Introduction
Making flavorful stock at home is a rewarding endeavor that enhances many dishes. Using simple, wholesome ingredients, you can create a rich chicken stock that serves as a perfect base for soups, sauces, and gravies. This easy recipe for chicken wing stock in an Instant Pot® highlights the natural flavors of chicken and vegetables, providing a comforting depth to your culinary creations.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 pounds chicken wings
1 large carrot, peeled and halved
2 celery ribs, halved
1 large onion, quartered
1 head garlic, halved crosswise
5 sprigs fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
¾ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (including natural pressure release)
Yield: Approximately 10 cups of stock
Instructions
1. Place chicken wings, carrot, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt into a 6-quart Instant Pot®.
2. Add water up to the max fill line, approximately 10 cups.
3. Select the manual setting; adjust pressure to high, and set the time for 45 minutes.
4. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally, which takes about 20-30 minutes.
5. Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids.
6. Skim any remaining fat from the surface and discard.
7. Let the stock cool completely.
8. Divide the stock into airtight containers.
9. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy homemade chicken stock at your convenience, elevating your meals to a whole new level of flavor!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Place the chicken wings, halved carrot, halved celery ribs, quartered onion, halved garlic, fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaf, whole black peppercorns, and kosher salt into a 6-quart Instant Pot®.
Step 2: Add Water
Pour water into the pot up to the max fill line, which is approximately 10 cups.
Step 3: Set the Cooking Program
Select the manual setting on the Instant Pot®, adjust the pressure to high, and set the cooking time for 45 minutes.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. This should take about 20-30 minutes.
Step 5: Strain the Stock
Carefully strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding all solid ingredients.
Step 6: Skim the Fat
Use a spoon to skim any remaining fat from the surface of the stock and discard it.
Step 7: Cool the Stock
Allow the stock to cool completely at room temperature.
Step 8: Portion the Stock
Divide the cooled stock into airtight containers for storage.
Step 9: Store the Stock
Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Notes
Storage Tip
Ensure that the containers are sealed properly to maintain freshness in the refrigerator or freezer.
Flavor Note
This stock can be used as a flavorful base for soups, sauces, and other recipes that require chicken broth.
Ingredient Variation
Feel free to customize the vegetables or herbs based on availability or personal preference for different flavor profiles.
Cook techniques
Using an Instant Pot
The Instant Pot allows for efficient cooking under high pressure, which helps to extract maximum flavor from the chicken wings and vegetables, creating a rich stock in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Pressure Cooking
Adjusting the pressure to high ensures that the ingredients cook thoroughly and infuse their flavors rapidly. Cooking for 45 minutes under pressure is ideal for breaking down the chicken and extracting gelatin, resulting in a flavorful broth.
Natural Pressure Release
Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 20-30 minutes helps avoid overcooking the ingredients and ensures that the stock remains clear rather than cloudy.
Straining the Stock
Using a fine-mesh sieve when straining the stock ensures a smooth texture, free from any solids that could disrupt the clarity and richness of the final product.
Skimming Fat
Once the stock has cooled, skimming off any fat from the surface is essential to achieve a leaner stock. This step enhances the flavor and keeps the stock from being overly greasy.
Storage Techniques
Dividing the stock into airtight containers allows for easy refrigeration or freezing. Proper storage ensures that the stock remains fresh and is readily available for future use.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as it may take longer to reach pressure.
What should I do with the stock after it cools?
After cooling, you can use the stock as a base for soups, sauces, or gravies. It can also be added to recipes that call for chicken broth for added flavor.
How long can I store the stock in the refrigerator?
The stock can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Can I freeze the stock? If so, for how long?
Yes, you can freeze the stock for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion as the stock freezes.
What can I do with the vegetables and solids after straining the stock?
While the vegetables and solids are typically discarded, you can compost them or use them as animal feed if suitable. They will have lost most of their flavor and nutrients.
Conclusion
Preparing homemade stock from chicken wings not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also provides a nutritious base for soups, stews, and sauces. By using simple, wholesome ingredients, this stock can be a staple in your cooking, allowing for creative culinary endeavors while reducing food waste.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Noodle Soup
Use the stock as a flavorful base for a comforting chicken noodle soup by adding egg noodles, shredded chicken, and your choice of vegetables.
Risotto
Incorporate the chicken stock into a creamy risotto, substituting it for water or broth, and adding your favorite herbs and vegetables.
Curry Sauce
Create a delicious curry sauce by simmering the stock with coconut milk, curry paste, and vegetables, perfect for serving over rice.
Vegetable Stew
Make a hearty vegetable stew using the stock as the foundation, adding seasonal vegetables and legumes for a nutritious meal.
Gravy
Use the chicken stock to prepare a rich gravy to accompany roasted meats and mashed potatoes, infusing it with additional herbs and spices for depth of flavor.
