Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Nothing beats a warm bowl of hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew, filled with tender chicken, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs. The Instant Pot effortlessly melds the flavors together, creating a rich, savory broth that’s deeply comforting. This dish is the perfect balance of nutritious and filling, making it ideal for chilly nights or meal prep. Serve it with crusty bread, a side salad, or enjoy it on its own. With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, this stew will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 3 medium carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, sliced

• 3 medium potatoes, diced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Directions:

1. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add a drizzle of oil, then sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3-4 minutes until softened.

2. Add the chicken pieces and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until lightly browned.

3. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, then add the diced potatoes.

4. Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.

5. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.

6. Stir in the frozen peas. If you prefer a thicker stew, mix the cornstarch slurry into the pot and stir until the stew thickens.

7. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Introduction

There is nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chicken stew to bring comfort and nourishment to your table. This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a game-changer, offering deep, slow-cooked flavors in a fraction of the time. Packed with protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this dish is the perfect blend of convenience, nutrition, and taste. If you’re looking for a one-pot meal that satisfies the entire family while saving you time in the kitchen, this Instant Pot Chicken Stew is your answer. Whether you’re a busy professional, a home cook who loves experimenting, or a parent needing a wholesome meal for the kids, this recipe will soon become a staple in your meal rotation.

The History and Cultural Significance of Chicken Stew

Chicken stew has been a beloved dish across cultures for centuries. In French cuisine, “coq au vin” is a slow-cooked chicken stew with wine and mushrooms. In the southern United States, chicken and dumplings is a popular comfort dish. In African and Caribbean cooking, stews like chicken peanut stew and brown stew chicken are common, featuring rich, bold flavors. The appeal of chicken stew lies in its versatility. It has been adapted over generations, using local ingredients and cooking methods, yet always retaining its core essence: a hearty, satisfying, and nourishing dish. The Instant Pot has revolutionized the way we prepare traditional stews, making it possible to achieve the same deep, developed flavors in significantly less time. This Instant Pot Chicken Stew brings together the best of tradition and modern convenience.

Why This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is the Best

Speed and Efficiency

• Traditional stews require hours of simmering to develop their signature rich flavors. The Instant Pot, with its pressure cooking capabilities, significantly reduces the cooking time while enhancing the depth of flavors. This recipe takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknights or last-minute meal prep.

Incredibly Flavorful and Well-Balanced

• The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a savory broth infused with herbs and spices creates a symphony of flavors. The use of Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste adds umami richness, while fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme bring a fragrant depth to the dish.

Nutritious and Wholesome

• This stew is packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, and essential vitamins and minerals. The broth is nourishing and hydrating, making it a great meal option during colder months or when you need a comforting boost.

Customizable to Dietary Preferences

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any flour or wheat-based thickeners.
• Low-Carb/Keto: For a lower-carb version, substitute the potatoes with cauliflower or turnips.
• Dairy-Free: The recipe does not require dairy, but for extra creaminess, you can add coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Vegetable Additions: You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or greens like spinach and kale for additional nutrients.

One-Pot Convenience

• Cooking everything in the Instant Pot means fewer dishes to wash. With the sauté function, you can brown the chicken and vegetables directly in the pot, then pressure cook everything to perfection.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

Chicken: A High-Quality Protein Source

• Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance, immune function, and overall health. Using chicken thighs in this recipe provides extra juiciness and richness, but you can also use chicken breast for a leaner option.

Carrots: Rich in Beta-Carotene and Antioxidants

• Carrots provide a natural sweetness to the stew and are high in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A supports vision, immune health, and skin integrity.

Celery: Anti-Inflammatory and Hydrating

• Celery is a great source of antioxidants and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It also adds a subtle depth of flavor to the broth.

Potatoes: Energy-Boosting Complex Carbohydrates

• Potatoes provide essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. They add heartiness to the stew, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Garlic and Onion: Immune-Boosting Superfoods

• Garlic and onions contain powerful compounds that support immune function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation reduction.

Tomato Paste: A Concentrated Source of Lycopene

• Tomato paste enhances the umami flavor of the stew while providing lycopene, an antioxidant known for its heart health benefits.

Herbs and Spices: Flavor with Health Benefits

• Thyme and rosemary add a fragrant aroma to the stew while also offering antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Black pepper enhances nutrient absorption.

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with various sides to elevate the meal:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Rice or Quinoa: A great option for extra texture and nutrients.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an extra comforting meal, serve the stew over creamy mashed potatoes.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the stew.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing:

• This stew freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Meal Prep Hack:

• Chop the vegetables and store them in airtight containers in the fridge a day in advance. You can also pre-measure the spices and seasonings to save time during cooking.

Common Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Stew

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

• Yes! Chicken breast works well, but thighs provide a juicier texture due to their higher fat content.

Can I make this stew without an Instant Pot?

• Absolutely! You can cook it on the stovetop by simmering everything in a large pot for about 45-60 minutes or until the chicken and vegetables are tender.

How can I thicken the stew?

• For a thicker stew, use a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water). Stir it in at the end and let it simmer until thickened.

Can I add other vegetables?

• Yes! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for additional flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Chicken Stew is the ultimate comfort food, offering warmth, nutrition, and ease of preparation. With its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and quick cooking time, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite for home cooks everywhere. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a nutritious dish to fuel your day, this stew delivers on all fronts. Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of a traditional stew made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Enjoy!