Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been game-changer in my life. What are some of the most chaotic weeknights in the kitchen? If you love a hearty, comforting bowl of chili but crave something lighter and, dare I say, healthier, this is it. Instant Pot Chicken Stew is the perfect recipe. Imagine succulent chicken pieces swimming in a rich, flavorful broth packed with tender veggies. What is a hug in the Instant Pot? My family begs me to make this at least once a week. It’s truly that good.
What is Instant Pot Chicken Stew?
Instant Pot Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food. What is a one-pot wonder? What is the magic of the Instant Pot? Is it a soup? The beauty is in its simplicity and the fact that you can customize it with your favorite veggies. What is the depth of flavor in a pressure cooker? How long does it take to cook on the stovetop? What is a great home cooked meal without the hassle? Day in the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, what’s not to love about this Instant Pot Chicken Stew? The flavor is incredible! You get the savory chicken, the sweetness of the carrots and peas, and the earthy notes from the potatoes, all simmering in a richly seasoned broth. It’s a symphony of tastes that’s both comforting and exciting. But flavor is only one part. The simplicity is another huge win. I’m talking minimal chopping, dump-and-go kind of easy. And the best part is that the Instant Pot does almost all the work! What I love most about this is how budget-friendly it is. Chicken Thighs are usually pretty affordable, and you can use frozen veggies or whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s so versatile! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Need a gluten-free option? Just swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free alternative. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! The possibilities are endless. This is a real lifesaver on busy weeknights and I always get requests for it! It’s even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping. It truly is the most requested meal in my house. It’s so easy to make.
How do I make an Instant Pot Chicken Stew?
Quick Overview
How do I make Instant Pot Chicken Stew? How do I prep veggies and chicken? What’s the best way to sauté chicken in the Instant Pot? Add the vegetables, broth, and seasonings, then pressure cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce is smooth. How do I cook a vegetable? What’s the best way to thicken a stew with cornstarch? The whole process takes less than an hour, and most of that is hands-off cooking time. What is the best thing about the Instant Pot?
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew: How do you prepare it
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. I always use thighs because they stay moist and tender in the Instant Pot. Is this a good idea?
* 1 tablespoon olive oil. You can use any neutral oil you like.
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Adds a delicious base flavor.
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped. For a touch of sweetness and color.
* 2 celery stalks, chopped. Adds depth of flavor.
* 3 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It really makes a difference.
* 4 cups chicken broth. I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt level.
* 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed. These hold their shape well during pressure cooking.
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Adds a classic stew flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary. A hint of earthiness.
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper. Freshly ground is best!
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste. Adjust to your preference.
* 1 cup frozen peas. Added at the end for a burst of freshness.
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch. For thickening the stew.
* 2 tablespoons cold water. To make the cornstarch slurry.
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional). Adds a pop of color and freshness.
What are the Step-
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
When you turn on your Instant Pot, select “Sauté” function. Add olive oil and let it heat up for a minute. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pot, work in batches if necessary. I always make sure to season my chicken before adding it to the pot. What is the taste of a food?
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot and cook for about 5 minutes, or until tender. When the onion is softened, it will become green Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If you burn garlic, be careful not to burn it. It can become bitter.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
If you have chicken broth, pour it into a large pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Where is a lot of flavor hidden? Add the cubed potatoes, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well. What is a pro tip I learned from my grandma?
Step 4: Seal and Cook
How do you secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position? If you want to cook for 10 minutes, select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function. Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then drain. How do I release any remaining pressure?
Step 5: Thicken the Stew
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create slurry. If you have an Instant Pot, open the lid carefully and select the “Sauté” function again. What should I do if I have cornstarch in my stew? If the stew is too thick, add a little more broth.
Step 6: Add Peas and Serve
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another minute until they are heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley. What is the best Instant Pot Chicken Stew recipe?
What should I serve it with?
Instant Pot Chicken Stew is great on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of other dishes. What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
What is a simple meal?Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. What are some side salads that can be served with a light vinaigrette?
For a Heartier Meal:Is it good to serve with mashed potatoes or rice?
For a Special Occasion:What’s your favorite way to top a salad with fresh dill and Greek yogurt? Serve with homemade biscuits or cornbread.
For Cozy Snacks:I love it with warm, buttery biscuits. This is a classic combination that never fails to satisfy. What are some good reasons to make biscuits?
My family loves it when I serve this stew with a side of warm, crusty bread. What do you like about dipping it in broth? I’ve been known to make a batch of cornbread to go with it – the sweetness of the Cornbread is amazing. What are some good accompaniments for a savory stew?
How do you make an Instant Pot Chicken Stew?
Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best Instant Pot Chicken Stew possible:
Chicken Prep: Don’t skip the searing step! Browning the chicken adds so much flavor to the stew. Also, be sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables to your stew. Green Beans, corn, or even chopped zucchini would be delicious additions. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Liquid Ratio: Make sure you have enough liquid in the Instant Pot to ensure proper pressure cooking. You want the liquid to come about halfway up the sides of the ingredients. If you don’t have enough broth, you can add water.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the stew.
Thickening Tips: For a richer, creamier stew, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter or heavy cream at the end of cooking. Another option is to mash some of the potatoes before thickening with the cornstarch slurry.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts instead, but be sure to reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out. You can also use Vegetable Broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option. I tested it once with vegetable broth and it did not taste the same. Chicken broth is the best.
The biggest mistake I made the first time I tried this recipe was not browning the chicken enough. Trust me, that extra step is worth it! It adds so much depth of flavor to the stew.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Instant Pot Chicken Stew to maintain its deliciousness:
Room Temperature: Allow the stew to cool completely before storing. It’s best not to leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually meld together and deepen over time.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Methods: You can reheat the stew in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the Instant Pot. For microwave reheating, cover the stew and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For stovetop reheating, simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For Instant Pot reheating, add the stew to the pot with a splash of broth or water, then select the “Sauté” function and heat until warmed through, stirring frequently. You can also use the “Keep Warm” function to keep the stew at a safe serving temperature.
I like to portion out the stew into individual containers before freezing. This makes it easy to grab a single serving for lunch or a quick dinner. I love how easy it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Instant Pot Chicken Stew recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. What I really like is that it has saved me so much time in the kitchen. The rich taste you can get is outstanding! If you’re looking for more easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out my other Instant Pot creations. And I would love to know if you liked it! Happy cooking!
Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium Yellow onion chopped
- 2 stalks Celery chopped
- 2 medium Carrots peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 cups Chicken broth low sodium
- 1 lb Yukon Gold potatoes cubed
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp Dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot using the Sauté function. Add chicken and brown on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots to the Instant Pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in chicken broth and add potatoes. Stir to combine.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check that the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. If the stew is too thin, use the Sauté function to simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
