Mastering the Instant Pot: Effortless Whole Chicken & Rich Broth in Just 45 Minutes

Imagine serving a tender, juicy whole chicken and having nearly a half-gallon of nutrient-rich, homemade broth ready for your week’s meals – all accomplished in just 45 minutes using your Instant Pot. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary game-changer that promises to simplify your kitchen routine and elevate your home cooking. Forget spending hours simmering broth on the stove or wrestling with complicated poultry preparations. This incredibly simple method delivers maximum flavor and convenience, transforming weeknight dinners and meal prep with minimal effort.

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Unlock Culinary Efficiency with Your Instant Pot

For many busy home cooks, the Instant Pot has become an indispensable tool, revolutionizing how we approach everyday meals. This recipe for a whole chicken and broth truly showcases its power. Every week, I turn to my Instant Pot to prepare a whole chicken, destined for various meals throughout the upcoming days. Historically, my intentions to make chicken broth from the bones were always good, but the reality was often different. I’d forget, or it would be too late in the day, and the task would be postponed indefinitely. The idea of simmering bones for hours felt like another chore. But what if there was a way to accomplish both simultaneously?

The Genius of Dual-Purpose Cooking: Chicken & Broth Together

When you cook a whole chicken in the Instant Pot, you naturally add water, and the chicken itself releases delicious juices. This process inherently yields several cups of flavorful chicken liquid. One day, a lightbulb moment struck: why not intentionally enhance this byproduct to create a proper, nourishing broth while the chicken cooks? This “killing two birds with one stone” approach (pun absolutely intended!) transforms a simple chicken preparation into a highly efficient, dual-purpose cooking session. You get perfectly cooked chicken for your meals and a substantial amount of homemade broth with virtually no extra effort or time.

Homemade Broth: Quick, Easy, and Versatile

While this Instant Pot chicken broth may not boast the profound richness of a broth that has slowly simmered on the stove all day, its convenience and delightful flavor make it an absolute winner for everyday culinary needs. It’s perfectly suited for a wide array of uses: from crafting comforting soups and hearty stews to serving as a flavorful base for gravies, risottos, or even cooking grains like quinoa or rice. To achieve this wonderful broth, simply add extra water, a medley of seasonings, and classic aromatics such as an onion, celery, and carrots. Don’t hesitate to toss in any leftover veggie stems or fresh herbs you have on hand – they’ll only enhance the flavor profile. For quick and healthy weeknight dinners, especially simple soups, this broth is truly indispensable.

My Daughter’s Unconditional Love for Homemade Soup

I often find that the simplest meals are the most cherished, and in our household, soup holds a special place, particularly for my two-year-old daughter. She absolutely adores soup – or, more accurately, the nourishing broth it contains. Her requests for soup multiple times a week are a testament to its comforting appeal. If you offer August a choice for lunch, nine out of ten times, her enthusiastic reply will be “soup!” Just yesterday, before my grocery run, I asked her what she’d like me to pick up from the store. While most children might dream of cookies, candy, or other sweet treats, my daughter, with her discerning palate, requested soup, broccoli, and biscuits. This simple preference speaks volumes about the wholesome goodness we create in our kitchen, making this Instant Pot chicken and broth recipe an even greater blessing for our family.

When we don’t have leftover soup, whipping up a fresh batch is incredibly easy and quick. I combine this homemade broth with shredded leftover chicken, a handful of frozen mixed vegetables, a sprinkle of seasonings and salt, and if available, a scoop of frozen rice. It’s a complete, wholesome, and satisfying meal that comes together in mere minutes, perfect for busy evenings or impromptu cravings.

How To Make A Whole Chicken And Broth In 45 Minutes

Step-by-Step Guide for Your Instant Pot Whole Chicken and Broth

1. Start by placing your whole chicken into the Instant Pot. Remember to remove any giblets or neck from the cavity first.

2. Surround the chicken with your choice of aromatics: a chopped carrot, a sliced onion, several garlic cloves, and a few celery stalks. Feel free to add any other herbs or vegetable scraps you have on hand for extra flavor. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility!

3. Season generously. Sprinkle with a good amount of salt and pepper, and add a few bay leaves. Don’t be shy with the salt; it helps draw out the chicken’s flavors and season the broth.

4. Pour in 4-6 cups of water. Ensure the Instant Pot is filled to about 1/2 to 3/4 of its capacity, being careful not to exceed the “Max Fill” line.

5. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the venting knob is set to the “Sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 21-22 minutes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken (e.g., a larger chicken might benefit from 23-25 minutes).

6. Once the cooking cycle is complete and the timer beeps, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. This crucial step helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.

7. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the venting knob to “Venting” to quick-release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, you can safely open the lid. Gently remove the cooked chicken and transfer it to a cutting board or platter to rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more flavorful and moist chicken. Be cautious, as the chicken will be very hot!

8. While the chicken rests, strain the flavorful broth through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-proof glass container. I find a half-gallon mason jar perfect for this purpose. Store the homemade broth in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.

Creative Ways to Utilize Your Instant Pot Chicken & Broth

Now that you have a beautifully cooked whole chicken and a rich batch of homemade broth, the culinary possibilities are endless! The shredded chicken can be used in countless ways, much like a store-bought rotisserie chicken, but with the added satisfaction of being homemade and healthier. Think beyond the basic; this chicken is your canvas for quick, delicious meals throughout the week:

• **BBQ Chicken Sandwiches:** Shred the chicken, mix with your favorite BBQ sauce, and serve on buns.
• **Healthy Salads:** Toss the shredded chicken into green salads, Cobb salads, or chicken salad sandwiches.
• **Quick Soups & Stews:** The broth is perfect for building new soups, and the chicken adds substance.
• **Tacos, Burritos, or Enchiladas:** Season the shredded chicken with taco seasoning for a versatile filling.
• **Chicken & Rice:** Combine with rice and vegetables for a comforting one-bowl meal.
• **Stir-fries:** Add to a quick stir-fry for a lean protein boost.
• **Pasta Dishes:** Mix into pasta with a light sauce and fresh vegetables.
• **Quesadillas or Wraps:** A simple and delicious option for lunch or a light dinner.

This method truly transforms meal planning, offering convenience and healthy options with minimal fuss.