How to make chicken stock in an instant pot? Unmissable Guidelines

By Avi Green October 10, 2023

Every barbecue enthusiast knows that a good stock can make all the difference in your dishes. Whether youre preparing a hearty stew or a succulent marinade, having a delicious homemade chicken stock can elevate your barbecue experience to a whole new level. So, how do you achieve this?

The answer lies in learning how to make chicken stock in an Instant Pot. With its remarkable capability to retain flavors and speed up the cooking process, the Instant Pot is truly a barbecue enthusiasts best friend. Let's dive into the extensive process from start to finish.

Why You Should Use an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is not just any kitchen appliance, its a life-changing tool for any barbecue lover. Here are some reasons why it is a preferred choice:

Speed: It cooks everything in less time than traditional methods.
Flavor: It seals in the flavors, making the broth richer and more robust.
Ease of Use: Its user-friendly, ideal for both beginners and professionals.
Versatility: Beyond chicken stock, you can use it for various recipes from soups to braised meats.

Preparing Your Ingredients

The first step in making an unmissable chicken stock is gathering fresh and high-quality ingredients. Heres what you need:

Primary Ingredients

2-3 pounds of chicken bones (preferably a mix of neck, back, and feet for extra gelatin)
2 medium-sized onions, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 bunch of fresh parsley
1-2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional but helps break down the bones)
Water to cover

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Stock

Step 1: Searing the Bones

Using the Saut function on your Instant Pot, add a small amount of oil and sear your chicken bones until they are golden brown. This step is crucial for adding depth and richness to your stock.

Step 2: Adding Vegetables and Aromatics

Once your bones are browned, add in your chopped vegetables and smashed garlic cloves. Continue to saut for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.

Step 3: Deglazing the Pot

Pour a cup of water or white wine into the pot to deglaze. Scrape off any brown bits that may have stuck to the bottom; these are flavor gold.

Step 4: Adding the Rest of the Ingredients

Add the parsley, bay leaves, peppercorns, and apple cider vinegar to the pot. Fill with enough water to cover all the ingredients, but not exceeding the Max Fill Line of your Instant Pot.

Step 5: Pressure Cooking

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook for 45 minutes. Ensure the valve is set to Sealing. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Straining and Storing

After the pressure has released, strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl. Discard the solids. Let the stock cool before transferring it to storage containers. It will last for up to a week in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Stock

Use a Mix of Bones: Different parts of the chicken contribute to the richness of the stock.
Blanch Bones: You can briefly blanch the bones in boiling water before searing to remove impurities.
Dont Overfill: Ensure that you do not fill the Instant Pot past the Max Fill Line.
Let It Release: For the best flavor, allow the pressure to naturally release post-cooking.

Applications of Chicken Stock in Barbecue

Chicken stock isnt just for soups; its a versatile ingredient for any barbecue enthusiast. Here are some applications:

Marinades

Use chicken stock as a base for your marinades to add a depth of flavor to your grilled meats.

Soups and Stews

Create a hearty base for your barbecue-inspired soups and stews by starting with a rich chicken stock.

Sauces

Enhance your barbecue sauces with a splash of homemade chicken stock to balance and enrich the flavors. Refer to this guide for creative barbecue recipes.