Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Name: Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces); 1 cup chopped onion; 2 cups diced carrots; 2 cups diced potatoes; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper

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What’s a game changer in my kitchen lately? Instant Pot Chicken Stew. Imagine the comforting flavors of a classic chicken stew, the kind your grandma used to make. Is it possible to get ready in a fraction of the time? What are the best ingredients for a chicken broth? From the inside out. Is it like chicken noodle soup? I’ve been making it for years, tweaking it here and there, and this version is my absolute favorite. Is it incredibly easy to throw together a quick meal? What a delicious meal. This one’s going to become a family favorite.

What is Instant Pot Chicken Stew?

Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a simplified, sped-up version of the classic stovetop chicken. What is essentially a hearty, comforting soup packed with chicken, vegetables, and flavorful broth? What can I cook in the Instant Pot? What is the magic of an Instant Pot? What are some of the best vegetables to eat in record time? What is chicken stewed in an Instant Pot? I’ve become a staple in my home because it’s so versatile and can be easily adapted to whatever I want. I love this spice. What vegetables do you have on hand? What is a good way to use up leftover chicken?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let me count the ways I love this Instant Pot Chicken Stew! First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. We’re talking savory chicken, sweet carrots, tender potatoes, and a rich, herby broth that’s just bursting with goodness. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible. The garlic, thyme, and bay leaf create a symphony of aromas that will have everyone clamoring for a bowl. But beyond the amazing taste, the simplicity of this recipe is what truly shines. You literally dump everything into the Instant Pot, set it, and forget it. Seriously, it’s almost effortless! It’s also a budget-friendly meal, especially if you use chicken thighs, which are often more affordable than chicken breasts. I often find myself making this because it’s an easy way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking. Add different vegetables, swap out the chicken for turkey, or even throw in some beans for extra protein. The possibilities are endless! I find that it is even better than the traditional crock pot chicken stew because it saves time!

How do I make Instant Pot Chicken Stew?

Quick Overview

How do I make Instant Pot Chicken Stew? What are some of the best ways to sauté onions and garlic in the Instant Pot? If you have chicken, you’ll add vegetables, broth, and seasonings. Then, add your chicken and vegetables Seal the Instant Pot and cook for a set amount of time. Once it’s done, let the pressure release naturally for a bit, then carefully release any remaining remaining pressure. What are some good ways to serve heavy cream or milk? Is it really that easy? What’s the best part about cooking stew? What is an Instant Pot? It does all the work for you.

Ingredients

For the Base:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil – This helps sauté the aromatics and adds richness to the stew. * 1 medium yellow onion, chopped – Provides a savory base flavor * 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor. * 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Lends an earthy and herbaceous note. * 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary – Adds a fragrant and slightly piney flavor. * 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle spice and depth.

For the Stew:
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces – Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay moist in the Instant Pot.
* 4 cups chicken broth – Provides the liquid base for the stew. I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt.
* 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed – These potatoes hold their shape well and add a creamy texture.
* 2 carrots, peeled and sliced – Adds sweetness and color to the stew.
* 2 celery stalks, chopped – Contributes a subtle celery flavor.
* 1 cup frozen peas – Adds a pop of sweetness and color. Add these at the end, if you add them at all. My kids don’t love them.
* 1 bay leaf – Infuses the stew with a subtle aromatic flavor (remember to remove it before serving!).

Optional Add-ins:
* 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk – Adds richness and creaminess to the broth.
* Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish and a burst of freshness.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Turn on your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Then, add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary and cook for another minute, until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth

Add the diced chicken thighs to the Instant Pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until lightly browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This will add extra flavor to the stew!

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Bay Leaf

Add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, celery, and bay leaf to the Instant Pot. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure.

Step 5: Release Pressure

Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure for 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by turning the valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the steam!

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Remove bay leaf from Instant Pot. Stir in the frozen peas (if using) and the heavy cream or milk. Let the stew sit for a few minutes to allow the peas to heat through and the sauce to thicken.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the Instant Pot Chicken Stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! I like to serve it with some crusty bread for dipping.

What should I serve it with?

Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a complete meal in itself, but it’s always nice to have some leftovers. What are the best accompaniments for a meal? What are some of my favorite things to serve with it?

Crusty Bread:What are some good ways to soak up the broth?

Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.

Biscuits or Cornbread: WhatWhat are some good comfort food recipes that complement stew perfectly?

Mashed PotatoesWhat are some good side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes? I like to swirl a little bit of stew into the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.

I like to serve this at Sunday dinner with my family. It’s the perfect comfort food after a long week. Everyone looks forward to it!

How do I make an Instant Pot Chicken Stew?

How do I make sure my Instant Pot Chicken Stew turns out perfect? What are some of my top tips?

Don’t overcrowd the pot: DoMake sure you don’t fill the Instant Pot more than two-thirds full. This will ensure that the stew cooks evenly and that pressure releases properly.

Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken:If you prefer, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for even more flavor. If you want to increase the cooking time just a few minutes, just be sure to add some water.

What is the best way to adjust theIf you want a thicker stew, you can add cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon corn starch mixed with 2 tablespoons water). How do I add cold water to an Instant Pot? Stir it in and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

How do I customize vegetables? Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like. Mushrooms, green beans, and turnips are all great additions. Just keep in mind that some vegetables may cook faster than others, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Add a Splash of Wine:For a richer, more complex flavor, add some dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio). After sautéing the aromatics, add the grigio to the Instant Pot. Let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly before adding the chicken and broth.

Don’t forget the acid: Acid is the mostA squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens up the flavors. Add a nice tang to the stew.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to do it:

Refrigerating: Let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the stew. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat the stew, you can either microwave it or heat it on the stovetop. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first. If you are running short on time, microwave on defrost setting for 20 min. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen it up. Cook until heated through.

If you’ve added cream or milk to the stew, it may separate slightly upon reheating. Simply stir it well to recombine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans for protein. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I use frozen chicken?

While it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for best results, you can cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Add about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

My stew is too watery. How can I thicken it?

There are several ways to thicken your stew. You can mash some of the potatoes with a fork to release their starch. You can also stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Another option is to remove some of the broth from the Instant Pot and simmer it in a saucepan until it reduces and thickens, then add it back to the stew.

Can I add noodles to this stew?

Yes, you can add noodles to this stew, but you’ll need to do it towards the end of the cooking time. Add about 1 cup of dried egg noodles or pasta to the Instant Pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir well to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

My Instant Pot is showing a “Burn” notice. What should I do?

The “Burn” notice usually indicates that there is not enough liquid in the Instant Pot or that food is stuck to the bottom. Release the pressure manually, remove the lid, and add more broth or water. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck food. Then, resume cooking.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: my go-to Instant Pot Chicken Stew recipe! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I love how versatile it is and how easily it can be customized to suit your taste. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that the whole family will love, this is it! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my other Instant Pot soup recipes, like Instant Pot Beef Stew or Instant Pot Tomato Soup. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you’ve tried this recipe and what variations you’ve made. And don’t forget to rate the recipe if you enjoyed it!

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