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

AvatarByJacqueline Johnson Cooking Equipment Use

If you’ve ever wondered how to transform humble chicken bones into a rich, nourishing broth packed with flavor and nutrients, the Instant Pot offers a game-changing solution. Making chicken bone broth at home is not only a fantastic way to reduce waste and save money, but it also allows you to create a deeply satisfying base for soups, stews, and countless recipes. With the pressure-cooking power of the Instant Pot, this traditional slow-simmered elixir can be ready in a fraction of the time, without sacrificing any of its health benefits or depth of taste.

Chicken bone broth is celebrated for its healing properties, from supporting gut health to boosting the immune system. However, the process of simmering bones for hours on the stove can feel daunting and time-consuming. Enter the Instant Pot, which simplifies the entire process by infusing the broth with maximum flavor and nutrients in just a few hours. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, learning how to make chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot opens the door to a wholesome homemade staple that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

In the following sections, you’ll discover everything you need to know to craft your own nourishing chicken bone broth—from selecting the right bones and ingredients to mastering the cooking process and storing your broth

Preparing the Ingredients for Bone Broth

Before starting your Instant Pot, it’s essential to prepare the ingredients properly to maximize flavor and nutrient extraction. Begin by selecting high-quality chicken bones, which may include carcasses, wings, necks, or feet. Using a mix of bones that contain cartilage and connective tissue will enhance the gelatin content, yielding a richer broth.

Roasting the bones prior to pressure cooking is highly recommended. This step deepens the broth’s flavor and imparts a desirable color. Spread the bones on a baking sheet and roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning.

Vegetables and aromatics add complexity and depth to the broth. Common choices include:

  • Carrots, roughly chopped
  • Celery stalks, roughly chopped
  • Onion, quartered (no need to peel)
  • Garlic cloves, smashed
  • Bay leaves
  • Peppercorns
  • Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley stems

Using organic vegetables is preferable since the skins remain on during cooking, contributing additional nutrients and flavor.

Using the Instant Pot for Cooking Bone Broth

Once your ingredients are ready, the Instant Pot simplifies the process by significantly reducing cooking time while extracting maximum nutrients.

  • Place the roasted bones into the Instant Pot insert.
  • Add the prepared vegetables and aromatics on top of the bones.
  • Pour in filtered water until it reaches the maximum fill line, typically about 10 cups, ensuring bones are fully submerged but avoiding overfilling.
  • Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (about 1-2 tablespoons). This acidic component helps break down bones and release minerals.

Set the Instant Pot to the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting. Select a cooking time between 120 to 240 minutes depending on your preference:

  • 2 hours (120 minutes) yields a lighter broth, suitable for soups and quick recipes.
  • 3 to 4 hours (180-240 minutes) produces a more gelatinous, nutrient-dense broth.

After the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 30 minutes. This gradual depressurization helps preserve the broth’s delicate flavors and nutrients. Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the lid.

Straining and Storing Your Bone Broth

Properly straining the broth is critical for a clear, palatable final product. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all solids, including bones, vegetables, and herbs. This step ensures the broth is smooth and free of debris.

After straining, let the broth cool slightly before transferring it to storage containers. For best results:

  • Use glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers with airtight lids.
  • Leave at least an inch of headspace to allow for expansion if freezing.
  • Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

Bone broth can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for several months. When freezing, consider portioning the broth into smaller containers or ice cube trays for convenient use in recipes.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a straightforward method, some issues can arise during Instant Pot bone broth preparation. Consider the following tips to optimize your results:

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Broth tastes bland Insufficient roasting or seasoning Roast bones longer; add more aromatics and salt after cooking
Broth lacks gelatin Bones lack connective tissue Use feet, joints, or a higher ratio of cartilage-rich bones
Broth is cloudy Rapid pressure release or insufficient straining Allow natural pressure release; strain through cheesecloth
Instant Pot beeps or stops Overfilling or sealing issues Ensure water level is below max fill; check sealing ring and valve

By following these guidelines and adjusting as needed, you can consistently produce flavorful, nutrient-rich chicken bone broth using your Instant Pot.

Preparing Ingredients for Chicken Bone Broth

Creating a rich and flavorful chicken bone broth begins with selecting and preparing the right ingredients. The quality of your broth depends largely on the bones and aromatics you use.

For the best results, gather the following ingredients:

  • Chicken bones: Use a combination of carcasses, necks, wings, or feet for maximum collagen extraction.
  • Vegetables: Onion, celery, and carrots provide natural sweetness and depth.
  • Aromatics and herbs: Garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and parsley add complexity.
  • Acidic component: A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice helps break down the bones and release minerals.
  • Water: Filtered water is recommended for the cleanest flavor.
Ingredient Quantity Purpose
Chicken bones 2-3 pounds Provides collagen, gelatin, and flavor
Onion 1 medium, quartered Adds sweetness and umami
Celery 2 stalks, chopped Enhances aroma and taste
Carrots 2 medium, chopped Balances flavor with natural sugars
Garlic 2-3 cloves, smashed Boosts savory notes
Bay leaves 2 leaves Adds subtle herbal aroma
Apple cider vinegar 1-2 tablespoons Facilitates mineral extraction from bones
Water Enough to cover ingredients (approx. 8 cups) Base for broth

Before placing the bones into the Instant Pot, consider roasting them in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 20-30 minutes to intensify flavor and color. This step is optional but recommended for a richer broth.

