There are few things in life as soul-soothing as a steaming mug of homemade bone broth. And when you can whip up that goodness in your Instant Pot in a fraction of the time? Game. Changer.
This Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth is rich, silky, nourishing, and makes you feel like you’ve just wrapped yourself in the warmest, fluffiest blanket on a cold day. It’s perfect for sipping straight from a mug, and it takes any soup or stew you make from “mmm good” to “holy-wow-I’m-a-kitchen-goddess.”
I mean, come on…bone broth is basically liquid gold. And yes, I’m calling it bomb (because it is). I don’t kid around about things like this.
The best part? You get to enjoy Dutch Oven Roasted Chicken or Air Fryer Whole Chicken first (hello, crispy skin + juicy chicken). Then you use the bones to make this broth. Double win.
And unlike traditional stovetop or slow cooker versions that take 12+ hours (like my Crockpot Chicken Broth or Chicken Feet Bone Broth), the Instant Pot cuts that way down to about 3 hours. Three hours where you can nap, binge Netflix, or pretend you’re working very hard while actually scrolling Instagram.
Bonus: You can tell your friends it took all day. I won’t spill your secret.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & easy: Rich bone broth in 3 hours instead of 12+.
- Flavor-packed: Bones + veggies + pressure = liquid gold.
- Versatile: Sip it straight, use in soups, stews, rice, braising—you name it.
- Make-ahead friendly: Freezes beautifully for up to a year.
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What is My Take on Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth?
My take? Everyone needs this in their freezer. It’s one of those “how did I live without this?” recipes. I always keep bone broth cubes stashed away for soups, stews, gravies, or those nights I just want to sip something warm and comforting.
It feels luxurious, but it’s honestly one of the most frugal things you can make. You’re literally turning what many people toss out (chicken bones) into something ridiculously delicious and nourishing. That’s kitchen magic.
Now, some of you may be wondering whether chicken bone broth heals the gut. Well, I can’t tell you for sure—I’m no doctor—but bone broth is loaded with collagen, glycine, and amino acids, which are often said to help with inflammation of the gut. In fact, it’s been recommended to sip about 8 ounces a day if you’re looking for that kind of benefit.
All I know is this: it makes me feel amazing, it’s cozy and comforting, and it tastes downright delicious. I’ve actually been drinking it every day for weeks and am absolutely loving it. And honestly, why waste money on store-bought when you can make this rich, golden broth at home with just a chicken carcass and a few veggies? Homemade wins every single time.
Make it a Meal
This broth is the base of so many amazing recipes. Try it in:
Other fun ways to use it:
- Cook rice in it instead of water (flavor explosion!).
- Steam veggies in it.
- Braise meats with it.
- Or just sip it straight from a mug with a sprinkle of salt and pepper—like nature’s coffee.
Want more variety? Switch gears and make Beef Bone Broth in your slow cooker.
Jump to:
What Is the Difference Between Bone Broth and Stock?
Well, bone broth and stock are essential the same thing - the process of simmering bones and over the long term to get nutrients and collagen. What differs is the time. Bone broth is typically simmered for many hours, while stock is simmered for less time. Regular chicken broth is typically made with just meat, vegetables and aromatics, and has a much lighter texture and flavor.
The Ingredients in Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth
The full list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Best Bones for Bone Broth
Any chicken bones will work for this chicken bone broth recipe. I typically save the carcass from a chicken I've roasted, and I also save the bones from any recipe where I use bone-in chicken (i.e. legs, thighs, wings, etc.).
When you make this whole Moroccan Roasted Chicken or this whole Indian Spiced Roasted Chicken, be sure to save the carcasses for use in this bone broth!
You could also make this with pork, turkey (I love this Instant Pot Turkey Bone Broth), beef, lamb, veal, and any other meat you can think of. I recommend looking for large bones, and also smaller bones with a little meat on them. The meat helps to add a little extra flavor to the broth.
