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If bone broth feels like a project like something you need 10 hours and a bunch of odd ingredients for. Let me introduce you to a easier version! I come back to this chicken bone broth recipe every single week.

It’s fast. It’s frugal. And it’s made in the Instant Pot with three simple ingredients.

Every time I make it, I end up with about 8 cups of nutrient dense broth and nearly 4 cups of juicy shredded chicken!

This is the kind of recipe that quietly supports your whole week!

It's comforting. It’s packed with protein. And it's so easy you’ll wonder why you ever bought broth in a box!

BONE BROTH ESSENTIALS

First time making broth?
You’ve got this! This recipe is forgiving, flexible, and designed for beginners. No need to be perfect. Just get the drumsticks and water in the pot and press go!

Yield: 8

Author: Kassandra

Easy Chicken Bone Broth

This simple Instant Pot bone broth is made with chicken drumsticks, salt, and water. It’s quick to prep and gives you a rich broth plus tender shredded chicken to use or freeze for later.

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 60 MinTotal time: 1 H & 15 M

Ingredients

10 to 12 chicken drumsticks (about 3½ to 4 pounds)
Filtered water to the max fill line
1 Tablespoon of Sea Salt
Optional Add-Ins
You’re welcome to toss in a bay leaf, onion, or any veggies you have on hand, but I usually skip them. I used to add a bay leaf and an onion every time, and I’ll still throw them in once in a while if I feel like it. But honestly, the broth turns out great without them. Totally up to you

Instructions

Add drumsticks and salt to your Instant Pot.
Optional: add a bay leaf or veggies if you'd like.
Pour in filtered water up to the max fill line.
Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes using the manual setting.
Let the pressure release naturally or use quick release.
Remove drumsticks with tongs and set aside to cool.
Place a strainer over a large bowl or pot.
Pour the broth through the strainer to remove any bits.
Let broth cool, then transfer to jars, containers, or silicone freezer molds.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze once chilled.
When the chicken is cool, pull off the meat and discard the skin, fat, and bones.
Watch for the small pin-like bone in each drumstick, called the fibula, and remove it before shredding.

Notes

This recipe is made in a 6 quart Instant Pot using 10 to 12 drumsticks. If you have an 8 quart, feel free to toss in a few extra. If you’re using a 3 quart, go with 5 to 6 drumsticks instead and fill to the max line. No need to be exact. A little more chicken gives you a richer broth, a little less keeps it lighter. Either way, it's going to be delicious!

Why This Bone Broth Works

This is not a fancy bone broth. This is a make it while your kitchen is still a little messy kind of broth. A toss it in and walk away kind of broth. And it works because

• It’s made in the Instant Pot so it’s fast and hands off
• It uses affordable chicken drumsticks which give you both broth and meat
• You only need three ingredients
• It freezes beautifully
• You’ll actually use it all week long

What to Do with the Shredded Chicken

Once you pull the meat off the drumsticks, you’ll be amazed how much you get. It’s juicy and tender and works beautifully in all kinds of quick meals. If you’re not ready to use it right away, just portion it into one-cup scoops and freeze it in little containers or bags.

Here are some of my favorite ways to use it

• Chicken salad
• Casseroles
• Enchiladas
• Chicken noodle soup
• Fried rice
• Chicken quesadillas
• Pasta or grain bowls

Basically anywhere you’d use rotisserie chicken!

What to Do with the Bone Broth

This broth is liquid gold! I try to always keep some in the fridge and some in the freezer so it’s ready whenever I need it. It’s a quiet little helper in the kitchen that makes everything more nourishing.

Here are a few simple ways to use it

• Sip it warm with a pinch of sea salt
• Cook rice or quinoa in it for extra protein
• Use as a base for ramen or any soup
• Add to mashed potatoes instead of milk
• Stir into sauces or gravies for extra richness
• Replace water in recipes when you want more flavor

Feeling under the weather?
A warm mug of bone broth can be such a comfort when you are feeling sick or just a little off. It helps rehydrate you and gives your body a gentle protein boost at the same time. I like to sip mine slowly with a little fruit on the side. It feels really soothing and easy on the stomach. Like something kind and nourishing you can actually keep down.

FAQs

Can I make this on the stove or in a slow cooker
I haven’t tested it outside the Instant Pot. That’s how I always make it and I really recommend sticking with it for ease and consistency.

Can I add veggies or herbs
Totally optional but not necessary. The broth has amazing flavor just with salt and chicken. But if you have leftover onion or celery or want to throw in a bay leaf it won’t hurt.

How long does it keep
In the fridge it lasts about 5 to 6 days. In the freezer the broth bricks last for months. Same with the chicken.

This Instant Pot bone broth is one of the simplest things I make and also one of the most nourishing.

Once you try it you’ll see how easy it is to turn one batch into multiple meals and stock your freezer with ingredients that make everything feel a little easier.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by bone broth or overwhelmed by the ten thousand ingredient versions out there just know you can absolutely keep it simple.

Chicken legs. Water. Salt. That’s it.

I hope you give it a try. Sending hugs and a big mug of broth your way!