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–+ servings

How To Make Chicken Broth (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)

Learn how to make chicken broth from leftover bones andveggie scraps! This easy homemade chicken broth is rich, flavorful and freezerfriendly, and you can make it in the Instant Pot, slow cooker or on thestovetop.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 3 Quartz
Author: Lexi

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. chicken bones*
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 handful parsley sprigs
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup roughly chopped leeks optional
  • 12 cups water*
  • Sea salt to taste

Instructions

How to Make it in the Instant Pot:

  • Add all ingredients to your pressure cooker.*
  • Cover and seal the
    . Using the manual timer, set the
    to high for 45 minutes. Note: it will take time to come up to pressure with all that water!
  • Once done, use natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Shut off pressure cooker. Carefully release any remaining steam and uncover.
  • Let the broth cool until it is easier to handle, and pour broth through a fine mesh strainer. You may want to strain twice!
  • Pour broth into storage containers and let cool completely before covering. Broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the broth is unused after 5 days bring it to a boil before using. You can also add salt here to taste, before storing, or add as using.

How to Make it in the Slow Cooker:

  • Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cover with just enough water to cover the vegetables and bones (this will vary depending on the size of your slow cooker).
  • Set it to low and cook for 8 to 10 hours.
  • Let the broth cool until it is easier to handle, and pour broth through a fine-mesh strainer. You may want to strain twice!
  • Pour broth into storage containers and let cool completely before covering. Broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the broth is unused after 5 days bring it to a boil before using. You can also add salt here to taste, before storing, or add as using.

How to Make it in on the Stove:

  • Combine all ingredients in a very large stock pot and cover with just enough water to cover the vegetables and bones (this will vary depending on the size of your slow cooker).
  • Bring it up to a boil over medium-high heat and then lower the heat to let the liquid simmer, continuing to cook, adding more water to keep the bones and veggies covered, for at least 2 hours. The longer you simmer the better.
  • Let the broth cool until it is easier to handle, and pour broth through a fine-mesh strainer. You may want to strain twice!
  • Pour broth into storage containers and let cool completely before covering. Broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If the broth is unused after 5 days bring it to a boil before using. You can also add salt here to taste, before storing, or add as using.

Notes

  • Bones: 2 lb. is roughly the carcasses from 3 whole chickens. I save them in the freezer until I have enough!
  • Water: This recipe is written for a 6-quart Instant Pot. If yours is smaller, halve the recipe.
  • Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Turkey stock: Swap the chicken bones for turkey bones.
  • Copy updated October 2026