[Full Guide] How Long To Make Chicken Bone Broth In Instant Pot?

Chicken bone broth is a nutrient-dense and flavorful liquid packed with essential minerals and amino acids. Making chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot is not only convenient and time-saving, but it also yields a rich, flavorful broth in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the selection of ingredients, preparation, cooking times, and troubleshooting tips to ensure you achieve a delicious and nourishing chicken bone broth using an Instant Pot.

Quick Answer: How Long To Make Chicken Bone Broth In Instant Pot

The cooking time for chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot typically ranges from 2-3 hours. This duration includes the time required for the pressure to build up before cooking and the natural release of pressure after the cooking cycle is complete.

Selection

Choosing Quality Chicken Bones

When making chicken bone broth, it’s essential to start with high-quality chicken bones. Opt for bones from organic, free-range chickens, as they tend to yield a richer and more flavorful broth. You can use a combination of raw chicken bones, such as backs, necks, or wings, along with leftover bones from a roasted chicken for added depth of flavor.

Selecting Aromatic Vegetables

Along with chicken bones, aromatic vegetables are essential for enhancing the flavor of the broth. Choose a combination of classic aromatic vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery. These vegetables will infuse the broth with a pleasant, savory taste.

Preparation

Preparing Chicken Bones And Vegetables

Before you begin cooking, it’s essential to prepare the chicken bones and vegetables. If you are using leftover bones from a roasted chicken, ensure they are clean and free from excessive meat or seasoning. For raw chicken bones, you can rinse them under cold water to remove any impurities.

For the aromatic vegetables, roughly chop onions, carrots, and celery into large chunks. This will allow them to release their flavors into the broth more effectively during the cooking process.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Chicken Bone Broth

Building Pressure

When making chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot, it’s important to account for the time required for the pot to reach full pressure. This process typically takes around 10-20 minutes, depending on the quantity of liquid and ingredients in the pot.

Cooking Under Pressure

Once the Instant Pot has reached full pressure, the cooking time for chicken bone broth is approximately 60-90 minutes. This duration is sufficient to extract the maximum flavor and nutrients from the chicken bones and vegetables.

Natural Release Of Pressure

After the cooking cycle is complete, it’s advisable to allow a natural release of pressure for at least 15-20 minutes. This gradual release of pressure helps to prevent the broth from bubbling excessively and allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

How To Make Chicken Bone Broth In Instant Pot

Ingredients

• 4-5 pounds of chicken bones (a combination of raw and leftover roasted bones)
• 2 medium onions, roughly chopped
• 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
• 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 10 cups of water

Instructions

1. Preparation of Chicken Bones: If using raw chicken bones, rinse them under cold water to remove any impurities. If using leftover roasted bones, ensure they are clean and free from excessive meat or seasoning.

2. Sauté Aromatic Vegetables: Turn on the sauté function of the Instant Pot and add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to caramelize.

3. Add Chicken Bones and Seasonings: Add the chicken bones, garlic cloves, bay leaves, whole peppercorns, and apple cider vinegar to the Instant Pot.

4. Pour in Water: Add water to the Instant Pot, ensuring the ingredients are fully submerged.

5. Select Pressure Cooking Function: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting and set the cooking time to 90 minutes at high pressure.

6. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15-20 minutes.

7. Strain the Broth: Carefully strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the bones and vegetable solids. Discard the solids, and transfer the broth to containers for storage.

8. Cool and Store: Allow the broth to cool at room temperature for an hour, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Weak Flavor

If your chicken bone broth turns out with a weak flavor, consider increasing the cooking time in the Instant Pot. Additionally, you can enhance the flavor by adding a touch of salt or seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Cloudy Broth

A cloudy broth can result from impurities in the bones or a rapid release of pressure. To achieve a clear broth, ensure the bones are clean and opt for a natural release of pressure to prevent excessive agitation.

Excessive Fat

If the broth has an excessive amount of fat, allow it to cool in the refrigerator. Once chilled, the fat will solidify on the surface, making it easy to skim off with a spoon before reheating the broth.

