Chicken bone broth is a nutritious and flavorful liquid made by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and spices. It is packed with essential nutrients and minerals that can benefit your overall health. Making chicken bone broth in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to extract all the goodness from the bones in a fraction of the time.
Using a pressure cooker allows you to cook the broth at a higher temperature, which helps to break down the collagen in the bones and release more nutrients into the broth. The result is a rich and gelatinous broth that is not only delicious but also highly nutritious.
To make chicken bone broth in a pressure cooker, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need chicken bones, such as carcasses or leftover bones from roasted chickens, as well as vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. You can also add herbs and spices like bay leaves, thyme, and black peppercorns to enhance the flavor of the broth.
Next, place the chicken bones, vegetables, herbs, and spices into the pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover everything, but be sure not to fill the pressure cooker more than two-thirds full. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to the sealing position.
Chicken Bone Broth: Preparation Steps
Step 1: Gather the necessary ingredients for the chicken bone broth. You will need chicken bones, such as carcasses or leftover bones from roasted chicken, along with vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.
Step 2: If desired, roast the chicken bones in the oven for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavor of the broth.
Step 3: Prepare the vegetables by washing and roughly chopping them. Keep the skin on the onion for added color and flavor.
Step 4: Heat a few tablespoons of oil in the pressure cooker. Add the vegetables and sauté until they start to soften and brown slightly.
Step 5: Add the chicken bones to the pressure cooker and fill it with cold water, leaving about an inch of space at the top for pressure expansion.
Step 6: Add any desired herbs, spices, or seasonings to the broth. Popular choices include bay leaves, thyme, peppercorns, and salt.
Step 7: Close the pressure cooker lid and set it to high pressure for about 2 hours. Allow the pressure to naturally release after cooking is complete.
Step 8: Carefully strain the chicken bone broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
Step 9: Let the broth cool before transferring it to storage containers. Use it immediately or refrigerate for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Note: Chicken bone broth can be used as a base for soups, stews, or any recipe that calls for broth. It can also be sipped on its own as a nourishing and comforting drink.
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Before you begin making chicken bone broth in a pressure cooker, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3-4 pounds of chicken bones (such as chicken carcasses or frozen chicken bones)
- 2 onions, roughly chopped
- 3 carrots, roughly chopped
- 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (optional, helps extract minerals from the bones)
- Filtered water
- Salt and pepper to taste
In addition to the ingredients, you’ll also need the following equipment:
- A pressure cooker (such as an Instant Pot)
- A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- A large bowl or container to strain the broth into
- A ladle or spoon for skimming off any impurities
- Glass jars or containers with lids for storing the broth
Once you have everything prepared and ready to go, you can move on to the next steps of making your delicious chicken bone broth in a pressure cooker.
Prepare the Chicken Bones
To make chicken bone broth in a pressure cooker, you’ll need a good amount of chicken bones. You can use leftover bones from a roast chicken dinner or purchase chicken bones from your local butcher or grocery store.
Start by rinsing the chicken bones under cold water to remove any excess blood or impurities. Then, place the bones in a large stockpot or pressure cooker pot. If using a pressure cooker, make sure the pot is suitable for stovetop use.
Add enough water to cover the bones completely. You can also add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, along with herbs and spices, to enhance the flavor of the broth. However, this step is optional and the broth will still be delicious with just the chicken bones.
Once everything is in the pot, close the lid and lock it in place. If using a pressure cooker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper sealing and pressurization. This will ensure that the broth cooks evenly and intensifies the flavors.
Set the pressure cooker to high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chicken bones simmer for at least 2 hours. The longer you simmer, the richer and more flavorful the broth will become.
Once the simmering time is up, turn off the heat and allow the pressure cooker to release its pressure naturally. This may take about 10-15 minutes. Once the pressure is fully released, carefully remove the lid, taking care to avoid any hot steam.
Use a slotted spoon or kitchen tongs to remove the chicken bones from the broth. Discard the bones and strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any small bone fragments or impurities.
Your chicken bone broth is now ready to be used in your favorite recipes or stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future use. Enjoy the rich and nourishing flavors of homemade bone broth made with your pressure cooker!
Add Flavours and Seasonings
Adding flavours and seasonings is an essential step in making chicken bone broth in a pressure cooker. This step not only enhances the taste of the broth but also infuses it with delicious aromatic notes.