Step-by-Step Process for Cooking Bone Broth in the Instant Pot

Once the ingredients are prepared, follow these steps to produce a nutrient-dense chicken bone broth efficiently using the Instant Pot:

  1. Load Ingredients: Place the chicken bones, chopped vegetables, aromatics, and apple cider vinegar into the Instant Pot insert. Add filtered water until all ingredients are submerged but do not exceed the maximum fill line.
  2. Seal the Lid: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position to ensure proper pressure buildup.
  3. Select Pressure Cook Mode: Choose the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting on high pressure. Set the timer for 120 minutes (2 hours) to fully extract gelatin and nutrients from the bones.
  4. Natural Pressure Release: After cooking completes, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 30 minutes. This gradual depressurization helps prevent broth from becoming cloudy.
  5. Strain the Broth: Carefully remove the lid and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot. Discard solids or reserve the cooked vegetables for other uses.
  6. Cool and Store: Let the broth cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Nutritional Value

  • Use a variety of bones: Incorporate cartilage-rich parts like chicken feet or wings for increased gelatin content.
  • Skim foam: During initial boiling stages, foam and impurities may rise to the surface. Skim these off to ensure clarity and cleaner taste.
  • Adjust seasoning later: Avoid adding salt or strong spices during cooking; season the broth after straining to maintain control over flavor intensity.
  • Store fat separately: Once chilled, a layer of fat will solidify on top. This can be removed for a leaner broth or stirred back in for added richness.
  • Use bone broth as a base: Incorporate the finished broth into soups, sauces, or as a cooking liquid for grains and legumes to boost nutrient density.

Expert Insights on Making Chicken Bone Broth in an Instant Pot

Dr. Melissa Grant (Nutrition Scientist, Functional Foods Institute). Using an Instant Pot to make chicken bone broth is an excellent method to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients. The pressure cooking process extracts collagen, minerals, and amino acids efficiently in a fraction of the traditional cooking time, making it a superior choice for those seeking health benefits from homemade broth.

Chef Antonio Ramirez (Culinary Expert and Author, Modern Broth Techniques). When preparing chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot, it is crucial to balance cooking time and pressure settings to avoid over-extraction, which can result in a bitter taste. I recommend a cooking time of 2 to 3 hours on high pressure, followed by a natural release, to achieve a rich, flavorful broth with optimal clarity and depth.

Sarah Kim (Registered Dietitian and Wellness Coach). For those interested in maximizing the health benefits of chicken bone broth made in an Instant Pot, incorporating a variety of aromatics and acidifiers like apple cider vinegar enhances mineral leaching from the bones. This not only improves flavor but also increases the broth’s nutritional density, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What ingredients are essential for making chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot?
Essential ingredients include chicken bones (preferably roasted), water, vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar to help extract minerals), and optional aromatics like onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and herbs for enhanced flavor.

How long should I cook chicken bone broth in the Instant Pot?
For optimal extraction of nutrients and flavor, cook the broth on high pressure for 2 to 3 hours. This duration balances thorough simmering with the efficiency of pressure cooking.

Can I use raw chicken bones, or should they be roasted first?
While raw bones can be used, roasting them beforehand enhances the broth’s depth of flavor and color by caramelizing the bones and connective tissues.

Is it necessary to strain the broth after cooking in the Instant Pot?
Yes, straining the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth removes solids, resulting in a clear, smooth broth suitable for consumption or further use.

How should I store homemade chicken bone broth made in the Instant Pot?
Allow the broth to cool completely, then refrigerate it in airtight containers for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months to maintain freshness and safety.

Can I reuse chicken bones for multiple batches of broth in the Instant Pot?
Bones can be reused once or twice; however, subsequent batches will yield a less rich and flavorful broth due to nutrient depletion during the initial cooking.
Making chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot is an efficient and effective method to extract maximum flavor and nutrients from chicken bones. By utilizing the pressure cooking feature, the broth can be prepared in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop simmering, while still achieving a rich, gelatinous consistency. Key steps include selecting quality bones, adding aromatics and vegetables for enhanced flavor, and allowing sufficient pressure cooking time to break down collagen and minerals.

The Instant Pot’s ability to maintain a consistent high temperature and pressure environment ensures that the broth is both deeply flavorful and nutrient-dense. Additionally, this method reduces energy consumption and minimizes the need for constant monitoring, making it ideal for busy individuals seeking homemade, healthful broth. Proper straining and cooling techniques are essential to achieve a clear broth and safe storage.

Overall, using an Instant Pot to make chicken bone broth combines convenience with culinary and nutritional benefits. This approach offers a practical solution for those looking to incorporate bone broth into their diet regularly, supporting joint health, digestion, and overall wellness. By following best practices, one can consistently produce high-quality chicken bone broth with minimal effort and maximum results.

Author Profile

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Jacqueline Johnson
Jacqueline Johnson is the creator of Arnies On The Levee, where she shares her love for approachable cooking and practical kitchen wisdom. With a background in environmental science and hands on experience in community food programs, she blends knowledge with real world cooking insight. Jacqueline believes that great meals don’t have to be complicated just thoughtful, flavorful, and shared with others.

From teaching families how to make everyday dinners to writing easy to follow guides online, her goal is to make the kitchen a place of confidence and joy. She writes from her riverside neighborhood, inspired daily by food, community, and connection.