Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this incredibly flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Stew recipe. Imagine a rich, hearty chicken dinner, brimming with tender chicken, wholesome potatoes, and an abundance of vibrant vegetables, all coming together in your electric pressure cooker in a mere 25 minutes! This recipe promises a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day, but is perfect for busy weeknights.
The magic of the Instant Pot transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, allowing you to create this delicious, stick-to-your-ribs stew in a fraction of the time traditional methods require. Forget hours of simmering; with your trusty pressure cooker, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked chicken and tender vegetables bursting with savory goodness. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave wholesome, flavorful sustenance.
Despite its remarkably short cooking time, this chicken stew is anything but lacking in depth. Each spoonful delivers a burst of well-developed flavors, and the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender, absorbing all the aromatic spices and savory liquids. Beyond its incredible taste, this dinner is a nutritional powerhouse. Crafted with lean boneless, skinless chicken breast, fiber-rich potatoes, and a colorful assortment of vegetables, it’s a balanced meal you can feel good about serving your family.
There’s truly nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a generously sized bowl of perfectly cooked stew. If you’re a fan of hearty, warming meals, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful stew recipes. For those who appreciate diverse flavors, consider trying my Cabbage and Sausage Stew, or for a different texture, my classic Slow Cooker Chicken Stew. And for a robust, beef-based option, the Healthier Slow Cooker Beef Stew is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why Choose the Instant Pot for Your Chicken Stew?
The Instant Pot isn’t just a kitchen gadget; it’s a game-changer, especially when it comes to preparing stews. Its ability to cook under pressure significantly reduces cooking times, meaning you can have a deeply flavored stew on the table in minutes, not hours. This is particularly beneficial for chicken, which can sometimes become dry when cooked for too long. The Instant Pot ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender.
Beyond speed, the Instant Pot excels at infusing flavors. The high-pressure environment forces liquids and seasonings deep into the ingredients, resulting in a stew where every component is saturated with deliciousness. It’s also a one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup – a definite win on busy evenings. Plus, the consistent results mean you can rely on this recipe to deliver a perfect stew every time, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Chicken Stew begins with selecting high-quality ingredients that work in harmony to build a rich flavor profile and comforting texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: For this recipe, we opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast due to its lean nature and quick cooking time. It provides a healthy protein source that absorbs the stew’s flavors beautifully. However, if you prefer a richer flavor and slightly more forgiving texture, feel free to substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Both options yield incredibly tender results in the pressure cooker.
- Baby Potatoes: The choice of potato is crucial for stew. Waxy potatoes, like baby potatoes, red potatoes, or Yukon Golds, are ideal because their lower starch content helps them hold their shape and prevents them from becoming mushy during pressure cooking. Their thin skins also mean less peeling, saving precious prep time. If using larger potatoes, simply cut them into uniform 1-2 inch pieces to ensure even cooking alongside the other vegetables.
- Carrots: A classic stew ingredient, carrots add a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and essential nutrients. You can either slice larger carrots into 2-inch pieces or use convenient baby carrots. Ensure they are cut to a similar size as your potatoes for uniform tenderness.
- Onion: White onions are our go-to for their balanced flavor, which mellows beautifully during cooking. Yellow or red onions can also be used, depending on your preference. Be sure to chop the onion finely enough to disperse flavor but not so tiny that it disappears entirely under pressure. It provides a foundational aromatic base for the stew.
- Tomato Sauce: A plain or Italian-flavored tomato sauce adds a subtle acidity and a touch of body to the stew, enhancing its savory depth. It contributes to the rich, reddish hue and complements the other vegetables perfectly. For those following specific dietary plans like Whole30, ensure you choose a sugar-free variety.
- Chicken Stock or Broth: This forms the liquid base of our stew, infusing it with flavor and ensuring everything cooks properly. Using low-sodium chicken stock or broth allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish, seasoning to your taste.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used for sautéing the aromatics, building the initial layers of flavor. Its fruity notes complement the other ingredients. If you need an alternative, any neutral-flavored unsaturated fat, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, will work well.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos: These ingredients are secret weapons for umami depth. Low-sodium soy sauce provides a savory, salty kick. For a gluten-free option, coconut aminos is an excellent substitute, offering a similar savory flavor profile with a touch of sweetness.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is indispensable for building a robust flavor base. Its pungent aroma transforms into a sweet, nutty essence as it sautés, perfectly complementing the onion.
- Dried Italian Seasoning & Onion Powder: These dry seasonings are crucial for imparting classic stew flavors. Italian seasoning typically includes oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, providing a complex herbal note. Onion powder amplifies the savory onion flavor without adding extra moisture.
- Ground Black Pepper & Fine Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning, these elevate all the other flavors. Season gradually and taste before serving, adjusting as needed.
- Fresh Chopped Parsley or Chives (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end adds brightness, color, and a fresh aromatic finish, elevating the presentation and taste of your stew.
How to Master Instant Pot Chicken Stew: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this hearty chicken stew in your Instant Pot is surprisingly simple, yet the results are incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfect, flavorful meal:
- Sauté Aromatics: Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Allow the pot to heat thoroughly for a few minutes until it indicates “Hot” on the display (or when you see wisps of steam). Add the olive oil, then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the onions become soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This crucial step builds the foundational flavor of your stew.
