This recipe presents a simple and effortless method to make your own Chicken Broth using a whole chicken, some vegetables, and an Instant Pot.
Chicken broth stands out as a nutritional powerhouse, enriched with amino acids, collagen, electrolytes, and essential nutrients. Additionally, this homemade chicken broth serves as a light, low-carb, low-calorie, low-fat, and gluten-free option, making it a wholesome choice for a range of dietary preferences.
Beyond its nutritional value, it proves to be a versatile ingredient, elevating various dishes, from hearty soups and stews to luscious sauces and gravies. Creating your chicken broth is not only easy and cost-effective but also ensures you’re maximizing nutrient intake in your culinary creations.
The recipe requires:
7 Ingredients
Active cooking time: 15 minutes
Total cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Table of Contents
Why you will love this!
Mostly hands-off: requires minimal hands-on effort for a convenient cooking experience.
Convenient and economical: provides a cost-effective and convenient method for crafting homemade chicken broth.
Perfect base for any soups: serves as an excellent foundation for a variety of soups, enhancing their flavor and richness.
Quick and easy preparation.
Healthy and nutritious broth, packed with essential nutrients.
Ideal for ketogenic diet, only 1 g of net carbs in one cup.
A wonderful option for a cold season and chilly days.
Light meal option for the whole family: chicken broth is low in calories, carbs, and fats.
Instant Pot Chicken Broth Recipe
Ingredients
To make chicken broth you’ll need these simple ingredients:
Whole chicken or chicken parts: chicken breasts, chicken thighs, etc.
Carrot
Onion
Garlic cloves
Bay leaves
Peppercorns
Salt
Optional add-ins:
Parsley/dill sprigs
Thyme
Rosemary
Ginger
Celery sticks
Equipment
Prepare these tools for the recipe:
Instant Pot (Pressure cooker)
Instant Pot Trivet (optional), helps to lift the chicken from the pot
Strainer
Large bowl or another pot for strained broth
Instructions
Step 1: Place everything in Instant Pot
Place an Instant Pot Trivet on the bottom of the pot. Place the chicken on the trivet and add all the other ingredients.
Fill the pot with water, ensuring that it does not cross its max line.
Step 2: Set the timer and wait (1,5 hours)
When all the ingredients are in the pot, cover it with the lid and ensure the steam release valve is in sealing mode. Next, press the Pressure Cook button and set the timer to 25 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will start counting backward once it has built up pressure, typically taking 20-25 minutes.
After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pot to naturally release for 15-30 minutes, then use a pressure release by switching the steam release valve to the venting position.
Step 3: Remove the ingredients from the pot.
When the pressure is released and the floating valve has dropped, carefully open the lid.
Remove all the large vegetables from the pot and discard them.
Next, lift the chicken from the pot and place it in a large bowl or container.
Afterward, strain the broth to remove all the small pieces and spices.
Step 4: Shred the chicken.
Shred the chicken with a fork, taking your time to carefully remove all the bones and separate the meat from them.
I ended up with 450 g (0.9 lb) of meat from my 1.3 kg (2.8 lb) chicken.
Tips for the best results
Use a large Instant Pot and ensure it can fit all the ingredients.
Use an Instant Pot trivet to elevate the chicken for easy removal.
Be careful when using quick release. Cover the valve with a towel during quick release to prevent splattering. Alternatively, use natural release, it will take about 30 minutes for the pressure to drop down.
Ensure water levels do not exceed the max line in the pot.
After cooking, taste the broth and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your liking.
Experiment with different herbs and vegetables to tailor the homemade broth to your taste preferences.
How to use Chicken Broth?
Create a keto-friendly soup by using chicken broth as a base. Add low-carb vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, red/green peppers or cauliflower. You can also include cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp for added protein. Here are some easy soup recipes with chicken broth:
Eggdrop soup: Make a quick and easy egg drop soup. Beat eggs and gradually pour them into the hot broth while stirring to create delicate egg ribbons.
2. Drink warm chicken broth as a comforting and hydrating beverage. It can also help replenish electrolytes, which is important on the keto diet.
3. Use chicken broth as a liquid base for stews and casseroles. It adds moisture and flavor to your dishes without adding significant carbs.
4. Make a keto-friendly gravy using chicken broth. Thicken it with low-carb alternatives like xanthan gum or almond flour. Serve it over meats, vegetables, or cauliflower mash.
6. Cook vegetables in chicken broth instead of water to infuse them with flavor. This adds a savory element to your veggies without extra carbs.
Quick and and Easy Chicken Soup
Here’s one of my personal favorite ways to enjoy chicken broth: simply add tender chicken pieces to a bowl of hot broth, followed by a peeled boiled egg and freshly sliced green onion or other greens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination that promises warmth and flavor and is ideal for cold weather.
This low-carb soup provides a light and satisfying meal and it is packed with protein and essential nutrients.
Disclaimer:The nutritional value provided is based on general information and should not be considered as a substitute for professional dietary advice or medical guidance. The values are derived from reputable sources, such as food databases or nutritional labels, but there may be variations in nutrient content depending on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and serving sizes.
1,3 kg (3 lb.) whole raw chicken or chicken parts (legs, thighs, wings, etc.)
1 large carrot
1 large yellow onion, peeled
3-4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. peppercorns
4 tsp. salt
Optional add-ins
5-7 parsley/dill sprigs
3-4 thyme sprigs
1-2 rosemary sprigs
ginger
3-4 celery sticks
Instructions
Place an Instant Pot Trivet on the bottom of the pot. Place the chicken on the trivet and add all the other ingredients. Fill the pot with water, ensuring that it does not cross its max line.
When all the ingredients are in the pot, cover it with the lid and ensure the steam release valve is in sealing mode. Next, press the Pressure Cook button and set the timer to 25 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will start counting backward once it has built up pressure, typically taking 20-25 minutes.
After the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pot to naturally release for 15-30 minutes, then use a pressure release by switching the steam release valve to the venting position.
When the pressure is released and the floating valve has dropped, carefully open the lid. Remove all the large vegetables from the pot and discard them.
Next, lift the chicken from the pot and place it in a large bowl or container.
Afterward, strain the broth to remove all the small spices and pieces.
Shred the chicken with a fork, taking your time to carefully remove all the bones and separate the meat from them.