You can add whatever vegetables you'd like to enhance the flavor of the broth. I stick with a simple onion, a few carrots and a couple stalks of celery.
The apple cider vinegar called for in this recipe helps to break down the bones so you get that jello consistency. Which we want. Meat jello. Yum.
Note that I do not add salt to this bone broth recipe. When I use this chicken bone broth in other recipes, I like to adjust the salt as necessary for specific recipes. If you are drinking it straight, you will want to salt it to taste, otherwise it will taste bland.
**I don't recommend adding salt during the cooking process as the salt concentration becomes very high.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth
Combine all the ingredients in the Instant Pot. Cover the bones and vegetables with water, plus another 2-3" if you have room in the Instant Pot. Note I use a 6 quart Instant Pot for this recipe. For an 8 quart Instant Pot, you may want to add another ½ lbs. of bones, or just use less water.
How Long Do You Cook Chicken Bone Broth?
Cook on high pressure for 3 hours. Use the quick release to release the pressure.
Expert Tips
- If you're in a hurry, you can cook for just 2 hours, I just prefer 3 to get a little extra richness from the broth;
- Use a mix of large bones with cartilage and smaller bones containing some meat for the best flavor. A full chicken carcass is best for this.
- I use a 6 quart Instant Pot for this recipe. For an 8 quart Instant Pot, you may want to add another ½ lbs. of bones, or add less water.
- You can also add whatever vegetables you'd like to enhance the flavor of the broth.
- Note that I do not add salt to this bone broth recipe. When I use this chicken bone broth in other recipes, I like to adjust the salt as necessary for specific recipes. If you are drinking it straight, you will want to salt it to taste, otherwise it will taste bland. I don't recommend adding salt during the cooking process as the salt concentration becomes very high.
Common Questions
Nope! But roasting adds an extra layer of depth if you have the time.
Absolutely. I love using a full chicken carcass from a roast chicken.
It helps pull the minerals from the bones, giving you that rich, silky texture.
Bone broth is packed with collagen, glycine, and amino acids, which are often said to support gut health and reduce inflammation. Some people recommend drinking about 8 ounces a day for those benefits. While I’m not a doctor and can’t make medical claims, I can say this—drinking it daily makes me feel amazing, warm, and nourished. And honestly, it’s so much more delicious (and budget-friendly) when you make it yourself instead of buying it at the store.
Storing Instructions
- Fridge: Store in jars or containers up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Cool slightly, then pour into ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer bag and store up to 1 year.
- You can also freeze in 1-cup portions for easy use. Avoid freezing the whole batch unless you plan to thaw it all at once.
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Did you make this Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth? Rate the recipe and leave me a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken bones (recommend a whole chicken carcass) (see notes)
- 1 large onion quartered
- 2 carrots cut in half
- 2 stalks celery cut in half
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in the Instant Pot. Add water to cover the bones, plus 2-3" if room in the Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 3 hours. Use the quick release to release the pressure.
Expert Tips:
- If you're in a hurry, you can cook for just 2 hours, I just prefer 3 to get a little extra richness from the broth;
- A total of 2 lbs. of chicken bones/carcass is recommended for the best flavor.
- Any chicken bones will work for this chicken bone broth recipe. I typically save the carcass from a chicken I've roasted, and I also save the bones from any recipe where I use bone-in chicken (i.e. legs, thighs, wings, etc.).
- I use a 6 quart Instant Pot for this recipe. For an 8 quart Instant Pot, you may want to add another ½ lbs. of bones, or add less water.
- You can also add whatever vegetables you'd like to enhance the flavor of the broth.
- Note that I do not add salt to this bone broth recipe. When I use this chicken bone broth in other recipes, I like to adjust the salt as necessary for specific recipes. If you are drinking it straight, you will want to salt it to taste, otherwise it will taste bland. I don't recommend adding salt during the cooking process as the salt concentration becomes very high.
