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Cozy Instant Pot Chicken Meal

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This quick Instant Pot chicken stew is a hearty and healthy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth come together in minutes, making it both simple to prepare and satisfying to eat. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this comforting stew is a dish the whole family will love. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you’ll have a warm, delicious meal on the table with minimal effort and cleanup making it both simple to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Fatima
Updated on Thu, 16 Jan 2025 04:28:21 GMT
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Instant Pot Chicken Stew: A Cozy Comfort in a Bowl. Winter's chill calls for a heartwarming meal that fills your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas and wraps you in comfort. This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is more than just a recipe – it's a quick solution for those days when you need something satisfying but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Last weekend, I whipped this up after a long day of running errands. My family couldn't believe how something so quick could taste like it had been simmering all day. The magic of the Instant Pot never fails to impress me – transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes.

Ingredient Selection: The Secret to Stellar Flavor

  • Chicken: Choose fresh, plump boneless chicken breasts (8-9 oz each). Look for even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Organic or free-range chickens often have richer flavor.
  • Vegetable Harmony: Fresh, crisp vegetables are your flavor foundation.
    • Mini potatoes or yellow potatoes: Creamy and sturdy
    • Carrots: Choose firm, bright orange ones for sweetness
    • Sweet peas: Add a pop of color and freshness
    • Onions and celery: The aromatic base that builds deep flavor
  • Herb Magic: Fresh herbs make all the difference.
    • Rosemary: Brings a piney, slightly peppery note
    • Thyme: Adds earthy, subtle warmth
    • Bay leaves: Provide a complex background depth
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Detailed Cooking Instructions

Aromatic Foundation:
Heat olive oil in your Instant Pot. Sauté onions and celery until they become translucent and fragrant. The kitchen will start filling with incredible smells. Gently add minced garlic, letting it bloom but not burn. This step builds layers of flavor that will make your stew extraordinary.
Liquid Gold: Building the Broth:
Pour in chicken broth carefully. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add Worcestershire sauce for a hint of umami. Tuck in fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs. Drop in bay leaves to infuse deep, complex flavors.
Layering for Perfection:
Create a careful landscape of ingredients. Spread carrots as your first vegetable layer. Gently place chicken breasts on top. Add potatoes around the chicken. Sprinkle peas as the final touch. Remember: No stirring at this stage!
Pressure Cooking Magic:
Seal the Instant Pot lid. Set to high pressure for exactly 10 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release. This technique ensures tender, juicy chicken. Prevents overcooking and maintains moisture.
Finishing Touches:
Shred the chicken with two forks. Blend some of the cooking liquid for natural thickening. Add a splash of white wine vinegar for brightness. Adjust seasoning to your taste. The result? A stew that tastes like it's been simmering all day.

My grandmother always said a good stew tells a story, and this one speaks volumes about comfort, nutrition, and love. The potatoes remind me of harvest days, and the herbs bring back memories of her kitchen garden.

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Pro Chef Tips and Cooking Wisdom

  • Size Matters: Choose chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking
  • Liquid Logic: Different broths change the entire flavor profile
  • Texture Trick: Thick-cut vegetables hold up better under pressure

As I plate this stew, I'm reminded that cooking isn't just about following steps – it's about creating moments, warming hearts, and nourishing souls. This Instant Pot Chicken Stew isn't just a recipe; it's a hug in a bowl, ready to comfort and satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but add 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time. Ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
→ Can I make this stew without an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Cooking times will vary.
→ Are there ways to make this stew lighter?
Use chicken breast, load up on vegetables, and skip added fats to keep it lean and healthy.
→ Can I substitute the vegetables?
Absolutely! Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Just keep similar cooking times in mind.

Quick and Hearty Chicken Stew

This quick Instant Pot chicken stew is a hearty and healthy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth come together in minutes, making it both simple to

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Fati

Category: Chicken

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 pot of chicken stew)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Aromatics and Base

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 yellow onion, diced
03 2 stalks celery, diced
04 4 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids and Seasonings

05 2 cups chicken broth
06 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
07 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
08 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
09 2 bay leaves
10 1 teaspoon kosher salt
11 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
12 Freshly ground black pepper

→ Main Ingredients

13 4 carrots, sliced into thick rounds
14 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
15 1.5 lbs baby yellow potatoes
16 1 cup frozen green peas

→ Optional Garnish

17 Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 01

Activate Instant Pot's Sauté function. Add olive oil and sauté onion and celery until softened. Add garlic and turn off Sauté function. Deglaze with a small amount of broth, scraping bottom of the pot.

Step 02

Pour in remaining broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and kosher salt. Spread sliced carrots evenly across the bottom.

Step 03

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place chicken in an even layer over carrots. Top with baby potatoes and then frozen peas. Do not stir the ingredients.

Step 04

Close lid and set vent to sealing. Pressure cook on High for 10 minutes. Allow about 15 minutes for the pot to come to pressure.

Step 05

After cooking, let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Remove chicken and bay leaves. Blend 2 cups of vegetables and broth until smooth, then stir back into the stew.

Step 06

Dice or shred chicken and return to stew. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with biscuits or crusty bread.

Notes

  1. Can substitute 2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning for fresh herbs
  2. Tested in 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pot models
  3. Leftovers can be stored in sealed container for up to 4 days
  4. Inactive time includes coming to pressure and pressure release

Tools You'll Need

  • 6-quart Instant Pot
  • Wooden turner
  • Immersion blender
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains chicken
  • May contain traces of gluten depending on broth used

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 454
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 45 g