Easy Instant Pot Chicken Stock Recipe

The Easiest, Flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Stock Recipe: A Culinary Game-Changer

Easy Instant Pot Chicken Stock Recipe: This Instant Pot Chicken Stock recipe (also known as Chicken Broth) is a game-changer for anyone who loves cooking. It creates a flavorful, gelatin-rich stock that surpasses the traditional version, and the best part? Instead of simmering for hours on end, it’s ready in just about an hour.

A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Long Hours of Simmering

I vividly recall the hours spent waiting for a stockpot on my stove to transform a pot of water, chicken bones, and vegetables into a rich, flavorful stock. The anticipation as the liquid slowly absorbed the essence of the ingredients was both agonizing and satisfying. But gone are the days of endless waiting, thanks to modern pressure cookers like the Instant Pot. These gadgets have revolutionized the way we cook, intensifying the flavors and perfecting the gelatin in a mere hour.

It’s like fast-forwarding a three-hour process into just 40 minutes!

A Kitchen Staple: Chicken Stock in My Home

Chicken stock is a staple in our household, and this recipe is perfect for those who want to plan ahead. You can make the Chicken Stock up to four days in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it, or freeze it in freezer bags or ice cube trays for up to six months.

What I love most about Chicken Stock is its versatility and rich flavor. It’s also a fantastic way to make the most out of a whole chicken. While you could use chicken breasts to make a stock, it tends to yield a thinner-bodied result—and let’s be honest, chicken breasts are delicious and quite pricey. I prefer to use the cheaper, collagen-rich parts that often go unnoticed, like backs, necks, carcasses, wings, and any bone scraps you have on hand, whether raw or cooked.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for an even richer stock, chicken feet are the way to go. According to NextShark.com, they produce the most gelatin-rich stock and are incredibly good for you.

Homemade Instant Pot Chicken Stock Recipe

Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes*
Total Time: 47 minutes
Servings: About 3 quarts (2.8 liters)

*Does not include time to bring to pressure nor Natural Release time as these times may vary.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 1/2 pounds mixed chicken parts (about 2 kg, including the carcass)
• 2 large yellow onions, diced
• 3 large carrots, sliced
• 6 medium celery ribs, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic
• 4 Italian parsley sprigs
• 2 tablespoons thyme (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 quarts water (1.9 liters)

Crafting the Perfect Stock: Step-by-Step Directions

1. Assemble the Ingredients: Gather your chicken parts, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, parsley, thyme (if using), bay leaf, and water. Prepare to transform these simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful elixir.
2. Instant Pot Magic: Place all the ingredients into your Instant Pot, ensuring they’re comfortably covered by cold water. Don’t worry if the bones poke above the water—just make sure the liquid stays at or below the Max-Fill line.
3. Sealing the Deal: Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the venting is turned off. It’s time to let the pressure build and the flavors mingle.
4. Under Pressure: Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure and let the cooking magic happen for 40 minutes. During this time, the ingredients will transform into a delectable stock.
5. The Natural Touch: After the cooking cycle, embrace the beauty of patience by allowing a Natural Release. This step contributes to the stock’s exceptional clarity and depth of flavor.
6. Finishing Flourish: As the stock emerges from its culinary cocoon, skim off any excess fat that may have risen to the surface. Then, with anticipation, pour the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer, letting it flow gracefully into storage containers.

Expert Tips for a Stellar Stock:

• Balancing Act: Experiment with the ratio of chicken parts to vegetables to find your preferred balance of flavors. More chicken parts often result in a richer stock, while a higher vegetable ratio can add depth.
• Aromatic Adventure: Feel free to explore additional herbs and spices, such as rosemary or peppercorns, to customize the stock’s profile to your taste preferences.