If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe is the ultimate go-to. With tender chunks of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly seasoned broth, it’s like a big cozy hug in a bowl. The magic of the Instant Pot helps lock in those rich flavors quickly, making this stew not only delicious but also wonderfully convenient for busy weeknights. Whether you’re new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become one of your cherished staples—it’s that good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this stew your new favorite meal, all you need are simple, wholesome ingredients that bring layers of taste, texture, and color. Each element plays its part perfectly—from the tender chicken to the fresh herbs and bright veggies.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base and helps brown the chicken for more depth of flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ lbs): Provides juicy, tender protein that soaks up the stew’s rich spices.
- Medium onion (chopped): Gives a sweet and savory foundation to the stew.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the stew with aromatic warmth.
- Carrots (3, sliced): Bring a natural sweetness and beautiful splash of orange.
- Celery stalks (2, sliced): Deliver a subtle earthy crunch that balances the texture.
- Potatoes (3, peeled and diced): Add hearty substance and soak up all those juices.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers herby, slightly minty notes enhancing the stew’s complexity.
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Adds a lovely piney fragrance that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential seasonings to bring out every flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Provides a rich umami backbone and lovely color.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): Makes the stew hearty and ensures it’s not overpoweringly salty.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Add a pop of sweetness and vibrant green at the end.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (2 tablespoons each, optional): Perfect for thickening the stew if you like it extra cozy and luscious.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh, herbaceous notes and a pretty garnish.
How to Make Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and warm up that olive oil—you’ll start by softening the chopped onion until it becomes translucent and sweet, about 2 to 3 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic next and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Now add the bite-sized chicken pieces and let them brown lightly on all sides, locking in that juicy flavor. This step creates a beautiful flavor base that makes the stew deeply satisfying.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, stir in your carrots, celery, and potatoes, making sure they’re evenly mixed with the sautéed chicken and aromatics. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to season every bit of the stew. Don’t forget the tomato paste—it enhances the color and brings a subtle umami richness. Every ingredient needs to mingle here to build that hearty, layered flavor we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Pressure Cook
Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the mixture, giving everything a good stir to combine. Cancel the sauté mode and seal the Instant Pot lid. Set it to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes—this quick burst of pressure cooking tenderizes the chicken and melds all those flavors beautifully. After it finishes, allow a natural release for 5 minutes so the stew can settle, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Thicken and Finish with Peas
If you like your stew thick and luxurious, whisk in the cornstarch slurry now and turn on sauté mode again for 2 to 3 minutes until the broth thickens up nicely. Lastly, stir in frozen peas—their vibrant green and gentle sweetness add the perfect finishing touch. Cook just long enough for them to heat through, preserving their fresh taste and color. Now your hearty Instant Pot chicken stew is ready to serve!
How to Serve Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each bowl of stew. It adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness that perfectly balances the depth of the rich broth and tender chicken. You can also add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper right before serving to enhance the aroma.
Side Dishes
This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices, or a simple green salad for a fresh contrast. If you want something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice make excellent sides that complement the stew’s textures without overpowering its flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the stew in rustic bread bowls—it’s charming and keeps the stew warm longer. Or ladle it over a bed of buttered egg noodles to turn it into a filling dinner that feels a bit indulgent. Garnish with a swirl of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making the next-day portions even more delicious. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating.
Freezing
This stew freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you want a quick comforting meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your stew on medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan. If the broth has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. Microwave reheating works well too—just heat in bursts, stirring between to avoid hot spots and keep that perfect stew texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both work well in this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe. Thighs are a bit more forgiving and juicy, but breasts will still give you tender, flavorful results when cut into bite-sized pieces.
Do I have to use the cornstarch slurry?
Not at all. The stew will still be delicious without thickening, but if you prefer a richer, creamier texture, the cornstarch slurry is a simple way to achieve that lovely thickness quickly.
Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
You can, but the cooking times will be much longer. Since the Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, slow cooking will take several hours, and the texture might differ slightly. Adjust seasoning and broth amounts accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken broth and tomato paste don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients. Always double-check labels to be safe.
How can I add more vegetables to this stew?
Feel free to toss in other vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or bell peppers when you add the carrots and celery. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, depending on the veggies’ firmness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a steaming bowl of this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe. It’s comforting, nutritious, and so easy to pull together—even on the busiest nights. I truly hope you make it part of your family’s weeknight rotation because it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel instantly warm and cared for. Give it a try and watch it become an all-time favorite!
Print
Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this stew cooks quickly in the Instant Pot, delivering a rich, homemade taste with minimal effort. It’s gluten-free, nutritious, and easily customizable for thicker consistency.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
Optional Thickening
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 4–5 minutes. Browning enhances the stew’s flavor and texture.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs: Stir in the sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, and tomato paste, combining everything evenly.
- Pour in Broth and Pressure Cook: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir to combine. Cancel sauté mode, secure the Instant Pot lid, and set it to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
- Natural and Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle finishes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
- Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and turn on sauté mode for 2–3 minutes until the stew thickens to your liking.
- Add Frozen Peas and Finish: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes in sauté mode until they are heated through. Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, brown the chicken in batches before adding the vegetables to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper searing.
- This stew works well with leftover rotisserie chicken; reduce pressure cooking time to 5 minutes in that case to prevent overcooking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs or breasts depending on preference; thighs offer more tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on broth used.
- If you want a vegetarian version, consider substituting chicken with hearty vegetables and use vegetable broth.