Here are some options to consider:
- Onions: Add a couple of onions, roughly chopped, to the pressure cooker. They will add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the broth.
- Garlic: Crush a few cloves of garlic and toss them into the pot. Garlic adds a rich, savory taste and pairs well with chicken.
- Celery: Chop a few stalks of celery and add them to the pressure cooker. Celery imparts a fresh and slightly tangy flavor to the broth.
- Carrots: Peel and chop a couple of carrots and toss them into the pot. Carrots lend a touch of sweetness and a beautiful golden color to the broth.
- Bay leaves: Add a couple of bay leaves to the pressure cooker. Bay leaves offer a subtle earthy flavor and are a classic ingredient in many broths.
- Herbs: Consider adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. These herbs add a layer of complexity to the broth and complement the flavors of the chicken.
- Peppercorns: Crush some whole peppercorns and sprinkle them into the pressure cooker. They will add a hint of spiciness to the broth.
- Salt: Season the broth with salt to taste. Salt helps bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and enhances the overall taste of the broth.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and ratios of these ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences. Remember to keep the flavors balanced and avoid overpowering the natural taste of the chicken.
Once you have added all the desired flavors and seasonings, you are ready to continue with the pressure cooking process. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking times and release methods to ensure the best results.
Make Chicken Bone Broth in Pressure Cooker
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make nutritious chicken bone broth, using a pressure cooker is the way to go. Not only does it save you time, but it also helps to extract the maximum amount of nutrients and flavors from the bones. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken carcass, preferably organic
– 1 onion, peeled and quartered
– 2 carrots, washed and roughly chopped
– 2 celery stalks, washed and roughly chopped
– 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon peppercorns
– Water, enough to cover the ingredients
Instructions:
1. Place the chicken carcass, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, apple cider vinegar, bay leaf, and peppercorns into the pressure cooker.
2. Add enough water to cover the ingredients, but make sure not to surpass the maximum fill line indicated by your pressure cooker’s manual.
3. Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker, making sure the valve is set to the sealing position.
4. Set the pressure cooker to cook on high pressure for 120 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the venting position.
6. Open the pressure cooker and strain the broth into a large bowl or container, discarding the solids.
7. Let the broth cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freeze in portions for later use.
Using a pressure cooker to make chicken bone broth is a great way to save time and still enjoy all the benefits of a delicious and nutritious homemade broth. Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor according to your preference. Now you can enjoy your homemade chicken bone broth in various recipes or simply sip it on its own for a comforting and nutrient-packed treat.
Strain and Store the Broth
Once the pressure has been released and the broth has cooled slightly, it’s time to strain and store your delicious homemade chicken bone broth. Straining the broth will remove any solid particles or impurities, resulting in a clearer and smoother liquid.
To strain the broth, prepare a large bowl or container and set a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over it. Carefully pour the broth through the strainer, allowing it to collect in the bowl below. The strainer will catch any bones, herbs, or other solids, leaving you with a clean broth.
After straining, you can transfer the broth to smaller airtight containers for storage. Using smaller containers allows for easier portioning and thawing if needed. Mason jars, freezer-safe bags, or plastic containers are suitable options.
Refrigerating the Broth
If you plan to use the broth within a few days, storing it in the refrigerator is the best option. Allow the broth to cool completely before placing it in the fridge. It is recommended to store the broth in clean glass containers or jars with tight-fitting lids.
Label the containers with the date and contents to keep track of freshness. Properly stored, the chicken bone broth can last up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
Freezing the Broth
If you want to extend the shelf life of your chicken bone broth, freezing is the way to go. Before freezing, make sure that the broth has cooled completely in the refrigerator.
Divide the broth into smaller portions based on your needs. Leave some headspace at the top of each container or bag to allow for expansion during freezing. Properly sealed, the broth can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
Remember to label each container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification later on. Thaw the frozen broth in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave when needed.
With the broth strained and properly stored, you now have a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Enjoy the health benefits and delicious taste of your homemade chicken bone broth!
FAQ
What is chicken bone broth?
Chicken bone broth is a nutritious and flavorful liquid made by simmering chicken bones and vegetables in water. It is often used as a base for soups, sauces, and other recipes.
Why should I make chicken bone broth in a pressure cooker?
Making chicken bone broth in a pressure cooker allows you to extract more nutrients and flavors from the ingredients in a shorter amount of time. It also helps to break down the bones and release the gelatin, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth.