Why This Instant Pot Bone Broth Works Every Time
The aroma hits you first, that deep, savory smell that makes Luna pace around the kitchen. This isn’t just broth; it’s liquid comfort food.
I discovered this method last winter when Sarah came down with the flu. Needed something fast but nourishing. Man, I didn’t expect it to turn out this good.
The bones break down perfectly under pressure, releasing all those minerals and nutrients. You get restaurant-quality broth without the all-day commitment.
✅ Ready in 90 minutes instead of 12+ hours
✅ Rich in collagen and gelatin for gut health
✅ Perfect for immune support during cold season
✅ Freezes beautifully for meal prep
✅ Uses simple ingredients you probably have
Jake actually asked for seconds last time I served this as the base for instant pot chicken breast soup. That kid never asks for seconds of anything healthy!
Simple Ingredients That Pack a Punch
This Instant Pot bone broth relies on just four ingredients to create something magical. Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones.
✔ Bones from one chicken weighing 3 to 4 pounds : I grab these from H-E-B rotisserie chickens after dinner
✔ Apple cider vinegar : helps extract all those nutrients and minerals from the bones
✔ Water as needed : enough to cover everything by about an inch
✔ Salt, to taste : I add this at the end, once I see how rich it turned out
The apple cider vinegar is the secret weapon here. Most people skip it, but it pulls out every bit of goodness from those bones.
How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Bone Broth
Making Instant Pot bone broth feels like alchemy, simple ingredients transforming into liquid gold. The pressure does all the heavy lifting while you handle everything else.
- Place chicken bones in your Instant Pot
- Add apple cider vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes
- Pour water until bones are covered by 1 inch
- Seal the Instant Pot and set to high pressure for 90 minutes
- Allow natural pressure release for 20 minutes
- Strain through fine mesh strainer into containers
- Season with salt to taste once cooled slightly
That natural pressure release is crucial, don’t rush it. The extra time lets those nutrients fully extract. Sophie always asks why we have to wait, and honestly, patience makes all the difference here.
Instant Pot Bone Broth Variations Worth Trying
This basic Instant Pot bone broth recipe adapts to whatever you’ve got on hand. I’ve tried dozens of versions over the years.
Beef Bone Version
Switch to beef bones from your local butcher for instant pot beef bone broth. Takes the same time but delivers an even richer flavor. Sarah prefers this one for her famous pot roast base.
Veggie-Enhanced Style
Toss in onion halves, celery stalks, and carrot chunks during the last 30 minutes. Adds sweetness and depth without overwhelming the bone flavor. Jake actually notices when I skip the vegetables now.
Double-Strength Concentrate
Use twice as many bones with the same water amount. Creates an intense broth perfect for sipping or using as cooking liquid for rice. Freezes into convenient ice cube portions too.
The concentrate version happened by accident when I grabbed too many bones from the freezer. Sometimes the best discoveries come from happy mistakes.
Perfect Sides for Instant Pot Bone Broth
Sipping Instant Pot bone broth on its own hits the spot, but pairing it right makes a complete meal. These combinations work magic together.
Fresh Sourdough Bread
Nothing beats dipping crusty bread into warm, rich broth. The kids fight over who gets the heel piece when we do this. It’s become our sick-day tradition.
Egg Drop Soup Addition
Whisk beaten eggs slowly into hot broth for instant comfort food. Sophie discovered this combo during a sleepover and now requests it weekly.
Rice or Noodles Base
Pour hot broth over cooked rice or ramen noodles for quick soup. Jake adds sriracha to his portion because apparently everything needs heat.
These pairings turn simple broth into satisfying meals without much extra work.
Keeping Your Instant Pot Bone Broth Fresh
Fresh Instant Pot bone broth stays good longer than you’d think. Proper storage means you’ll always have liquid gold ready for cooking.
Storage
- At room temperature: Use within 2 hours max, bone broth spoils quickly when warm
- In the fridge: Stays fresh for 4-5 days in airtight containers or mason jars
- In the freezer: Keeps perfectly for up to 6 months in freezer-safe containers, just like instant pot chicken bone broth.
Reheating
- Stovetop method: Gentle simmer in saucepan, stirring occasionally until steaming
- Microwave option: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round
- Instant Pot reheat: Use sauté function on low, adding splash of water if needed
Cover with lid or foil to prevent skin from forming on top.
Anti-waste tip
Freeze broth in ice cube trays, then transfer cubes to freezer bags. Perfect portions for deglazing pans or adding rich flavor to any dish.
Complete Instant Pot Bone Broth Recipe
This Instant Pot bone broth delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The pressure cooking extracts maximum nutrients and gelatin from simple chicken bones. Perfect for sipping, cooking, or boosting immune support during cold season.
Instant Pot Bone Broth Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Fine mesh strainer
- Storage containers
Ingredients
- 1 Bones from one chicken weighing 3 to 4 pounds
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 8-10 cups Water enough to cover everything by about an inch
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken bones in Instant Pot insert, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Add apple cider vinegar and let sit for 10 minutes to help extract nutrients from bones.
- Pour enough water to cover bones by about 1 inch, leaving space for pressure cooking.
- Secure Instant Pot lid and set valve to sealing position.
- Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 20 minutes.
- Strain hot broth through fine mesh strainer into clean containers, discarding solids.
- Taste and season with salt as desired once broth has cooled slightly.
Notes
- Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar, it helps draw out collagen and minerals from the bones.
- The broth should gel slightly when refrigerated, which means you extracted maximum nutrients.
- If using frozen bones, add 10 extra minutes to cooking time.
- I always make double batches because this freezes perfectly for up to six months.
Your Questions About Instant Pot Bone Broth
Making Instant Pot bone broth for the first time always brings up questions. I had the exact same doubts when I started this journey.
Why did my Instant Pot bone broth turn out thin and watery?
Happened to me too! You probably need more bones or less water. Try using bones from two chickens next time.
How long should I store Instant Pot bone broth in the fridge?
Use within 4-5 days max. It gets a jelly-like texture when cold, which means it’s rich in collagen.
Can I make Instant Pot bone broth without apple cider vinegar?
You can, but the vinegar extracts way more nutrients and minerals. Lemon juice works as substitute if needed.
What’s the best way to get collagen benefits from bone broth?
Drink it warm daily or use it as cooking liquid for grains. The gelatin supports gut health naturally.
Share Your Instant Pot Bone Broth Success
That first sip of homemade Instant Pot bone broth hits differently than store-bought versions. The richness and depth of flavor make all the difference.
Drop a comment below with your favorite way to use this broth. I love seeing how families make it their own. Rate this recipe with stars if it worked for you!
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