Chicken soup is one of the most comforting meals on the planet. The base of any good chicken soup is a flavorful, nutrient-packed broth. This instant pot chicken broth is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Using simple ingredients that you likely have on hand, this broth is a powerhouse of nutrients that can boost your immune system and improve gut health.
FTC Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Health Benefits of Chicken Broth
Chicken broth has been used for centuries as a remedy for colds and illnesses, but it’s more than just an old wives’ tale. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, chicken broth offers a variety of health benefits:
- Supports Immune Function
Chicken broth contains essential amino acids such as cysteine, glutamine, and glycine, which help reduce inflammation and support immune function. - Improves Gut Health
The gelatin formed in homemade broth promotes healthy digestion by protecting and strengthening the lining of the gut. This can reduce symptoms of leaky gut and promote a balanced microbiome. - Promotes Joint Health
Rich in collagen and glucosamine, chicken broth helps support joint health and reduces inflammation, making it beneficial for individuals suffering from arthritis or joint pain. - Enhances Skin and Hair
Collagen and gelatin also contribute to healthier skin, hair, and nails by promoting elasticity and hydration. - Hydration and Electrolytes
Chicken broth is rich in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and magnesium, making it an excellent choice to stay hydrated.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Broth
- Fast and easy: The Instant Pot significantly reduces the time needed to extract nutrients compared to traditional stovetop methods.
- Nutrient-dense: Packed with collagen, amino acids, and minerals.
- Versatile base: Use this broth as a base for soups, sauces, and grains or enjoy it on its own.
- Gels perfectly: A properly made broth will gel when cooled, indicating a high collagen content that provides numerous health benefits.
Ingredients
- Chicken feet: Chicken feet are packed with collagen, which is essential for creating the gel-like consistency in your broth. Collagen also provides numerous health benefits, such as supporting joint health, improving gut health, and boosting the immune system. Chicken feet help extract minerals from the bones and cartilage, giving your broth a rich and nourishing texture.
- Celery stalks: Celery adds a mild, aromatic flavor to the broth and enhances its depth. It’s also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making it a healthy addition to any homemade broth.
- Onion (halved with skin on): The onion adds a savory sweetness and depth of flavor to the broth. Leaving the skin on contributes to a richer color and extra nutrients. The skins contain antioxidants that add to the overall health benefits of the broth.
- Head of garlic: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and rich flavor. It helps to add a subtle, savory taste to the broth, while also offering antibacterial and antiviral benefits.
- Carrots: Carrots bring a natural sweetness to the broth, balancing out the savory flavors of the other ingredients. They also add color and are a great source of vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which supports eye and skin health.
- Water: Water serves as the base for your broth. The amount of water you add will depend on the size of your Instant Pot, but it helps to dissolve and extract the nutrients and flavors from the chicken and vegetables. The longer the cooking time, the richer and more flavorful the broth will become.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Broth: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Wash and Prep Veggies
Wash the carrots and celery thoroughly. Halve the onion, leaving the skin on to enhance the broth’s golden color. Cut the garlic head in half.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Instant Pot
Place the chicken feet, celery, onion, garlic, and carrots into the Instant Pot.
Step 3: Fill with Water
Fill the Instant Pot to the max line. This is approximately 10-12 cups of water, depending on the size of your Instant Pot.
Step 4: Pressure Cook for 2 Hours
Set the Instant Pot to Manual (High Pressure) and cook for 2 hours. This extended cooking time allows the collagen and minerals to fully release from the bones.
Step 5: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure. This usually takes around 20–30 minutes.
Step 6: Strain and Store
Strain the broth using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Transfer the broth into mason jars and allow it to cool before refrigerating. Alternatively, pour into freezer-safe containers for longer storage.
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigerate: Store in sealed jars in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze broth in silicone molds or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Pro Tip: Freeze the broth in ice cube trays for easy portioning and quick use.
Tips and Variations
Add herbs and spices: Enhance the flavor by adding bay leaves, thyme, parsley, or peppercorns before cooking.
Roast the bones first: For a deeper, richer flavor, roast the chicken feet and vegetables at 400°F for 20–25 minutes before adding to the Instant Pot.