Bland Taste

To enhance the flavor profile of the broth, consider incorporating additional herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, during the cooking process. This can add depth and complexity to the overall taste.

Making chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot is a straightforward and efficient process that yields a nutrient-rich and flavorful liquid. By carefully selecting quality ingredients, following the recommended cooking times, and troubleshooting common issues, you can create a delicious and nourishing broth that serves as a versatile base for soups, stews, and other culinary creations. Mastering the art of crafting homemade chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot allows you to enjoy the health benefits and savory taste of this traditional elixir with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Instant Pot Cook Times For Frozen Chicken Bone Broth

Chicken bone broth has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits and rich flavor. Making chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot is a convenient and time-saving method. The Instant Pot, a versatile electric pressure cooker, helps to extract all the vitamins, minerals, and gelatin from the chicken bones in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods.

Using frozen chicken bones is a great way to save money and reduce waste. The Instant Pot allows you to cook frozen chicken bones quickly without the need for thawing. Here is a guideline for the cook times:

1. For chicken bones (with some meat attached): Cook on high pressure for 2 hours, followed by a natural release.
2. For chicken bones (without meat): Cook on high pressure for 1 hour, followed by a natural release.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and you may need to adjust the cook times depending on the size and amount of bones used. The natural release allows the flavors to further develop and ensures a clear and flavorful broth.

Achieving Perfect Texture

To achieve a rich and gelatinous chicken bone broth, it’s important to include chicken feet or chicken necks in the recipe. These parts contain a high amount of collagen, which is responsible for the gelatinous texture. Adding a few chicken wings can also enhance the flavor and texture of the broth.

Here’s a basic recipe for chicken bone broth in the Instant Pot:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds of chicken bones (a combination of chicken feet, chicken necks, and chicken wings)
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (helps to extract minerals from the bones)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water (enough to cover the ingredients)

Instructions:

1. Place all the ingredients in the Instant Pot.
2. Add enough water to cover the ingredients by about an inch.
3. Close the lid and make sure the valve is set to the sealing position.
4. Select the "Soup/Broth" setting on the Instant Pot and set the cook time according to the guidelines mentioned earlier.
5. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure.
6. Strain the broth using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any impurities.
7. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste.

Flavor Infusion

While the basic chicken bone broth recipe mentioned above is flavorful on its own, you can enhance it by adding additional ingredients for flavor infusion. Here are a few ideas:

1. Aromatics: Add herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to infuse the broth with aromatic flavors. These herbs can be tied together with kitchen twine for easy removal before straining.

2. Spices: Experiment with spices like turmeric, ginger, or star anise to add warmth and depth to the broth. These spices not only enhance the flavor but also provide additional health benefits.

3. Vegetables: Along with the basic carrots, celery, and onion, you can add other vegetables like leeks, mushrooms, or fennel to impart complex flavors to the broth.

4. Miso Paste: Adding a spoonful of miso paste towards the end of the cooking process can give the broth a delightful umami flavor.

Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings before serving the broth. The flavor infusion options are endless, and you can explore different combinations to suit your taste preferences.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Chicken Bone Broth

In addition to the basic recipe mentioned earlier, the Instant Pot offers other cooking methods for making chicken bone broth. Here are a few variations:

1. Roasting the Bones: For a deeper flavor, you can roast the chicken bones before adding them to the Instant Pot. Simply spread the bones on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until browned. Transfer the roasted bones to the Instant Pot and proceed with the recipe.

2. Sauté Mode: Utilize the sauté mode on the Instant Pot to add more depth to the flavor. After adding the ingredients, sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they start to caramelize. This step will intensify the overall flavor of the broth.

3. Multiple Cooking Cycles: If you want to extract even more nutrients and flavor from the bones, you can repeat the cooking cycle. After the first cooking cycle and natural release, simply add fresh water and a splash of vinegar and repeat the process. This method can be done up to two additional times to maximize the extraction of nutrients.

