Are you craving a warm, hearty, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s ready in a flash? Look no further than this classic Instant Pot Chicken Stew! This recipe delivers all the comforting goodness of a traditional chicken stew, but with the incredible speed and convenience of your Instant Pot. It's a perfect example of how easy homemade cooking can be, even on busy weeknights. Get ready for a delicious and healthy meal that the whole family will love! This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, or simply the best recipes for a comforting, healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Set your Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil, then onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step adds depth of flavor to your stew.
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Brown the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes. Don't overcrowd the pot; work in batches if needed.
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Add aromatics and liquids: Stir in the minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural pressure release. Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
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Stir in vegetables: Gently stir in the frozen peas and corn. They'll cook perfectly in the residual heat.
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Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade chicken stew!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding root vegetables earlier in the process.
- If you prefer bone-in chicken, increase the cooking time to 15-20 minutes.
- Don't overcook the chicken, or it will become dry.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Stew: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Chicken Stew: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk after pressure cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
- Lemon Herb Chicken Stew: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with fresh herbs like dill or oregano for a bright and zesty twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g
This Instant Pot Chicken Stew is a fantastic example of a delicious dish that’s both easy and healthy. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and it’s a recipe you'll want to add to your regular rotation. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your liking, ensuring it always fits your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy!