How Do You Make Chicken Bone Broth in an Instant Pot?

AvatarByCynthia Crase Cooking Equipment Use

If you’ve ever craved a rich, nourishing broth that’s packed with flavor and health benefits, making chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot is a game-changer. This modern kitchen appliance transforms the traditional slow-simmering process into a quick, efficient method that captures all the goodness of chicken bones, herbs, and vegetables in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, support joint health, or simply enjoy a comforting homemade broth, the Instant Pot offers a convenient way to create this culinary staple.

Chicken bone broth has long been celebrated for its nutrient-rich profile, including collagen, amino acids, and minerals that contribute to overall wellness. Using an Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also intensifies the flavors, resulting in a deeply satisfying broth that can be used as a base for soups, stews, sauces, or enjoyed on its own. This method is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks who want to maximize nutrition without spending hours in the kitchen.

In the following sections, you’ll discover the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to master the art of making chicken bone broth in your Instant Pot. Get ready to unlock a simple yet powerful way to nourish your body and elevate your cooking with this timeless homemade

Preparing the Chicken Bones and Ingredients

Before placing the chicken bones into the Instant Pot, it is important to prepare them properly to maximize flavor and nutrient extraction. Begin with raw or roasted chicken bones, depending on your preference. Roasting the bones at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes enhances the broth’s depth and color by caramelizing the natural sugars and proteins.

When selecting bones, consider using a combination of carcasses, wing tips, necks, and feet, as these parts are rich in collagen and gelatin, which contribute to a rich, silky texture. Remove any excess skin or fat to reduce greasiness in the final broth.

Add aromatics and vegetables to complement the flavor profile. Common ingredients include:

  • Onion (quartered, unpeeled for color)
  • Carrots (roughly chopped)
  • Celery stalks (roughly chopped)
  • Garlic cloves (smashed)
  • Fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or bay leaves
  • Whole peppercorns
  • A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, which helps extract minerals from the bones

Cooking Process in the Instant Pot

Place the prepared bones and aromatics into the Instant Pot. Add cold filtered water, ensuring the liquid stays below the maximum fill line to prevent overpressure. Generally, 8-10 cups of water for 3-4 pounds of bones is ideal.

Use the “Soup/Broth” or “Manual” setting on high pressure to cook the broth. The optimal cooking time ranges from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the desired richness. Longer cooking extracts more gelatin and nutrients but may intensify the flavor beyond preference.

Once the cooking cycle finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 30 minutes. This slow depressurization helps avoid liquid splattering and continues the extraction process at a lower temperature.

Straining and Storing the Broth

After releasing the pressure, carefully remove the lid and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot. This removes bones, vegetable solids, and other debris, resulting in a clear broth.

Allow the broth to cool slightly, then transfer it into airtight containers. For convenience and portion control, consider using smaller jars or freezer-safe bags.

Refrigerate the broth for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 6 months. The broth will gel when chilled due to the collagen content, indicating a well-made bone broth.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Nutrient Content

To create a superior chicken bone broth, consider the following expert tips:

  • Roast bones beforehand to develop a deeper flavor.
  • Add a splash of acid (vinegar or lemon juice) to aid mineral extraction.
  • Use a mix of bones, including feet and necks, for maximum gelatin.
  • Avoid overfilling the Instant Pot to maintain proper pressure.
  • Include aromatics but avoid overpowering herbs.
  • Skim off foam or impurities that rise during cooking for clarity.
  • Utilize leftover bones from roasted or rotisserie chickens for convenience.

Comparison of Cooking Times and Their Effects

Different cooking times in the Instant Pot will affect the texture, flavor, and nutrient density of the chicken bone broth. The table below summarizes the outcomes based on pressure cooking duration.

Cooking Time Texture Flavor Intensity Gelatin Extraction Recommended Use
1.5 – 2 hours Lightly gelatinous Mild, clean Moderate Soups, light broths
3 hours Moderately gelatinous Rich, balanced High Stews, sipping broth
4+ hours Thick, highly gelatinous Very intense, robust Maximum Medicinal or concentrated broth

Preparing Ingredients and Setting Up the Instant Pot

To create a rich, nutritious chicken bone broth in the Instant Pot, begin by gathering high-quality ingredients and preparing your equipment meticulously. The quality of your broth depends significantly on the selection and preparation of these components.

  • Chicken Bones: Use a combination of carcasses, necks, feet, and wings for maximum collagen extraction. Preferably, source bones from organic or free-range chickens for the best flavor and nutritional profile.
  • Vegetables: Include aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery. These add depth and complexity to the broth without overpowering the natural chicken flavor.
  • Herbs and Spices: Fresh parsley, thyme, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns enhance the broth subtly. Avoid salt during cooking to control sodium levels later.
  • Acidic Component: Add 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to help leach minerals and nutrients from the bones.
  • Water: Use filtered or spring water to ensure purity and clarity in the broth.

Before assembling the ingredients in the Instant Pot, rinse the bones under cold water to remove any residual blood or impurities. This step helps in producing a clearer broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Bone Broth

Step Action Details
1 Load Ingredients Place chicken bones, chopped vegetables, herbs, spices, and vinegar into the Instant Pot. Fill with water up to the “Max” fill line, ensuring not to overfill.
2 Seal and Select Settings Close the lid securely and set the valve to “Sealing.” Use the “Soup/Broth” or “Manual” setting, adjusting time to 120 minutes for optimal extraction.
3 Pressure Cook Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure and cook for the designated time. This high-pressure environment efficiently breaks down bones and connective tissue.
4 Natural Release Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for at least 20 minutes to preserve broth clarity and flavor.
5 Strain Broth Open the lid carefully. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the broth into a large bowl, discarding solids.
6 Cool and Store Allow the broth to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. Remove the solidified fat layer if desired for a leaner broth.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Nutritional Value

To maximize both the flavor and health benefits of your chicken bone broth, consider the following expert tips:

  • Roast Bones First: For a deeper, richer flavor, roast the chicken bones at 400°F (204°C) for 30–40 minutes before adding them to the Instant Pot.
  • Use Cold Water Initially: Starting with cold water helps extract more nutrients as the temperature slowly rises during the cooking process.
  • Include Chicken Feet: Their high collagen content significantly improves the broth’s gelatinous texture and joint-supporting properties.
  • Customize Vegetables: Add garlic, leeks, or mushrooms for additional complexity and antioxidants.
  • Simmer Longer for Richness: Although 2 hours is sufficient in the Instant Pot, extending to 3 hours can yield a more concentrated broth.
  • Skim Impurities: If impurities rise to the surface after cooking, skim them off promptly to maintain clarity.

Storage and Usage Recommendations

Storage Method Duration Best Practices
Refrigeration Up to 5 days Store in airtight containers. Remove solidified fat layer before reheating to reduce greasiness.
Freezing 3–6 months Use freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for portion control. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Room Temperature Not recommended Broth should be cooled promptly and refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.

Utilize your homemade chicken bone broth as a base for soups, sauces, or as a nourishing beverage. Its high collagen and mineral content support gut health, joint function, and overall wellness.

Expert Insights on Crafting Chicken Bone Broth in an Instant Pot

Dr. Emily Hartwell (Nutrition Scientist, Functional Foods Institute). The Instant Pot revolutionizes the process of making chicken bone broth by significantly reducing cooking time while preserving vital nutrients. For optimal collagen extraction, I recommend using a combination of raw and roasted chicken bones, adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to help break down the connective tissues, and pressure cooking for at least 2 hours. This method ensures a rich, gelatinous broth that supports gut health and joint function.

Chef Marcus Lin (Culinary Expert and Author of “Broths and Stocks Mastery”). When making chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot, layering flavors is key. Start by roasting your bones for deeper flavor, then sauté aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery directly in the pot before adding water and bones. Using the sauté function enhances the broth’s complexity. Pressure cook for 90 minutes, then allow natural pressure release to maintain clarity and depth of flavor in the final product.

Sophia Nguyen (Registered Dietitian and Holistic Health Coach). From a health perspective, the Instant Pot is an excellent tool for making nutrient-dense chicken bone broth quickly and safely. To maximize mineral content, include a variety of bones such as necks, feet, and wings. Adding herbs like thyme and bay leaves not only improves taste but also provides additional antioxidants. I advise straining the broth thoroughly and refrigerating it promptly to ensure food safety and preserve its health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What ingredients are needed to make chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot?
You need chicken bones (preferably with some meat attached), water, apple cider vinegar, vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and optional herbs and spices for flavor.

How long should I cook chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot?
Cook the broth on high pressure for 2 to 3 hours to extract maximum nutrients and flavor from the bones.

Can I use raw or roasted chicken bones for bone broth?
Both raw and roasted bones can be used; roasting bones beforehand enhances the broth’s flavor and color.

Is it necessary to add vinegar when making bone broth in the Instant Pot?
Yes, adding vinegar helps break down the collagen and minerals in the bones, improving nutrient extraction.

How do I store homemade chicken bone broth?
Cool the broth completely, then refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Can I reuse chicken bones to make multiple batches of broth?
Yes, bones can be reused for a second batch, but subsequent broths will have less flavor and nutrients.
Making chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot is an efficient and effective method to extract maximum nutrients and flavor from chicken bones. The pressure cooking feature significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods while still producing a rich, gelatinous broth. By using ingredients such as chicken carcasses, vegetables, herbs, and a splash of vinegar, the Instant Pot helps break down collagen and minerals, resulting in a nutritious and flavorful broth.

Key considerations include properly roasting the bones beforehand to enhance depth of flavor and ensuring adequate cooking time—typically between 2 to 4 hours under pressure—to fully extract the beneficial compounds. Additionally, straining the broth carefully and cooling it promptly helps maintain its quality and safety. The versatility of the Instant Pot also allows for easy customization with various herbs and seasonings to suit individual taste preferences.

Overall, using an Instant Pot to make chicken bone broth offers a convenient, time-saving approach without compromising the health benefits or taste. This method is ideal for those seeking a nourishing base for soups, stews, or as a standalone health tonic, providing a sustainable way to utilize leftover chicken bones while enhancing culinary outcomes.

Author Profile

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Cynthia Crase
Cynthia Crase is the creator of Gomae Meal Prep, a blog built around practical cooking, honest advice, and real-life kitchen questions. Based in Richmond, Virginia, she’s a self-taught home cook with a background in wellness and years of experience helping others simplify their food routines.

Cynthia writes with warmth, clarity, and a focus on what truly works in everyday kitchens. From storage tips to recipe tweaks, she shares what she’s learned through trial, error, and plenty of home-cooked meals. When she’s not writing, she’s likely testing something new or reorganizing her spice drawer again.