Hearty Chicken Bone Broth (Instant Pot Recipe)

The Comforting Magic of Homemade Chicken Bone Broth

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Juggling work, family, and the occasional attempt at a social life leaves little room for elaborate cooking projects. But there's one thing I always make time for: my homemade chicken bone broth. It's not just a delicious and nutritious addition to my family's meals; it's a source of comfort and a symbol of self-care in the midst of a whirlwind week. It's become a cornerstone of my simple, yet satisfying, kitchen routine. The rich aroma fills my home with warmth, and the knowing that I’ve crafted something nourishing for my loved ones brings a quiet sense of accomplishment.

This isn't some gourmet endeavor requiring hours of painstaking work. Oh no, my friends. This is the kind of recipe you can throw together on a Sunday afternoon, letting the Instant Pot do the heavy lifting. While the broth simmers away, I can focus on other tasks – laundry, homework help, or simply stealing a few moments of quiet to recharge. This efficient process allows me to maximize my time and enjoy the flavorful results. And the benefits extend beyond efficiency. My kids love the versatility of the broth – it's a magical ingredient that transforms simple vegetables and leftover chicken into a hearty, healthy, and flavorful meal.

The secret? It's all about using what you have. I rarely buy specific ingredients just for this broth. I tend to hoard chicken carcasses and vegetable scraps (don't judge!), knowing they will soon find their purpose in this golden elixir. Using leftover bones and veggies minimizes waste, saving money and creating a guilt-free culinary experience. The taste? It's unbelievably flavorful. Far richer and more complex than anything you can buy in a store. It’s the sort of wholesome goodness that nurtures both body and soul. I often find myself enjoying a warm bowl of it simply seasoned with herbs, salt and a squeeze of lemon - a perfect, restorative end to a busy day.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to experiment with the vegetables – whatever’s in your crisper drawer is fair game. Don’t have cilantro? Parsley works just as well. Don’t worry about precise measurements; let your intuition guide you. The most important ingredient is the love you put into it – a little pinch of care and attention, infused into every simmering minute.

Beyond being a delicious meal starter, this broth is a remarkable pantry staple. I freeze it in portions, pulling out a bag whenever inspiration strikes. It elevates the simplest of dishes – a comforting chicken noodle soup on a chilly evening, a rich and savory risotto, or even a vibrant vegetable stir-fry. The possibilities are endless.

My Instant Pot bone broth isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to efficient cooking, mindful consumption, and the simple joy of creating something nourishing and delicious for my family. It’s a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always time for a little self-care, a little culinary creativity, and a lot of comforting warmth.

So, go ahead, give it a try. Embrace the simple magic of homemade chicken bone broth. Your family (and your soul) will thank you.

Step-by-step

• Place all ingredients inside the Instant Pot, place and lock the lid. Make sure the steam release handle is pointing to Sealing.
• Press Soup function key and then press Manual and change the timer to 100 minutes.
• After 3 beeps, the pressure cooker is ready to go. Relax and enjoy yourself!
• Once the timer goes off, and the Soup cooking function goes to Keep Warm/Cancel, press Manual again and change the pressure to LOW, set the timer to 60 mins.
• Once finished, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid (at least for 5-10 minutes).
• If you want to use the quick release method, make sure to pull the steam release handle to Venting very gently, a little bit at a time with little nudges. There will be a lot of hiss and possibly some broth spitting. That's why I release it gently.
• Once the pressure valve is back down and you have opened the lid, let the broth cool down to handling temperature.
• Strain the broth into clean jars or storage container, seal with lids and store in the fridge or freezer.
• Remove any visible chicken meat from the bones and store to enjoy with the broth.
• You can use the broth to make chicken soup with fresh vegetables and cooked meat, or to use it as a base for other soups and stews.
• I like it simply heated and served in a bowl or a cup with some fresh herbs, a little garlic, sea salt and lemon or lime juice.
• You can also add some miso paste, scallions/spring onion, chilli and Tamari soy sauce.