Welcome to your new favorite comfort food obsession: the ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Stew! This deeply satisfying, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully wholesome one-pot meal is the perfect antidote to a chilly evening or a busy weeknight. Imagine tender, succulent chicken pieces mingling with a vibrant medley of garden-fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection in a rich, savory broth. A delightful pop of color and sweetness comes from frozen peas stirred in at the very end, making this dish not just a feast for your palate, but also for your eyes.
Who doesn’t crave a steaming bowl of warm, comforting flavors that also delivers a powerful nutritional punch? In our fast-paced lives, finding time to prepare wholesome meals can be a challenge. But what if you could have a homemade, clean-eating dinner on the table in under an hour, without compromising on taste or nutrition? This easy Instant Pot recipe makes it not just possible, but incredibly simple. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that feels like it simmered all day, but only took minutes of active prep and cook time.
The beauty of Instant Pot cooking lies in its efficiency and ability to infuse flavors deeply in a fraction of the traditional cooking time. This chicken stew is no exception, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience with minimal effort. It’s ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or simply enjoying a nourishing bowl of goodness all to yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Stew
- Effortless One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to multiple dirty dishes! This entire meal comes together in your Instant Pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Lightning-Fast Preparation: Thanks to the magic of pressure cooking, you’ll go from prep to plate in under an hour, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Rich & Deep Flavor: The Instant Pot locks in moisture and infuses every ingredient with incredible flavor, resulting in a stew that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
- Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Loaded with lean protein from chicken and a generous helping of fresh vegetables, this stew is a wholesome and balanced meal for the whole family.
- Highly Versatile: Easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste. It’s a recipe that adapts to what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking and healthy lunches throughout the week.
This Instant Pot Chicken Stew isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, designed to nourish your body and soul without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Stew
Crafting a truly delicious chicken stew begins with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here’s a closer look at the stars of our recipe:
- Chicken: The foundation of our stew! We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Thighs offer a slightly richer flavor and stay incredibly tender, while breasts are a leaner option. Choose what you prefer!
- Aromatics: Onion and Fresh Garlic Cloves: These humble ingredients are flavor powerhouses. Chopped onion and minced garlic form the aromatic base, building a deep, savory foundation for the stew. Their fragrance alone will make your kitchen smell amazing!
- Hearty Vegetables: Carrots and Celery: These classic stew vegetables add sweetness, earthy notes, and essential nutrients. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, great for healthy skin and eyes, while celery provides a subtle peppery crunch and valuable vitamins. Chopping them into similar sizes ensures even cooking.
- The Broth: Chicken Stock or Chicken Broth: This is the liquid gold that transforms our ingredients into a luscious stew. Opt for a high-quality, reduced-sodium chicken stock or broth to control the salt content and ensure a rich, homemade taste. It provides the necessary moisture for pressure cooking and binds all the flavors together.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Adds a touch of acidity and a subtle tang that brightens the stew and balances its richness. The diced form also provides textural interest.
- Herbs & Spices: Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary, and Bay Leaf: These aromatic herbs are crucial for that classic, comforting stew flavor. Thyme and rosemary lend earthy, slightly piney notes, while a bay leaf adds a subtle depth of flavor that slowly releases as the stew cooks.
- Sweet Finish: Frozen Peas: Added at the very end, frozen peas maintain their vibrant green color and delicate sweetness, providing a lovely textural contrast and a fresh burst of flavor. They are also a good source of protein and fiber, contributing to heart health and helping you feel fuller longer.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and aromatics, ensuring they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and release their full flavor.
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony. Adjust to your personal taste.
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the end of this post.
How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Stew: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this chicken stew in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, comforting meal every time:
Step One: Sauté the Chicken
Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes the stew easy to eat. Press the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up until shimmering. Add the cubed chicken to the hot oil and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. Browning the chicken adds a rich depth of flavor to the stew, a crucial step you won’t want to skip!
Step Two: Add the Aromatics
Once the chicken is browned, stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter. The sweet aroma filling your kitchen is a sign that deliciousness is on its way!