4. Dehydrated Vegetables: If you want to save time on chopping vegetables, you can use dehydrated vegetable flakes or bouillon cubes instead. These can be easily found in most grocery stores and can be used to enhance the flavor of the broth.

Instant Pot Tips For Chicken Bone Broth

Here are a few general tips to keep in mind when making chicken bone broth in the Instant Pot:

1. Don’t overfill: Make sure to leave enough room in the Instant Pot when adding the ingredients and water. Overfilling can lead to clogging of the pressure valve and affect the cooking process.

2. Skim off impurities: During the cooking process, foam and impurities may rise to the surface. Use a ladle or a fine-mesh skimmer to skim off these impurities for a cleaner and clearer broth.

3. Use quality ingredients: Since the flavor of the broth relies heavily on the bones, it’s important to use high-quality chicken bones from organic or pasture-raised sources. This will ensure a more flavorful and nutritious broth.

4. Proper storage: Chicken bone broth can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it in portions for future use. Freezing in ice cube trays allows for convenient portion control.

5. Fat separation: The broth may have a layer of fat on top after refrigeration. You can either remove the fat or keep it, depending on your preference. The fat can add richness and flavor to your dishes.

Creative Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth Recipes And Variations

1. Asian-inspired Chicken Bone Broth: Add ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a dash of fish sauce to the basic recipe for an Asian twist. This savory broth can be used as a base for soups, stews, and stir-fries.

2. Lemon and Herb Chicken Bone Broth: Add fresh lemon slices, thyme, and rosemary to the basic recipe for a refreshing and aromatic broth. This broth pairs well with roasted chicken or can be enjoyed on its own.

3. Mexican-inspired Chicken Bone Broth: Add cumin, coriander, chili powder, and a can of diced tomatoes to the basic recipe for a flavorful Mexican twist. This broth can be used as a base for pozole, enchiladas, or tortilla soup.

4. Creamy Turmeric Chicken Bone Broth: Add turmeric, coconut milk, and a dollop of coconut cream to the basic recipe for a nutritious and creamy broth. This golden broth can be enjoyed as a soothing drink or used in curries and rice dishes.

These are just a few examples, but feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and seasonings to create your own unique chicken bone broth recipes.

Conclusion

Making chicken bone broth in the Instant Pot is a simple and efficient way to extract all the goodness from the bones in a short amount of time. By following the guidelines for cook times, achieving the perfect texture, flavor infusion techniques, and other cooking methods, you can create a flavorful and nourishing broth. With the addition of creative variations and recipes, the possibilities for using chicken bone broth in your cooking are endless. So, grab your Instant Pot and start making homemade chicken bone broth today!

FAQS

What’s The Benefit Of Making Chicken Bone Broth In An Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot saves time and evenly distributes heat, resulting in a flavorful and nutrient-rich broth in a fraction of the time it takes to make traditional stovetop broth.

What Is The Recommended Cooking Time For Chicken Bone Broth In An Instant Pot?

The standard cooking time for chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot is 120 minutes on the high pressure setting. This ensures the bones have enough time to release their collagen and nutrients into the broth.

Can I Use Both Raw And Cooked Chicken Bones For Making Broth In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can use both raw and cooked chicken bones to make broth in an Instant Pot. However, using cooked bones may result in a less flavorful broth compared to using raw bones.

How Long Does It Take To Naturally Release Pressure After Cooking Chicken Bone Broth In An Instant Pot?

It typically takes about 20-30 minutes for the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure after cooking chicken bone broth. This allows the broth to settle and prevents any sudden release of hot steam.

Can I Add Vegetables And Seasonings To My Chicken Bone Broth While Cooking It In An Instant Pot?

Yes, you can add vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and herbs to your chicken bone broth in an Instant Pot. Just be sure not to fill the pot beyond the maximum capacity line and adjust cooking time accordingly. It’s also recommended to add delicate vegetables and herbs in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked.