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This super easy method for homemade chicken stock comes together so easily in the Instant Pot. Chicken stock makes a delicious base for a cozy soup, and several other recipes! It’s so nutritious made from chicken bones and vegetables. The hands off method of the Instant Pot is the easiest way to enjoy!
After my recent recipe for Rotisserie Whole Chicken in the Instant Pot, I knew I had to put the chicken bones to good use! Homemade chicken stock, is far superior in both taste and nutrition to store bought chicken broth. As a nutritionist, I know the many benefits of chicken stock! Chicken stock differs from chicken broth in that chicken stock uses the bones instead of just the meat. With this method, we get a rich flavor that is also loaded with more nutrients!
Health Benefits of Chicken Stock
- Chicken stock includes collagen and gelatin from the bones of chicken. These nutrients are fantastic for joint and bone health. Collagen and gelatin also support a healthy gut lining! Promoting a strong intestinal lining is essential for gut health and overall health. You can read all about this in my post on gut health.
- More protein and amino acids! We typically don’t see these nutrients in chicken broth. But in a cup of chicken stock, we will get more of a diverse macronutrient profile to include about 6 grams of complete protein. These amino acids are also a great way to build a stronger immune system.
- Chicken stock is also full of fantastic nutrients such as magnesium and phosphorus and electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
How to make Homemade Chicken Stock in the Instant Pot
This recipe is so much easier than you can possibly imagine! My version of this recipe is using Instant Pot with a strainer, and also the bones of a whole chicken. Here is what you need to make this nutrient dense chicken stock!
- Chicken carcass
- Onions
- Carrots
- Celery stalks
- Springs of fresh thyme
- Kosher salt
- Peppercorns
- Bay leaves
- Water
Place the chicken carcass, halved onion, carrots, and celery inside a strainer, then place inside the instant pot. Top with water, salt, thyme, bay leaves and peppercorns. Seal the Instant Pot.
Cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, then do a 30 minute natural release. After 30 minutes, removing any remaining steam. Strain the stock and allow to cool to room temperature. Store in glass jars or containers.
Serving, Storing, and Freezing
Use chicken stock as a more nutrient dense base to any soup or recipe that requires broth! This stock will hold up well in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze in a freezer friendly container for 2 – 3 months.
Tips to make Chicken Stock
Using a fine mesh strainer is an easy tip to make this recipe a success so that you just lift out the strainer and are left with chicken stock in the pot. You can also use a steamer basket. If you only have a regular colander that doesn’t fit, you can also toss everything into the pot and strain after cook time is up.
Recipes you will love using Chicken Stock!
Homemade stock is one of those ingredients that can take an ordinary dish to the next level. I especially love how it adds richness to cozy soups like Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, or brings depth of flavor to a comforting bowl of Mexican Street Corn Soup.
Homemade Chicken Stock in the Instant Pot
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Mesh Strainer or steam basket
Ingredients
- 1 chicken carcass*
- 2 large onions, , halved
- 2 carrots,, peeled and cut into quarters
- 2 stalks celery with leaves,, cut into
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 10 cups water
Instructions
- Using the mesh strainer insert of the Instant Pot, place the chicken carcass, onions, carrots, and celery inside the strainer. Place in the Instant Pot.
- Top with water, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaves.
- Cook on manual high pressure for 45 minutes, use a natural release. After 30 minutes, you can clear the valve to release any remaining steam.
- Strain the stock and allow to cool to room temperature. Store in glass containers in the fridge. You can skip any fat that forms on the top, or leave as is.