Step Three: Combine and Pressure Cook
Now, it’s time to add the remaining core ingredients to the Instant Pot. Stir in the chopped carrots, celery, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and the bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors. Press “Cancel” on your Instant Pot to turn off the sauté function. Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure it’s properly sealed, and turn the valve to the “Sealing” position. Set your Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for a cooking time of 10 minutes.
Step Four: Release Pressure and Finish
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. This natural pressure release (NPR) helps tenderize the chicken and prevents a sudden burst of steam. After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to the “Venting” position to quick-release any remaining pressure. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid.
Step Five: Add Peas, Season, and Serve
Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf from the stew. Stir in the frozen peas and allow them to warm through for just a couple of minutes – they cook very quickly and we want them to retain their bright color and fresh texture. Season the stew generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For an extra touch of freshness and vibrant flavor, you can also top the stew with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
This method ensures that your chicken is perfectly tender, your vegetables are cooked but not mushy, and the flavors are beautifully melded. Get ready to enjoy a deeply satisfying and surprisingly quick homemade meal!
Tips for Success and Perfect Results
Even with an easy Instant Pot recipe, a few extra tips can elevate your stew from good to absolutely phenomenal:
- Don’t Skip Browning the Chicken: Sautéing the chicken before pressure cooking develops a rich fond at the bottom of the pot, which adds incredible depth of flavor to the entire stew. This step is key for a truly savory taste.
- Deglaze the Pot: After sautéing the chicken and aromatics, if you notice any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the Instant Pot, add a splash of chicken broth and scrape them up with a wooden spoon. This prevents the “Burn” error and incorporates all those delicious flavors into your stew.
- Chop Vegetables Uniformly: Cutting your carrots, celery, and any other root vegetables into roughly the same size ensures they cook evenly and have a pleasant texture.
- Natural Release for Tenderness: Allowing for a 10-minute natural pressure release (NPR) is crucial for this stew. It helps the chicken become incredibly tender and prevents the stew from suddenly boiling over when the pressure is released.
- Add Delicate Vegetables Last: Ingredients like frozen peas should always be added after the pressure cooking cycle is complete. This preserves their texture, color, and fresh flavor, preventing them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your stew before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a pinch more dried herbs if desired. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors.
- Don’t Overfill: Be mindful of the maximum fill line on your Instant Pot. Starchy ingredients can expand, so never fill above the recommended two-thirds full mark for stews.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is wonderfully versatile, allowing for endless customization to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Variations:
- Add More Vegetables: This stew is a fantastic vehicle for extra veggies! Consider adding diced potatoes (white or sweet potatoes), mushrooms, corn, green beans, or even spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted) to boost the nutritional content and flavor.
- Different Proteins: While this recipe focuses on chicken, you could adapt it for other proteins like turkey or even lean beef (adjust cooking time if using tougher cuts).
- Creamy Twist: For a richer, creamier stew, stir in a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or a dairy-free alternative after the pressure cooking is complete. You can also thicken it slightly with a cornstarch slurry if you prefer a less brothy consistency.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
- Herb Boost: Experiment with other herbs like dried oregano, savory, or even a bouquet garni for different flavor profiles. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives are excellent as a garnish.
- Grains and Legumes: For a heartier stew, you could add cooked wild rice, barley, or a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas during the last few minutes of cooking with the peas.
Serving Suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: A classic pairing! Serve your chicken stew with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a more substantial meal, ladle the stew over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or nutritious quinoa.
- Pasta: Short pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini can be cooked separately and served with the stew.
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, warm stew.
- Garnish: Don’t forget the finishing touches! A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add both flavor and visual appeal.
Storage and Reheating Leftovers
One of the best things about this Instant Pot Chicken Stew is how well it keeps, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying a quick, wholesome meal days later!
- Storage: Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this stew freezes beautifully! Transfer cooled stew to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Transfer the desired portion of stew to a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through. Add a splash of extra chicken broth or water if the stew seems too thick.
