If you are craving something cozy, filling, and packed with flavor, this Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe is exactly what you need on your table tonight. It brings together tender chicken thighs, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot, delivering a rich and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This stew is the perfect comfort food, with just the right balance of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds and maybe even thirds. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply want a wholesome dinner, this recipe makes the whole experience effortless and truly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building those deep, comforting flavors and creating a stew that looks as good as it tastes. From the hearty chicken to the colorful veggies, each element adds its own unique touch to the texture, taste, or appearance of the dish.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, they stay moist and flavorful during pressure cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and soften the aromatics, adding depth to the stew.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a savory sweetness that forms the flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a subtle but irresistible aroma.
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced: Provide natural sweetness and a beautiful pop of orange color.
- 3 celery stalks, chopped: Give a gentle crunch and an herby freshness.
- 1 ½ cups baby potatoes, halved: Offer a creamy texture after cooking and make the stew wonderfully filling.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Gives richness and a hint of tangy depth to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthy, piney notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Brings an aromatic, woodsy fragrance.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and warmth.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that brings everything together.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional): For a thicker, luscious stew texture.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil until shimmering. Toss in the chicken chunks and brown them on every side, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step locks in flavor and adds a lovely golden color. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, it’s about to get even better.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This creates a delicious flavor foundation that will infuse your stew throughout. Toss in the tomato paste and give it a good stir to combine, letting its rich, concentrated taste meld into the aromatics.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Seasonings
Now it’s time for the veggies: carrots, celery, and baby potatoes all go in together. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper so that every bite will have a perfect balance of herbs and spice. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients start mingling happily.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Return the browned chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Cancel the Sauté mode, secure the lid, and set your Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes. The pressure cooking will ensure all the ingredients tenderize beautifully and the flavors fully blossom.
Step 5: Natural Release and Optional Thickening
Once the cooking time is up, let the steam release naturally for 10 minutes to keep the stew nice and juicy. Then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure. If you want a thicker stew, stir in the cornstarch slurry and switch back to Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
How to Serve Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your stew with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. This little touch adds a vibrant burst of green color and a fresh, herbaceous brightness that complements the rich stew perfectly. It also makes the presentation irresistibly inviting.
Side Dishes
This stew is a star all on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are fantastic for dipping into the savory broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can add some refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty stew.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe in charming rustic bowls for that homey feel. For a fun twist, ladle the stew over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every bit of that delicious broth. This recipe also works wonderfully garnished with a dollop of sour cream or a shower of grated Parmesan to add an indulgent flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftover stew into airtight containers and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
This stew freezes beautifully, which makes it a perfect option for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stew gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if the stew looks too thick after storing. The texture and flavor will come right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. Keep in mind they can dry out a bit more under pressure cooking, so watch the cooking time or consider slightly reducing it to keep the meat tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and cornstarch. Always double-check labels if you have gluten sensitivities.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in additional veggies like peas, green beans, or mushrooms. Just add softer vegetables like peas near the end of cooking or during the sauté step to prevent overcooking.
How spicy is this stew?
This stew is mild and comforting, focusing on herbs and gentle warmth from paprika rather than heat. If you want a bit of a kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your taste.
Do I have to thicken the stew with cornstarch?
Nope! The stew will be hearty and delicious without thickening, but the cornstarch slurry helps give it a luscious, velvety texture if you prefer a thicker broth. It’s totally optional.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Instant Pot Chicken Stew Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want something homemade, comforting, and loaded with flavor but don’t want to spend hours cooking. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough to share with friends and family. Once you try it, this stew will likely become one of your favorite go-to dinners that brings warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. So, grab your Instant Pot and dive into this cozy delight—you won’t regret it!
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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 nutritious meal featuring tender chicken thighs, a medley of fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all cooked quickly in an Instant Pot for rich flavor and convenience. Perfect for a wholesome dinner or meal prep, this gluten-free stew offers a balanced blend of protein and vegetables with an optional thickening step for a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 ½ cups baby potatoes, halved
Liquids and Thickener
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the chicken chunks and brown them on all sides for about 3–4 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and vegetables: Stir in the tomato paste to coat the aromatics evenly. Then add sliced carrots, chopped celery, halved baby potatoes, and sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine and pressure cook: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth. Cancel Sauté mode, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes.
- Release pressure: When cooking completes, allow for a natural pressure release of 10 minutes to let the flavors meld, then perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
- Optional thickening: If a thicker consistency is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode for 2–3 minutes until the stew thickens.
- Serve: Ladle the hearty chicken stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine before pressure cooking.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted, but thighs provide a more tender and juicy result.
- This stew freezes well, making it excellent for meal prepping and leftovers.