Add apple cider vinegar: Adding 1–2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar helps draw out minerals from the bones, boosting the nutrient content.
Vegetable variation: Use leeks, parsnips, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
How to Use Instant Pot Chicken Broth
This Instant Pot Chicken Broth is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:
- Soups & Stews: Use it as the base for your favorite soups or stews. It’s perfect for adding flavor and depth to chicken soup, vegetable soup, or even creamy potato soup.
- Gravy or Sauces: Use the broth as a base for making gravies or sauces. The rich, savory flavor enhances any dish.
- Cooking Grains: Substitute chicken broth for water when cooking rice, quinoa, or other grains to infuse them with flavor.
- Drinking Broth: Heat it up and sip it like tea for a nourishing, gut-healing drink. It’s especially comforting on cold days.
- Cooking Vegetables: Us
FAQs About Instant Pot Chicken Broth
Why did my broth not gel?
If your broth doesn’t gel, it likely needed more collagen-rich ingredients like chicken feet. A lack of cooking time or too much water can also affect the consistency.
Can I use a whole chicken instead of chicken feet?
Yes. A whole chicken or a combination of bones and feet works well. Chicken feet, however, provide the most collagen, which contributes to a beautifully gelled broth.
How can I make my broth more flavorful?
Add aromatic herbs, spices, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to draw out the minerals and enhance the flavor.
Can I reuse the bones for a second batch?
Yes. You can reuse the bones for a second, less concentrated batch of broth. The second batch will have fewer nutrients but still offer flavor and benefits.
Tools You’ll Need
- Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Mason jars or freezer-safe containers
- Knife and cutting board
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 40
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
Nutritional Disclaimer: These nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Instant Pot Chicken Broth
Instant Pot Chicken Broth is a nutrient-rich, collagen-packed broth made from simple ingredients like chicken feet, vegetables, and water. Perfect as a base for soups, sauces, and grains, this easy recipe delivers a flavorful and nourishing broth that gels beautifully when cooled.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken feet
- 3 celery stalks
- 1 onion, halved with skin on
- 1 head of garlic
- 3 large carrots
- 10-12 cups water
Instructions
- Wash and prep the vegetables by thoroughly rinsing the celery and carrots. Halve the onion, leaving the skin on for extra color and nutrients. Cut the garlic head in half horizontally.
Add all the ingredients into the Instant Pot. Place the chicken feet at the bottom and layer the vegetables on top.
Fill the Instant Pot with water until it reaches the max fill line, which is about 10-12 cups depending on the size of your pot. Do not overfill to ensure proper pressure cooking.
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual (High Pressure) for 2 hours. This long cook time allows the bones to release collagen, minerals, and nutrients effectively.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure. This process takes about 20-30 minutes. Avoid manually releasing pressure to preserve the broth's rich flavor.
Carefully strain the broth using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl. Discard the solids.
Allow the broth to cool slightly before transferring to mason jars or freezer-safe containers. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
For a richer, deeper flavor, roast the chicken feet and vegetables at 400°F for 20–25 minutes before adding them to the Instant Pot.
Chicken feet are key for creating a gel-like consistency in the broth due to their high collagen content. If you prefer a thicker broth, be sure to include them.
You can customize the flavor by adding herbs and spices like bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns, or garlic.
This broth will naturally gel when cooled, which is a sign of its nutrient density. If it doesn't gel, consider adding more collagen-rich ingredients like chicken feet or bones in your next batch.
You can also use other cuts of chicken such as wings, necks, or backs, which will provide a similar richness and collagen.
Freeze extra broth in ice cube trays for easy portioning or store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this chicken broth recipe, be sure to check out these other posts on Good Enough Moming for more tasty and nourishing ideas:
- Homemade Sourdough Bread: Learn how to make delicious, soft, and tangy sourdough bread at home with my simple step-by-step recipe.
- 7-Day Meal Plan for Busy Moms: Get organized with a 7-day meal plan that includes easy, family-friendly recipes and a grocery list.
- Comprehensive Meal Planning Bundle: Simplify your weekly meal prep with my comprehensive Meal Planning Bundle, which includes meal planning sheets, shopping lists, and more, all designed to save you time and reduce stress in the kitchen!