- Microwave: Place a single serving of stew in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
Leftover stew often tastes even better as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen, making it a fantastic grab-and-go option for healthy lunches!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Stew
Absolutely! This stew is incredibly versatile. Diced potatoes (both white and sweet varieties work wonderfully), sliced mushrooms, corn kernels, or fresh green beans can all be added. If adding potatoes or root vegetables, ensure they are cut into small, uniform pieces so they cook through during the pressure cycle. Delicate vegetables like corn or green beans can be added along with the frozen peas at the end, stirring until heated through.
Yes, definitely! This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is excellent for leftovers. Store any remaining stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, many people find that the flavors deepen and improve overnight, making it an even more delicious meal the next day. It’s truly one of my favorite quick meals!
When using thawed, bite-sized chicken pieces, it’s perfectly fine if they overlap slightly in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking process ensures thorough and even cooking of all the ingredients. However, it’s important to note that this recipe is designed for chopped chicken pieces, not a whole chicken, as a whole chicken would require different cooking times and liquid ratios.
For the best results and flavor development, we recommend using thawed chicken and browning it first. While it is technically possible to cook frozen chicken in the Instant Pot, it would require adjusting the cooking time significantly and you would miss out on the flavorful browning step. If you must use frozen chicken, increase the pressure cook time by 5-10 minutes and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you prefer a thicker stew, you have a couple of options. After the pressure cooking is complete and the peas are added, you can make a slurry: whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering stew in the Instant Pot using the “Sauté” function (on Low), and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Alternatively, for a gluten-free option, you can mash a portion of the cooked potatoes (if you added them) or blend a small amount of the stew with an immersion blender to naturally thicken it.
We truly hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen! If you give it a try, please take a moment to leave a comment and a starred review below. Your feedback means the world to us!
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Print Recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe
★★★★★
5 from 1 review
This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is the ultimate comforting and flavorful one-pot meal, perfect for any day you crave warmth and nourishment. Featuring tender chicken, a vibrant mix of vegetables, and fragrant herbs in a rich savory broth, it’s a wholesome dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. The addition of frozen peas at the end not only brightens the stew with color but also adds a touch of natural sweetness, making every spoonful a delight.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 14.5–ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Press the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until lightly browned, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the carrots, celery, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and the bay leaf. Press “Cancel” to turn off the Sauté function.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and turn the valve to the “Sealing” position. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- When the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the valve to the “Venting” position to quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Open the Instant Pot lid and use tongs to remove and discard the bay leaf. Add the frozen peas and stir gently until the peas are heated through (this will take just a couple of minutes).
- Season the stew with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve the Instant Pot chicken stew hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Feel free to customize your stew by adding other vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or corn. Add root vegetables along with carrots and celery, and delicate vegetables like corn or green beans with the peas at the end.
- Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed through before serving.
- Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup, Stew
- Method: Instant Pot, Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Healthy, American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 9.6 g
- Sodium: 663.2 mg
- Fat: 10.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.9 g
- Fiber: 5.3 g
- Protein: 31.1 g
- Cholesterol: 82.7 mg
More Comforting Stew Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the warmth and ease of this Instant Pot Chicken Stew, you’ll be thrilled to discover more hearty and wholesome stew recipes to add to your repertoire. Each offers unique flavors and benefits, promising another satisfying meal:
- Hearty Vegetable Stew with Potatoes: A robust and nourishing vegetarian option packed with garden-fresh goodness.
- Creamy Crockpot Coconut Chicken Stew: A slow-cooked delight with exotic flavors and minimal effort.
- Rich Venison Stew: A rustic and flavorful stew perfect for game meat lovers, easily adapted for beef.
- Instant Pot Vegan Stew with Chickpeas: A plant-based powerhouse, full of protein and fiber, made quickly in your pressure cooker.
Essential Instant Pot Chicken Recipes You Can’t Miss!
The Instant Pot is a game-changer for chicken dishes, making them quick, tender, and incredibly flavorful. If you enjoyed this chicken stew, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic Instant Pot chicken recipes:
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest is the esteemed author of the best-selling, Instant Pot-authorized cookbook, The Healthy Meal Prep Instant Pot Cookbook. With a master’s degree in public health specializing in nutrition, Carrie is a trusted voice in healthy eating, attracting over 5 million annual visitors to her comprehensive website. For any inquiries or feedback, feel free to reach out to Carrie directly through her contact form.