- Brown Chicken & Add Liquids: Once the aromatics are softened, add the cubed chicken breast to the pot. Stir and cook for another 3-5 minutes, just until the chicken is lightly seared on the outside. You don’t need to cook it through, as the pressure cooking will handle that. Next, pour in the low sodium chicken broth, tomato sauce, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), Italian seasoning, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together gently to combine, ensuring no bits are stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is important to prevent a “burn” notice during pressure cooking.
- Layer in Vegetables: Carefully add the carrots and potatoes. The trick here is to gently place them on top of the chicken and liquid mixture, rather than stirring them in completely. This layering technique helps prevent the vegetables, especially the potatoes, from becoming overly soggy or breaking down too much during the pressure cooking process. They will still cook perfectly tender, but retain their shape better.
- Pressure Cook: Turn off the sauté mode by pressing the “Cancel” or “Off” button. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place. Rotate the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function, and set the cooking time to 6 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take some time to build pressure, which can vary depending on the temperature of your ingredients and the amount of liquid. Since the pot is already hot from sautéing, it should come to pressure relatively quickly.
- Release Pressure & Serve: Once the 6-minute cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes (NPR 5). This means you do nothing; simply let the Instant Pot sit undisturbed. After 5 minutes, carefully switch the steam release valve to the “Venting” position for a quick release (QR) of any remaining pressure. Once the floating pin drops, it’s safe to open the lid. Give the stew a final gentle stir, ladle it into bowls, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired. Your rich and flavorful Instant Pot chicken stew is now ready to be savored!
Expert Tips for a Perfect Stew
Chicken Preparation: For a different texture, instead of cubing the chicken, you can add entire boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the Instant Pot. Once cooked, carefully remove them, shred them using two forks (they’ll be incredibly tender!), and then stir the shredded chicken back into the stew. This method creates a lovely, pulled-chicken consistency that’s wonderful for soaking up the broth.
Uniform Cutting for Even Cooking: The key to perfectly cooked stew is uniform ingredient size. Ensure all your vegetables—potatoes, carrots, and even the chicken—are cut into approximately 1 to 2-inch, bite-sized chunks. This allows them to cook evenly within the short pressure cooking time. If you have larger baby potatoes, it’s best to halve or quarter them. Uneven pieces can lead to some vegetables being undercooked while others become overcooked.
Adding a Kick of Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, don’t hesitate to add some heat to this chicken stew. A finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the other seasonings can provide a delightful warmth and complexity. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred level of spiciness.
Deglazing the Pot: After sautéing the onions, garlic, and chicken, always ensure you scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot liner with a wooden spoon and a splash of broth. This process, known as deglazing, is crucial for preventing the dreaded “burn” message and ensures all those flavorful bits are incorporated into your stew.
To Thicken Your Stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you have a couple of options. After pressure cooking, you can remove about ½ cup of the liquid, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to create a slurry, then stir it back into the hot stew while the Instant Pot is on “Sauté” mode until it thickens. Alternatively, for a creamier stew, you can mash a few of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a meal in itself, but it truly shines when paired with simple accompaniments. Serve it piping hot with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of the savory broth. For an even more filling meal, consider serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even egg noodles. A fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stew.
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! You can easily add more vegetables like celery, green beans, peas, or corn during the final minutes of cooking (after the pressure release, on sauté mode) to boost their fresh texture and color. For an herbier stew, toss in a bay leaf during pressure cooking and remove it before serving, or add fresh rosemary and thyme alongside the parsley. If you enjoy a touch of creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.
Looking for more amazing and quick chicken recipes for your Instant Pot? Dive into some of my other highly-rated favorites, including the vibrant Instant Pot Mediterranean Chicken Recipe, the versatile Instant Pot Chicken Breast Recipe for any occasion, and the comforting Instant Pot Southwest Chicken Soup.
Print Recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Stew
Video
A video demonstration of this recipe will be available soon!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ cup white onion chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts 1/2 inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or low sodium soy sauce
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup tomato sauce sugar-free for Whole30
- 2 large carrots chopped
- 2 cups baby potatoes cut in half
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or chives optional
Instructions
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Preheat your Instant Pot using the SAUTE function on the display panel. Add olive oil, onion and garlic. Stir every couple minutes until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Add chicken breast and cook for about 5 minutes. Add dried Italian seasoning, onion powder, fine sea salt, ground black pepper, coconut aminos, low sodium chicken broth and tomato sauce.
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Give everything a stir and then add carrot and potatoes. It’s better to leave the veggies on top of the chicken liquid, so they don’t get soggy.
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Place the lid on the pot and make sure the pressure valve is in the sealing position. On the display panel, press the cancel/off button. Then select the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK button and use the +/- buttons until the display says 6 minutes.
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When time is up, naturally release for 5 minutes before switching the pressure valve to the venting position. Open the lid and serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- To store: Store leftover chicken stew in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- To reheat: You can reheat the stew in the Instant Pot, microwave, or stovetop.
- To freeze: The cooked vegetables will become mushy so I don’t recommend freezing them. However, you can freeze everything before cooking then thaw it before cooking for an easy prepped meal for another day.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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