There’s something comforting about a warm mug of chicken bone broth. For health enthusiasts, home cooks, and Instant Pot fans, learning how to make bone broth quickly and easily is a game changer. This blog will guide you through why you should make bone broth at home, the reasons an Instant Pot makes all the difference, and exactly how to create your best batch yet.
Introduction to Bone Broth and Its Benefits
Bone broth has been a staple in traditional diets worldwide, cherished not only for its deep, savory flavor but also for its remarkable nutritional profile. Rich in collagen, gelatin, minerals, and amino acids, chicken bone broth supports joint health, gut function, and immune strength. Sipping it as a hot drink or incorporating it into soups adds a nutritional boost to any meal.
Bone broth takes time to perfect using stovetop or slow-cooker methods, but thanks to the Instant Pot, you can go from scratch to sippable in just a few hours without sacrificing quality.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Bone Broth?
The Instant Pot has transformed how we cook at home, especially for time-intensive recipes like bone broth. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your kitchen routine:
- Speed: Traditional bone broth can require 12–24 hours on the stove. The Instant Pot trims this down to 2–3 hours.
- Flavor Extraction: The high pressure draws out maximum nutrients and flavor, producing a rich, gelatinous broth.
- Safety and Convenience: No need to monitor the pot all day. Simply set it and walk away.
If you’re looking for an efficient way to enjoy homemade chicken bone broth without hours of babysitting, the Instant Pot is your new best friend.
Ingredients for Chicken Bone Broth
Quality ingredients are the foundation of outstanding chicken bone broth. You can use leftover bones from a roasted chicken, wings, necks, or even feet for extra collagen.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2–3 lbs chicken bones (backs, necks, wings, feet, or a mix)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- Handful fresh parsley (optional, added after cooking)
- 10–12 cups filtered water (enough to cover bones, but not exceed max fill line)
- Sea salt, to taste
Optional Add-ins: Ginger slices for a warming finish, mushrooms for umami depth, or leeks for a subtle sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Recipe
Follow these instructions for a foolproof, collagen-rich broth every time:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Rinse bones under cold water. For more flavor, roast them at 400°F for 25–30 minutes before adding to the Instant Pot. Assemble vegetables and aromatics.
2. Fill the Instant Pot
Add bones, vegetables, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, peppercorns, and water to the pot. Vinegar helps draw minerals from the bones.
3. Set and Cook
- Secure the lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing.’
- Select Manual or Pressure Cook and set the timer for 120 minutes (2 hours) on high pressure. For an even richer broth, go up to 3 hours.
- Once done, allow a natural pressure release for at least 30 minutes.
4. Strain and Cool
Carefully strain the broth using a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pot. Discard solids. Cool the broth quickly by placing the bowl in an ice bath. Skim off the fat layer if preferred.
5. Store
Transfer broth into jars or containers. Store in the fridge (up to 5 days) or freeze (up to 3 months).
Tips for Making the Best Bone Broth
- Use Joint-Rich Bones: Feet, wings, and necks add more collagen.
- Roast for Richness: Roasting bones and vegetables intensifies flavor and color.
- Skim for Clarity: Skim off any foam that forms during cooking for a clearer broth.
- Don’t Overfill: Stay below the Instant Pot’s max fill line to prevent overflow.
- Add Herbs at the End: Fresh parsley or thyme added after pressure cooking provide freshness without bitterness.
- Chill for Gel: Well-made broth should gel when chilled – a sign of rich collagen content.
Storing and Using Your Bone Broth
- Refrigeration: Store broth in glass jars or BPA-free containers up to five days. Broth turns to gel in the fridge if full of collagen—that’s normal!
- Freezing: Pour into silicone molds or ice cube trays for convenient single servings. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer bag.
- Daily Uses: Sip it solo, use as a base for soups or stews, cook grains in it instead of water, or add to sauces and braises for extra nutrition and flavor.
Health Benefits of Bone Broth
Chicken bone broth offers more than just comfort on a chilly day:
- Joint Health: Its collagen and gelatin may help support cartilage and ease joint discomfort.
- Gut Health: Gelatin soothes the digestive tract and supports gut lining integrity.
- Immune Boost: Minerals and amino acids like glycine and proline bolster the immune system.
- Skin, Hair & Nail Health: Collagen contributes to smoother skin and stronger hair and nails.
- Hydration: Salt and minerals help replenish electrolytes after sweating or illness.
Research continues on the specific health benefits, but many nutritionists and home cooks swear by the difference broth makes in their everyday well-being.
Elevate Your Cooking and Health with Homemade Bone Broth
Making chicken bone broth in your Instant Pot blends tradition with modern convenience. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you’ll unlock deep, homemade flavor and a boost of nutrients in every batch. Whether you’re sipping it for joint health, stirring it into tonight’s risotto, or freezing some for future meals, bone broth is a versatile staple every health-conscious cook should master.
Try the recipe above, experiment with your favorite flavor twists, and see what homemade bone broth can do for your kitchen and your health.
If you have a go-to bone broth tip, special ingredient, or question about using your Instant Pot, share your thoughts in the comments below!
