Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to make chicken stock? Guys, you've come to the right place! This instant pot chicken stock recipe is not only incredibly simple but also yields a rich, flavorful stock that will elevate all your soups, stews, and sauces. Forget about store-bought stock loaded with sodium and preservatives. With this recipe, you'll have homemade goodness at your fingertips, and the best part? It's ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Plus, using an Instant Pot means less mess and more consistent results. So, grab your Instant Pot, and let's get started on making some liquid gold!

Why Use an Instant Pot for Chicken Stock?

Okay, so why should you even bother using an Instant Pot for chicken stock when you could simmer it on the stove? Let me tell you, the Instant Pot is a game-changer. First off, it drastically reduces the cooking time. What used to take hours on the stovetop now takes about an hour in the Instant Pot. This is a huge win for busy folks who want homemade stock without spending all day in the kitchen. Secondly, the sealed environment of the Instant Pot helps to extract maximum flavor from the chicken bones and vegetables. The pressure intensifies the flavors, resulting in a richer, more concentrated stock. Thirdly, it's incredibly convenient. You can set it and forget it, unlike the stovetop method, which requires constant monitoring. No more worrying about the stock boiling over or simmering too low. Finally, it's energy-efficient. The Instant Pot uses less energy than simmering a pot on the stove for hours. So, not only are you saving time and effort, but you're also being kind to the environment and your wallet. Honestly, once you try making chicken stock in the Instant Pot, you'll never go back to the old way. It’s just too easy and too good!

Ingredients You'll Need

To make this fantastic instant pot chicken stock, you're going to need a few simple ingredients. Don't worry; most of them are kitchen staples. First, you'll need about 2-3 pounds of chicken bones. These can be leftover bones from a roasted chicken, a whole chicken carcass, or even chicken wings and backs. The more bones, the richer the flavor. Next, you'll need your aromatic vegetables: one large onion (quartered), two carrots (roughly chopped), and two celery stalks (roughly chopped). These veggies add depth and complexity to the stock. You'll also want about 4-6 cloves of garlic (smashed) for that subtle garlicky goodness. Then, you'll need some herbs and spices. A bay leaf or two is essential for that classic stock flavor. A teaspoon of black peppercorns adds a gentle warmth. And a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor even further. Finally, you'll need about 8-10 cups of water. Make sure the water covers all the ingredients in the Instant Pot. And that’s it! With these simple ingredients, you're well on your way to making a stock that's far superior to anything you can buy in a store. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking, but this is a great starting point for a flavorful and nutritious chicken stock.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's dive into the step-by-step instructions for making this amazing instant pot chicken stock. First, gather all your ingredients: chicken bones, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, and any other herbs you're using. Next, place the chicken bones in the Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery on top of the bones. Then, toss in the smashed garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns, and herbs. Now, pour in the water, making sure it covers all the ingredients. You want to have enough water to extract all those lovely flavors but not so much that it dilutes the stock. After that, secure the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the cooking time to 60 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally pressure release for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld even further. Finally, carefully release any remaining pressure and open the lid. Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth to remove all the solids. And there you have it! Homemade instant pot chicken stock, ready to use in all your favorite recipes. Let it cool slightly, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for several months.

Tips for the Best Chicken Stock

To ensure your instant pot chicken stock turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are a few tips and tricks. Firstly, don't skip the roasting step! Roasting the chicken bones before making stock adds a depth of flavor that you just can't achieve otherwise. Toss the bones with a little olive oil and roast them in a 400°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until they're nicely browned. Secondly, don't overfill the Instant Pot. Make sure the water level is below the maximum fill line to avoid any messy explosions. Thirdly, use a variety of chicken bones for the best flavor. A mix of carcasses, backs, and wings will give you a richer, more complex stock than using just one type. Next, don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. A few sprigs of rosemary, a pinch of dried sage, or even a chili pepper can add a unique twist to your stock. After that, remember to season the stock after it's finished cooking. Adding salt and pepper at the end allows you to control the seasoning and prevent the stock from becoming too salty. Finally, cool the stock quickly to prevent bacterial growth. An ice bath is a great way to do this. Simply place the pot of stock in a larger bowl filled with ice water and stir occasionally until it's cool enough to refrigerate. Follow these tips, and you'll be making restaurant-quality chicken stock in no time!

Ways to Use Your Homemade Chicken Stock

Now that you've got a beautiful batch of homemade instant pot chicken stock, what are you going to do with it? The possibilities are endless! Of course, the most obvious use is in soups and stews. Use it as a base for chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, or hearty stews like chicken and dumplings. Next, use it to make flavorful sauces and gravies. Chicken stock adds depth and richness to any sauce, whether it's a simple pan sauce or a creamy gravy. Then, try using it to cook grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous. Cooking grains in chicken stock instead of water infuses them with flavor and makes them much more delicious. After that, use it to deglaze pans after cooking meat or vegetables. The stock will pick up all the delicious browned bits and create a flavorful base for a sauce. Also, you can use it to moisten stuffing or dressing for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It adds flavor and keeps the stuffing from drying out. Finally, you can even drink it straight! Warm chicken stock is a comforting and nourishing beverage, especially when you're feeling under the weather. So, go ahead and get creative with your homemade chicken stock. You'll be amazed at how much it can enhance your cooking!

Storing Your Chicken Stock

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade instant pot chicken stock fresh and flavorful. First, let the stock cool completely before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming and affecting the quality of the stock. Next, store the stock in airtight containers. Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best. Then, refrigerate the stock for up to a week. Be sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was made. After that, if you want to store the stock for longer, freeze it. You can freeze it in individual portions using ice cube trays or in larger quantities in freezer-safe bags or containers. Also, when freezing in bags, lay them flat to save space in your freezer. Finally, remember to thaw the stock completely before using it. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave using the defrost setting. Properly stored, your homemade chicken stock will retain its flavor and nutrients for months, ensuring you always have a delicious base for your culinary creations.

Enjoy your homemade instant pot chicken stock, guys! It’s a game-changer in the kitchen, and I promise you’ll never go back to store-bought stuff again!