- To freeze: Let the broth cool slightly and pour into ice cube trays. Place in the freezer. Once frozen, place ice cubes in large freezer bags. This enables you to use smaller amounts of the bone broth. You can also freeze in 1 cup containers, or just freeze the whole batch in a freezer safe container if desired.
Nutrition
Becca Talbot says
This recipe sounds delicious - and so easy to follow too! I may have to give this a try 🙂 x
Danielle says
Thanks so much Becca! I hope you decide to try it 🙂
April says
I love fighting cold with bone broth in my hands. Feeling its warmness and comfort is just sensational! Great recipe to save for the cold nights!
Danielle says
Thanks April! It's the best for those "not feeling so great" days.
Linda says
I love a good chicken broth like this! And I'm also new to Instant Pot so thanks for making it so clear and easy to follow.
Danielle says
You're welcome! I hope you get the chance to make this Linda.
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
Bone broth is such a great and wholesome option to sip or use in cooking. I can't wait to try an IP version.
Danielle says
It totally is!
Jori says
That's an amazing cut down of time! 12 hours to 2??? I really need to get an instapot.
Danielle says
Totally! That's the best part about the Instant Pot 🙂
Jacqueline Debono says
I'm a big homemade broth fan, especially in the winter. I make either chicken or beef bone broth almost every week! It's fabulous in stews and pasta sauce too!
Danielle says
It's so versatile. That's what I love about it!
Candiss says
I always forget that the instant pot is perfect for stocks and bone broth. I have a few chicken carcases in my freezer that I will have to try this out with!
Danielle says
Makes it so quick and easy - I just love it for this.
Lathiya says
I’m glad how instapot has made our life better...the chicken broth looks awesome and thank you for sharing the wonderful tips
Danielle says
Instant Pot is so awesome! You're welcome Lathiya!
Jeannette (Jay Joy) says
This Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth is so useful, thank you. My best friend showed me years ago and need to get back to making it, now in my instant pot. It can be used for SO many recipes. Note: Don't forget to freeze what you don't use!
Danielle says
The Instant Pot makes it doable so you don't have to simmer it for hours and hours. I love to freeze it in ice cubes to use small amounts at a time 🙂
Amanda says
I love that you can make such a flavorful broth in your Instant Pot! That's so convenient. I'm definitely giving this a try over the winter months.
Danielle says
The Instant Pot makes is SO EASY! It's become one of my favorite things to do except I have no more room to store broth LOL!
Carmen Berry says
Wow if this isn't a reason to purchase an instant pot, I don't know what is! I need to jump on the bandwagon, this looks so simple to make!
Danielle says
The Instant Pot is seriously the best thing ever! I love it.
Erica D Ardali says
I think I am the only woman in the world that hasn't purcahsed an instant pot yet. I am really tempted to get one.
Danielle says
LOL - I absolutely love mine!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Your bone broth is gorgeous! Homemade always trumps store bought for sure. We have loads of whole chickens over the winter so will have to save the bones for a good bone broth. We love our instant pot too. Game changer for sure! Just pinned!
Danielle says
Definitely try this! I am just in love with bone broth. Thanks so much 🙂
Lisa says
This recipe couldn't have come at a better time! I'm battling a bad cold and need some of this chicken bone broth!
Danielle says
Perfect! I hope it helps you feel better 🙂
Stine Mari says
I've been thinking about making my own bone broth for a long time now, and you've convinced me to go for it. How simple is that! I don't have an instant pot though, so I will have to make it the old-fashioned way, but the flavorings sounds on point!
Danielle says
Old fashioned way works as well, however you'll need to go it for many more hours if doing it on the stovetop. Thanks Stine!
Ingrid says
I have always loved Bone Broth but I never did it in a crock pot. I looks delicious. I never knew bone broth had all those health benefits.
Danielle says
It's got a lot of benefits, plus super easy to make in the instant pot!