Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth: Liquid Gold in Hours

Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth is a nourishing, flavorful elixir that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can easily extract the rich, gelatinous goodness from chicken bones, creating a broth that serves as a perfect base for soups, stews, and sauces or simply enjoyed on its own. Loaded with nutrients, this recipe is both soul-soothing and incredibly satisfying, making it a staple in any health-conscious kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who wants to enjoy homemade broth without spending hours hovering over the stove. The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time while ensuring you still achieve that deep, complex flavor. Rich in collagen and minerals, this bone broth is perfect for those following a paleo or keto diet, as it supports gut health and contributes to a balanced lifestyle. Plus, the hands-off cooking process means you can focus on other tasks while your broth simmers to perfection!

Tips and Tricks

• Use Leftover Bones: Don’t toss those leftover chicken bones! Save them from your roasted chicken or buy them from your local butcher.
• Add Acidity: Including a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice helps to extract more nutrients from the bones.
• Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding aromatics like garlic, ginger, and herbs (rosemary, thyme) for an extra depth of flavor.
• Batch Cooking: Make a large batch and portion it out for later use, so you always have broth on hand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Roasting Bones: Roasting chicken bones before adding them to the pot enhances the flavor, so don’t skip this step!
• Overfilling the Instant Pot: Make sure to adhere to the fill line to avoid messy spills and ensure even cooking.
• Ignoring the Straining Process: Always strain the broth after cooking to remove impurities and bits of bone for a smooth texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare many aspects of this recipe ahead of time. Gather and chop your vegetables and herbs, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Similarly, you can roast the bones the day before and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to make the broth. This makes it easier to pop everything into the Instant Pot when you’re ready to cook.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Bone Broth: Replace chicken bones with a mix of mushrooms and vegetables for a rich, umami flavor.
• Spicy Bone Broth: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a kick.
• Herb-Infused Broth: Experiment with different herbs, like cilantro or dill, to change the flavor profile.

How to Serve

Serve your chicken bone broth in a warm bowl, garnished with freshly chopped herbs or green onions for a touch of color and flavor. Pair it with a crusty loaf of bread or a light salad for a complete meal. For a cozy vibe, serve it in rustic mugs or bowls, perfect for sipping or dipping.

Pairing Suggestions

A light herbal tea or a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the broth. For side dishes, consider a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a hearty grain like quinoa or farro to round out your meal.

How to Store

Allow any leftover broth to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to six months. For easy use, freeze in ice cube trays and then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for quick access to single servings.

Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
• Strainer or fine mesh sieve
• Large bowl for straining
• Ladle for serving

Dietary Adaptations

To make this recipe vegan, simply replace chicken bones with a variety of mushrooms and vegetables. For a gluten-free option, ensure any added sauces or seasoning are gluten-free. This recipe is already dairy-free and nut-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

Seasonal Adaptations

In the spring, mix in fresh asparagus and peas for a seasonal twist. In the fall, consider adding roasted squash or sweet potatoes to deepen the flavor. Using seasonal vegetables will not only enhance the taste but also keep your broth fresh and vibrant.

Cost Breakdown

The cost of making instant pot chicken bone broth is quite economical, especially if you use leftover bones. On average, the whole batch may cost around $10, yielding approximately 8 servings, which breaks down to about $1.25 per serving. Using store-bought bones can slightly increase the cost but still remains budget-friendly.

Kitchen Hacks

• Quick Garlic Peeling: Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife to make peeling easier.
• Onion Tears: Chill onions in the freezer for about 15 minutes before chopping to reduce tearing.
• Clean-Up: Use a large bowl to strain your broth, allowing for easier clean-up and fewer spills.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use frozen bones? Yes! Just add extra cooking time to ensure they thaw and cook properly.
• Can I substitute other types of bones? Absolutely! Beef bones or a combination of poultry and beef bones can also work well.
• What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar? You can substitute white vinegar or omit it, though it helps in extracting the nutrients.

Final Thoughts

Making instant pot chicken bone broth is a rewarding experience that brings the heart of home cooking into your kitchen with minimal fuss. Not only is it a great way to utilize leftover bones, but it also provides a versatile base for numerous dishes. So, get your Instant Pot ready, and enjoy the comforting and healthful benefits of homemade bone broth!