a fun and easy meal that’s perfect for a casual dinner.
Chicken Scraps for Pets: Homemade Treats and Supplements
Many chicken scraps can be safely fed to pets, providing them with valuable nutrients and a tasty treat. However, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid feeding them cooked bones, which can splinter and cause injury.
Homemade Dog Treats: A Healthy and Economical Option
Cooked chicken meat, skin, and even broth can be used to make homemade dog treats. These treats are free from artificial additives and preservatives, and they’re a healthy and economical alternative to store-bought options.
To make homemade dog treats, combine cooked chicken meat, skin, and broth with other ingredients like oats, flour, and vegetables. Bake the mixture in the oven until it’s firm and dry. Cut the treats into small pieces and store them in an airtight container.
Chicken Broth for Pets: A Hydrating and Nutritious Supplement
Unsalted chicken broth can be a hydrating and nutritious supplement for pets. It’s a great way to encourage them to drink more water and provides them with valuable electrolytes and nutrients.
Add a small amount of chicken broth to your pet’s water bowl or food. You can also freeze the broth into ice cubes for a refreshing treat on hot days.
Important Considerations for Feeding Chicken Scraps to Pets:
- Never feed cooked bones to pets.
- Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked to kill any bacteria.
- Avoid adding salt, spices, or other seasonings to the chicken scraps.
- Introduce new foods gradually to avoid digestive upset.
- Consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet’s diet.
Composting Chicken Scraps: Enriching Your Garden Soil
Chicken scraps, including bones, skin, and leftover meat, can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Composting is a sustainable way to reduce waste and improve the health of your plants.
Composting Chicken Bones: A Long-Term Process
Chicken bones decompose slowly in a compost pile, so it’s important to break them into smaller pieces before adding them. You can crush them with a hammer or food processor.
Bury the bones deep in the compost pile to prevent odors and deter pests. Turn the compost pile regularly to ensure proper aeration and decomposition.
Composting Chicken Meat and Skin: Balancing the Compost Pile
Chicken meat and skin are rich in nitrogen, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth. However, they can also attract pests and create odors if not composted properly.
To compost chicken meat and skin, bury them deep in the compost pile and cover them with a layer of carbon-rich materials like leaves, straw, or shredded paper. This will help to balance the compost pile and prevent odors.
Key Tips for Composting Chicken Scraps:
- Break bones into smaller pieces before composting.
- Bury scraps deep in the compost pile.
- Cover scraps with carbon-rich materials.
- Turn the compost pile regularly.
- Maintain a balanced ratio of carbon and nitrogen in the compost pile.
By following these tips, you can successfully compost chicken scraps and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Conclusion: Embracing a Zero-Waste Approach to Chicken
Chicken scraps are a valuable resource that can be transformed into a variety of useful ingredients and products. By embracing a zero-waste approach to chicken, you can reduce your environmental impact, save money, and create delicious meals and treats. From making flavorful broth to creating dog treats and enriching your garden, there are countless ways to repurpose chicken scraps and make the most of this versatile protein source. So, the next time you enjoy a chicken dinner, don’t throw away the scraps – get creative and transform them into something amazing!
What are considered “chicken scraps” in the context of zero-waste cooking?
Chicken scraps generally refer to the leftover parts of a chicken after the main meat has been used. This includes the carcass (bones), skin, fat, organs (giblets), and even leftover cooked chicken that might be too small or unattractive to serve as a main dish. Effectively managing these scraps is essential for reducing food waste and maximizing the value of the whole chicken.
Beyond the more obvious components like bones and skin, consider the smaller trimmings generated during preparation. These might include pieces of fat rendered during cooking, small bits of meat removed while portioning, or even the gelatinous broth left at the bottom of a cooked chicken container. Thinking of all these as valuable resources helps in creating a truly zero-waste approach.
How can I make chicken broth from chicken scraps?
Creating chicken broth is one of the most practical and common uses for chicken scraps, particularly the carcass. After you’ve removed the meat, place the carcass in a large pot or slow cooker. Add vegetable scraps like onion peels, carrot tops, celery ends, garlic cloves, and herbs for added flavor. Cover the bones with water and simmer for several hours (or longer in a slow cooker) to extract the flavor and nutrients.
Once the broth has simmered, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. Allow the broth to cool completely, then skim off any excess fat that has solidified on the surface. The resulting chicken broth can be used in soups, sauces, stews, or as a flavorful base for cooking grains. It can also be frozen for later use.
Can I render chicken fat (schmaltz) from chicken scraps?
Yes, rendering chicken fat, also known as schmaltz, is a fantastic way to use chicken skin and fat trimmings. Simply collect chicken skin and fatty pieces, then cut them into small pieces. Place the pieces in a heavy-bottomed pot or pan over low heat. Allow the fat to slowly render out of the skin, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
As the fat renders, the skin will become crispy and golden brown (these are called gribenes). Once the rendering process is complete, strain the rendered fat through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the gribenes and any other solids. Store the schmaltz in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks or in the freezer for longer storage. Schmaltz adds a rich, savory flavor to various dishes and can be used in place of butter or oil in cooking and baking.
Are there any specific safety precautions I should take when handling chicken scraps?
Absolutely. Food safety is paramount when handling raw or cooked chicken scraps. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling chicken. Use separate cutting boards and utensils for chicken and other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Ensure that any surfaces that come into contact with chicken are properly cleaned and sanitized.
Store chicken scraps properly in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent bacterial growth. Use refrigerated scraps within a day or two, and freeze them immediately if you don’t plan to use them right away. When reheating or cooking with chicken scraps, ensure they reach a safe internal temperature to kill any harmful bacteria.
What can I do with leftover cooked chicken bones besides making broth?
While broth is the most common use, cooked chicken bones still have other potential uses. If you’re an avid gardener, you can crush the bones into a powder using a food processor or mortar and pestle. Bone meal is rich in phosphorus and calcium, making it a beneficial amendment to garden soil.
Another option is to compost the bones, although they will decompose slowly. Breaking them into smaller pieces can speed up the process. Remember to only compost cooked bones and avoid composting any bones from diseased animals. Always check local regulations regarding composting animal products.
Can I feed chicken scraps to my pets?
Feeding chicken scraps to pets requires careful consideration and caution. Cooked, boneless chicken meat can be a good source of protein for dogs and cats. However, avoid feeding them cooked chicken bones, as they can splinter and cause serious damage to the digestive tract. Always ensure the meat is free of seasonings, sauces, or other ingredients that could be harmful to pets.
Furthermore, be mindful of the potential for bacterial contamination. Only offer small amounts of chicken to pets as a treat and supervise them while they are eating. Consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your pet’s diet, especially if they have any underlying health conditions. Raw chicken bones may be safer for dogs but pose significant risks to humans handling them, therefore, they are generally not recommended.
What are some creative ways to use small amounts of leftover cooked chicken meat?
Even small amounts of leftover cooked chicken can be transformed into delicious and inventive dishes. Shredded chicken is excellent in tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas. It can also be added to salads, sandwiches, or wraps for a boost of protein. Consider using it to top homemade pizzas or pasta dishes.
Another creative option is to incorporate the chicken into dips or spreads. Mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, mayonnaise, and your favorite seasonings for a flavorful dip to serve with crackers or vegetables. You can also use it as a filling for deviled eggs or stuffed mushrooms. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations to create unique and satisfying meals.
Alden Pierce is a passionate home cook and the creator of Cooking Again. He loves sharing easy recipes, practical cooking tips, and honest kitchen gear reviews to help others enjoy cooking with confidence and creativity. When he’s not in the kitchen, Alden enjoys exploring new cuisines and finding inspiration in everyday meals.