Simple & Quick Instant Pot Chicken Broth Recipe To Beat The Cold

Uncover the art of homemade goodness with Instant Pot Chicken Broth. Step into a world where kitchen magic unfolds with the press of a button. This rich, nutritious broth becomes a cornerstone in your culinary journey.

Not just an ingredient; it’s a taste sensation wrapped in the tantalizing aroma of simmered chicken and aromatic herbs. The Instant Pot transforms the tedious, day-long process into an effortless affair, making your kitchen a playground of flavors. 

This broth, a gold standard in homestyle cooking, offers versatility – perfect for your soups, gravies, risottos, or to sip on a chilly night. Embrace this alchemy of flavors, textures, and comfort that resonate with the soul. 

With each sip, you’ll immerse yourself in the cozy warmth of home-cooked food. Welcome to a realm where the charm of rustic cooking meets modern convenience. 

Immerse yourself, and let this Instant Pot Chicken Broth be the secret ingredient to your culinary masterpiece.

What Is Instant Pot Chicken Broth?

Instant Pot Chicken Broth is a rich, nutritious liquid derived from simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs in an Instant Pot. This modern cooking tool simplifies the traditional process, reducing cooking time significantly. 

This broth serves as a versatile base for numerous dishes like soups, stews, and risottos. It’s also enjoyed as a warm, comforting drink. It carries the soul-soothing aroma and taste of homemade food, making it a staple in kitchens around the world.

Can You Vary The Instant Pot Chicken Broth With Other Ingredients? 

The beauty of homemade Instant Pot Chicken Broth is its versatility. Here are a few adaptations:

• Keto/Paleo/Whole30 The basic chicken broth recipe is already compliant with these diets. Just ensure all your ingredients are organic and free from additives. You might also consider adding some good fats like coconut oil or ghee for a keto variation.
• Gluten-Free Chicken broth is naturally gluten-free. However, ensure any additional sauces or flavorings you use (like soy sauce) are gluten-free.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

• Variations: Spice up your broth with global flavors. Try adding lemongrass, ginger, and chili for an Asian twist, or cumin and cilantro for a Mexican influence.
• Add-Ons: Boost the nutrition by adding superfoods like turmeric, seaweed, or ginseng. For a hearty touch, include grains like quinoa or barley towards the end of cooking.
• Toppings: Serve your broth with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A squeeze of lemon or lime can add a refreshing tang. For a richer taste, drizzle some good-quality olive oil on top.
• Veggie Power: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and load up on a variety of vegetables. Consider mushrooms or kombu for a savory, umami flavor.
• Bone Broth: If you prefer a gelatinous bone broth, use chicken feet or necks in your recipe and increase the cooking time.

Can I Make Instant Pot Chicken Broth In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

You can certainly make chicken broth in a slow cooker. The process is quite similar, but the cooking time will be longer. Here’s a simplified version:

Arrange your onions, garlic, chicken carcass, celery, and carrots on a lined baking sheet and roast in the oven as per your previous recipe.

Transfer the roasted ingredients to your slow cooker. Add the same seasonings – salt, tomato, cider vinegar, and peppercorns, and then pour in the water.

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for 8-10 hours or even longer for a richer broth. Some people prefer to let it simmer for up to 24 hours.

Once done, use the natural release method, strain the broth through a cheesecloth, and follow the same cooling and fat removal steps as in the Instant Pot recipe.

Can I Use Store Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can definitely use store-bought broth, and it can be a great time-saver for many recipes. However, there are several benefits to making your own broth:

• Control over Ingredients: Making your own broth allows you to control what goes into it, which can be especially important if you’re trying to limit your intake of sodium, avoid certain allergens, or follow a specific diet.
• Quality: Homemade broth often has a richer flavor and higher nutrient content than many store-bought varieties.
• Cost-effective: You can save money by using leftover bones and vegetable scraps that might otherwise go to waste.
• Lower Waste: Homemade broth reduces packaging waste from store-bought containers.
• Customizable: You can tailor the flavors to your preference when making broth at home.
• Versatility: A simple chicken broth can be used as a base for soups, stews, risottos, and many other dishes.

How To Serve?

Serving Instant Pot Chicken Broth can be as simple or as sophisticated as you wish. Here are some options:

• Sip It Warm: Pour the broth into a mug and enjoy it as a warm, comforting beverage, especially during colder months or if you’re feeling under the weather.
• Soup Base: Use the broth as a base for soups. Add in your favorite proteins, vegetables, grains, or noodles and heat until cooked through.
• Cooking Liquid: Use the broth instead of water when cooking grains like rice or quinoa, or while making stews and sauces, to add an extra depth of flavor.
• Garnish: If serving as a soup, garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving.
• Serve with Bread: A bowl of broth can be served with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: A piece of fresh, warm bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
• Salad: A light, fresh salad can balance the warm, savory broth. Try mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette for a classic choice.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Especially if the broth is served as a soup, a grilled cheese sandwich can be a comforting and satisfying side.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts can complement the simplicity of the broth.
• Rice or Quinoa: A serving of cooked rice or quinoa can add a fulfilling, grainy texture to your meal with the broth.
• Steamed Dumplings: If you’re leaning towards an Asian-inspired meal, steamed dumplings can pair well with the chicken broth.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: Once cooled, transfer the chicken broth to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the broth in the Instant Pot as usual, then let it cool. Divide into portions suitable for your needs. Refrigerate or freeze these portions for later use.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen broth overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from the refrigerator. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until steaming but not boiling.
• Usage: Use the chicken broth as a base for soups, stews, sauces, or to add flavor to rice and other dishes.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

Leftover Instant Pot Chicken Broth can be incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas:

• Soups: Use it as a base for other soup recipes. Add vegetables, protein, and noodles or grains for a hearty meal.
• Stews and Curries: The broth can enhance the flavor profile of various stews and curries, adding a depth of flavor.
• Sauces and Gravies: Use the broth to make sauces or gravies for dishes like pasta, roast meats, or mashed potatoes.
• Cooking Liquid: It can replace water when cooking grains or legumes, adding a layer of flavor.
• Steaming Liquid: Use the broth instead of water in your steamer for an aromatic touch.
• Braise Base: Braising vegetables or meats in the broth can impart a rich taste.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze leftover broth in ice cube trays for easy, portion-controlled use later. These can quickly add flavor to a variety of dishes.

TIPS

• Use Chicken Feet: Chicken feet are rich in collagen, which adds body and richness to the broth.
• Roast Before Cooking: For a deeper flavor, roast the chicken and vegetables before pressure cooking.
• Add Aromatics: Enhance the broth with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves, and aromatics like garlic and onions.
• Skim the Foam: Remove any foam that forms during cooking for a clearer broth.
• Use Cold Water: Start with cold water to extract more flavor from the ingredients.
• Add Vinegar: A splash of vinegar helps extract more nutrients from the bones.
• Pressure Cook Longer: Extend the cooking time for a richer, more flavorful broth.
• Strain Well: Strain the broth through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth for a clear liquid.
• Cool Quickly: Cool the broth quickly after cooking to prevent bacteria growth.

Nutrition Table