Where Can You Buy Chicken Bones? 7 Best Places for Quality Bones

Ever found yourself needing chicken bones for that perfect homemade broth but had no idea where to look? You’re not alone! When I first started making my own bone broth I was completely lost about where to find good quality chicken bones. After years of hunting for the perfect bones for my stocks and broths I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help fellow home cooks.

Whether you’re making nutritious bone broth, rich stock for soups, or need bones for your pet, knowing where to source quality chicken bones makes all the difference in your culinary creations Let’s dive into the best places to buy chicken bones!

1. Your Local Butcher Shop: The Gold Standard

Nothing beats a good relationship with your neighborhood butcher These folks are absolute goldmines when it comes to sourcing quality chicken bones Here’s why butchers are my go-to

• They usually offer fresh chicken backs, necks, and carcasses specifically for stock-making
• Most butchers sell bones at significantly lower prices than whole chicken
• They can provide expert advice on what cuts work best for your specific needs
• Many save bones specifically for customers who ask (hint: become that customer!)
• You’re supporting local business while getting higher-quality products

Pro tip: Don’t see bones on display? Just ask! Many butchers keep them in the back for customers who know to request them.

2. Supermarkets: Convenient But Require Some Sleuthing

Your regular grocery store can be a decent source for chicken bones if you know where to look:

• Check the meat counter for packages labeled “chicken parts for stock” or “chicken broth bones”
• Look for whole chickens on sale – use the meat for dinner, save the carcass for stock
• Some supermarkets sell chicken backs and necks in the poultry section
• The butcher counter at supermarkets can often provide bones upon request

I’ve found that prices at supermarkets typically range from $1-$3 per pound for basic chicken bones, making them quite affordable for regular stock-making.

3. Specialty Food Stores: Higher Quality Options

If you’re serious about your bone broth, specialty food stores offer premium options:

• They typically carry bones from pastured or free-range chickens
• Look for descriptors like “organic,” “pasture-raised,” or “air-chilled”
• These bones often yield richer, more flavorful stock due to the bird’s diet
• Prices are higher ($3-$5 per pound) but the quality difference is noticeable

My favorite specialty store sells chicken bones from birds that were raised without antibiotics or hormones, and the difference in my broth is amazing!

4. Asian Markets: Hidden Gems for Bone Variety

Don’t overlook Asian markets! These are absolute treasure troves for culinary ingredients, including unique chicken bone options:

• They frequently sell chicken feet and chicken necks
• Chicken feet are incredibly rich in collagen (hello, gelatin-rich broth!)
• Prices are often more competitive than mainstream supermarkets
• You’ll find bone varieties that aren’t available elsewhere

Just remember to clean chicken feet thoroughly before use. The first time I used them, I was shocked at how much body they added to my stock!

5. Online Retailers: Convenience Meets Quality

In today’s digital age, ordering chicken bones online is increasingly popular:

• Companies like REP Provisions offer high-quality pasture-raised chicken bones
• Many online retailers focus on sustainable and ethical farming practices
• You can often find specialty options like soy-free, pasture-raised chicken bones
• Bones are typically shipped frozen with 2-3 day delivery

For example, REP Provisions sells approximately 3.5lbs of pasture-raised chicken bones for $23.75, and they even try to include chicken feet in every bag for added collagen.

6. Farmers Markets: Direct from the Source

Farmers markets connect you directly with local farmers:

• Many poultry farmers sell bones separately from their premium cuts
• You can ask questions about how the chickens were raised
• Building relationships might get you special access to products
• Prices vary but are generally reasonable for the quality

I’ve built great relationships with two vendors at my local market who now save bones for me each week!

7. Restaurant Supply Stores: Bulk Options

If you’re making large batches of stock or have freezer space:

• Restaurant supply stores often sell chicken bones in bulk
• These are usually more economical for large quantities
• Quality can vary, so ask about sourcing

How to Choose the Best Chicken Bones

Not all chicken bones are created equal! Here’s what to look for:

• Freshness: Bones should be pink/white with no strong odors
• Source: Bones from pasture-raised chickens contain more nutrients
• Variety: Different bones offer different benefits (backs for flavor, feet for collagen)
• Processing: Air-chilled bones typically yield better flavor than water-chilled

Preparing and Storing Chicken Bones

Once you’ve got your bones, proper handling is essential:

1. Rinse bones under cold water to remove any excess blood or debris
2. For raw bones, consider roasting at 400°F for 30-45 minutes for enhanced flavor
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months
4. When freezing, remove as much air as possible from storage containers to prevent freezer burn

FAQs About Buying and Using Chicken Bones

Can I use bones from roasted chicken for stock?

Yes! While they’ll yield less gelatin than raw bones, they’re perfectly fine to use. Any seasonings on the chicken will infuse into your broth, so keep that in mind.

Are chicken bones from rotisserie chickens good for stock?

They work in a pinch, but remember that the rotisserie seasonings will affect your stock’s flavor. Also, these bones have already been cooked at high heat, reducing collagen content.

How much should I expect to pay for chicken bones?

Prices vary widely depending on source and quality:

• Butcher shops/supermarkets: $1-$3 per pound
• Specialty/organic bones: $3-$5 per pound
• Online retailers: $6-$7 per pound (plus shipping)

What bone cuts are best for making stock?

Chicken backs, necks, feet, and carcasses are ideal because they’re rich in collagen, which creates a flavorful and gelatinous stock.

Can I use a pressure cooker with chicken bones?

Absolutely! A pressure cooker reduces cooking time significantly. Just simmer the bones for 1-2 hours instead of the traditional 4-6 hours on the stovetop.

My Experience with REP Provisions Chicken Bones

I recently tried REP Provisions’ pasture-raised chicken bones, and I gotta say, I was impressed! Their package contained about 3.5lbs of bones, and they included chicken feet which are amazing for adding collagen.

The bones came from chickens raised without antibiotics, hormones, or mRNA, which is important to me. They offer a subscription option that saves 10% (bringing the price down to $21.38), and they guarantee safe arrival with 2-3 day shipping.

The broth I made was incredibly rich and gelatinous – exactly what you want! Their website even includes a detailed recipe for making bone broth using their chicken bones and feet.

Make Your Own Rich Chicken Bone Broth

Here’s a simple recipe to get you started with your newly sourced chicken bones:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs chicken bones (mix of backs, necks, and feet if available)
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 onion, halved
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps extract minerals)
• Water to cover
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. If using raw bones, roast them at 400°F for 30-45 minutes until golden brown for deeper flavor
2. Place bones and all ingredients in a large pot or slow cooker
3. Cover with cold water by 1 inch
4. Add apple cider vinegar and let sit for 30 minutes
5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer
6. Simmer for 4-24 hours (longer = more flavor and nutrition)
7. Strain and use immediately or refrigerate/freeze

Conclusion: Bone Appetit!

Finding quality chicken bones doesn’t have to be a wild goose chase (or should I say chicken chase?). Whether you choose your local butcher, supermarket, specialty store, Asian market, or online retailer like REP Provisions, there are plenty of options to suit your needs and budget.

Remember, the quality of your bones directly impacts the flavor and nutritional value of your broth or stock. I’ve found that investing in better-quality bones from pasture-raised chickens makes a noticeable difference in the final product.

What’s your favorite place to buy chicken bones? Have you tried making bone broth with different types of bones? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!

Happy broth-making!